Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors are alarming but usually fixable. Here’s how to diagnose and fix them.

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What Is a BSOD?

The Blue Screen of Death tells you Windows crashed. Note the error name:

  • DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL — driver issue
  • MEMORY_MANAGEMENT — RAM problem
  • KERNEL_DATA_INPAGE_ERROR — hard drive or RAM issue
  • CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED — Windows files corrupted
  • SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION — driver or service problem

Step 1: Note the Error Code

Write down the error name and bug check code (e.g., 0x0000007A).

Search that exact code online for specific fixes.

Step 2: Boot Into Safe Mode

If Windows won’t boot normally:

  1. Force restart your PC 3 times in a row
  2. Windows loads Recovery Mode
  3. Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Safe Mode

Safe Mode loads Windows with minimal drivers.

Fix 3: Update or Roll Back Drivers

Press Win + X → Device Manager. Look for yellow triangles.

Right-click → Update driver.

If the problem started after a driver update: right-click → Properties → Driver → Roll Back Driver.

Fix 4: Run Windows Memory Diagnostic

Type Windows Memory Diagnostic in Start menu → Restart now and check for problems.

If it finds errors, your RAM is faulty — needs replacement.

Fix 5: Check Disk for Errors

Open Command Prompt as Admin:

chkdsk C: /f /r

This checks your hard drive for bad sectors. Takes 30-60 minutes. Type Y to schedule on next restart.

Fix 6: Run System File Checker

Open Command Prompt as Admin:

sfc /scannow

This repairs corrupted Windows system files. Takes 15-30 minutes.

Fix 7: Update Windows

Press Win + I → Windows Update → Check for updates.

Install all updates, especially drivers from your PC manufacturer’s site.

Fix 8: Reset Windows

Backup files → Settings → System → Recovery → Reset this PC.

This is the most reliable fix when nothing else works.

If BSOD keeps happening on the same error, search for that specific error code + “reddit” for real fixes from people who had it.