Unexpected blue screens of death (BSODs) are one of the most frustrating experiences for any PC user. BSODs lead to the sudden and unexpected complete shutdown of your computer, automatically restarting itself and displaying a Stop Error message. The causes of BSODs vary and may have anything to do with software, hardware, or a combination of both. Depending on the type of error message you get, they can be caused by viruses, outdated drivers, memory problems, or a host of other issues.
Below are some steps you can take to try to troubleshoot and resolve unexpected BSODs on your PC.
1. Update Your Drivers
The first step in troubleshooting an unexpected BSOD is to ensure all of your system’s drivers are up-to-date. Outdated drivers can cause a number of different issues, so it’s important to make sure all of your system’s drivers are up-to-date. You can update them manually or use a specialized driver-update software such as Driver Booster.
2. Run Memory Diagnostic Tests
Memory problems can also be a potential cause of unexpected BSODs. One way to check for this is to run a diagnostic scan with a free utility such as Windows Memory Diagnostic. This tool will scan for any issues with the RAM in your system and will help you identify any potential problems.
3. Check for Viruses & Malware
Viruses or other malicious software can also cause BSODs. To check for this, run a full system scan with a reliable antivirus/antimalware software. If any malicious software is detected, follow the instructions in the program to remove it.
4. Scan and Repair Corrupted System Files
Corrupted files can also be a cause of sudden BSODs. To check for corrupted system files, you can use the System File Checker (SFC) tool. This tool will scan your system for any corrupt or missing files and will attempt to repair them if possible.
5. Overclock Your System
If your system is overclocked, this could be causing BSODs. To check this, start by checking your BIOS settings. Make sure that all of your system’s settings are correct and that nothing is set to overclock your system beyond manufacturer specifications. If everything looks correct in BIOS, try restoring the default settings and see if that helps.
6. Adjust Power Settings
Another potential cause of unexpected BSODs is incorrect power settings. Make sure that all of your system’s power management settings are correct and that they are optimized for performance. If your system is set to save power or use energy saving modes, this can cause BSODs.
7. Perform a Clean Boot
Sometimes the problem lies with a program or service that is starting up with Windows. To check for this, you can perform a clean boot. This will allow you to start up Windows with only the basic services and programs running. If no additional programs or services are enabled, your system should be able to run normally without producing any BSODs.
8. Restore Windows
If all else fails, you can try restoring Windows to an earlier point. If a recent update or program installation was causing the issue, this should restore your system back to a working state. You can also use the System Restore tool to roll back to a previous restore point.
Unexpected BSODs can be frustrating, but with the right troubleshooting steps, they can often be resolved. By following these steps, you should be able to identify the cause of the issue and resolve it. If none of these steps work, you may need to consider a more comprehensive approach such as reinstalling Windows or replacing hardware.