Windows 11 Blue Screen: What to Do and How to Fix It

The dreaded Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) on Windows 11 is scary, but in most cases fixable in minutes. Let's see how to identify the cause and fix it.

Quick fix (TL;DR)

1. Note the error code on the blue screen
2. Boot into Safe Mode (Shift + Restart → Troubleshoot)
3. Run sfc /scannow and chkdsk /f /r
4. Update or roll back recent drivers
5. If nothing works, System Restore

Most common BSOD codes

Step-by-step guide

Step 1 — Identify the cause

Before the BSOD, did you install something? Update drivers? Change hardware? Note the error code shown on screen (e.g., MEMORY_MANAGEMENT). On Windows 11, under the QR code you'll find "What failed" with the responsible file (e.g., nvlddmkm.sys = NVIDIA driver).

Step 2 — Boot into Safe Mode

If Windows won't start normally:

1. Force shutdown during boot 3 times in a row
2. Recovery Environment activates
3. Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart
4. Press 4 for Safe Mode

In Safe Mode only essential drivers load: if PC is stable here, the problem is a driver/software.

Step 3 — Run repair commands

Open Command Prompt as administrator:

sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
chkdsk C: /f /r

Restart after each command if requested.

Step 4 — Uninstall recent drivers

Open Device Manager (Win + X → Device Manager). Look for devices with yellow triangle. For each suspicious driver:

• Right-click → Properties → Driver → Roll Back Driver (if available)
• Alternative: Uninstall device (Windows reinstalls on reboot)

The most common culprits: graphics card, network card, audio.

Step 5 — Test RAM and disk

RAM test:

• Search "Windows Memory Diagnostic", choose "Restart now"
• PC will run test at boot (15-30 minutes)

Disk test:

• Open Admin PowerShell and run: Get-PhysicalDisk | Get-StorageReliabilityCounter
• If you see read/write errors, disk is failing

Step 6 — System Restore

If you have a restore point before the issue:

1. Search "Create a restore point"
2. Click "System Restore"
3. Choose a point before the issue
4. Confirm and wait (20-40 minutes)

Step 7 — Reset Windows (last resort)

If nothing works: Settings → System → Recovery → Reset PC. Choose "Keep my files" to preserve documents and photos.

Common mistakes to avoid

• ❌ Don't ignore recurring BSODs: they indicate a real issue that may worsen
• ❌ Don't install random "BSOD fixers": often malware
• ❌ Don't open the PC if under warranty
• ❌ Don't overclock if you don't know what you're doing: causes 30% of BSODs on gaming PCs

When to call a technician

If after all steps BSODs continue and RAM/disk tests show errors, you have a hardware problem. A technician can confirm and replace the faulty component.