Blue screen. I encountered this not just once and caused me a moment’s panic. Imagine, my computer froze, and all I can see was a blue screen with a sad emoji that reads “Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart.” I tried to press a key but it seemed stuck. The question is – should I worry about Blue Screen? The answer is Yes and No.
A photo of a blue screen or “Blue Screen of Death” (BSOD) / A Wikipedia photo
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Why Do I Keep Getting Blue Screen?
Don’t panic! It’s not killing your computer.
You are getting a blue screen as a warning that your operating system has reached a condition where it can no longer operate safely. The Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) is just a term used by Windows for something serious happening on your computer.
The “STOP Error” or “Exception error” displayed indicates that Windows 10 has detected a system error that can damage your OS so it must shut down immediately. In short, a blue screen means a system crash and the reason why your computer stops working. This is caused by issues with its hardware driver software or hardware failure and the best thing Windows can see at that point is to restart.
Should I Worry About Blue Screen?
Somehow you are thankful that Windows is on guard 24/7 for your computer’s protection. It’s up to you now what you need to do and how quickly you can respond to the warning. In general, an occasional blue screen is not much to worry about. If you are bothered, check the error code and see if you can find the cause of the blue screen. However, if the blue screen appears on your screen now and again – be concerned. As one saying goes, “If anything persists, go and see your doctor.”
Getting BSOD for the First Time
If you encounter the blue screen, keep calm. It would be difficult to troubleshoot the BSOD for the first time especially if you’re not familiar with computer fixes (like me). Seeing your system frozen with just the blue screen in front of you is like “Oh no, is my computer damaged?!” In my case, I did some emergency help research online (using my mobile phone). Unfortunately, nothing worked. The whole thing seemed frozen.
Some advice was to reboot the computer by choosing “Attempt to Start Windows normally” in an options screen. Another piece of advice was to allow it to complete as it generates dumps for analysis and pinpoint the root cause. But again, I couldn’t move anything. So I waited and just stared at the unhappy emoji for a minute, two minutes – but there was nothing. Lastly, I took the advice “Long press the power button.” That was when my device went off. Isn’t that a “Whew!”?
So then even though powering off has no adverse impact on your computer, or that restarting can get rid of the fatal blue screen – the right ways to troubleshoot this error is pretty technical.
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8 Quick Fixes You Can Do
The steps below may require familiarity with computer parts to better understand troubleshooting BSOD. If you’re having a hard time doing the process, a computer technician can help.
1. Restart, Reboot, Power cycle your computer
If your device refuses to restart, manually turn it off. Press and hold the power button until the computer is off and then switch it on again. Booting into safe mode allows you to configure Windows while preventing third-party apps from interfering with troubleshooting and normal operation.
2. Scan your computer for Malware
Chances are, malware has triggered a blue screen by changing the files in the Windows system. Running a full PC scan is the best way to detect and remove the infection so it prevents another BSOD. An SFC (System File Checker) scan can check for damaged Windows system files and attempts to fix them. Try using Malwarebytes, it’s an antivirus that can look and remove rogue software.
Do you know how to recognize a malware attack? Read my post here.
3. Use and Run Advanced ToolsRun Microsoft Fix IT
There are advanced tools you can download and use. Such software can automatically troubleshoot and detect errors in Windows. Some of these tools you can download from the Microsoft website. What’s good about them is that they are useful for other fixes, as well.
4. Check the RAM
Most BSOD errors have something to do with Memory Module. Testing your hardware will check if the RAM is properly connected to its motherboard and if your RAM sticks (Dual in-line Memory Module) are compatible with the correct channel speed.
5. Rollback Drivers and Apply Updates
Your pc drivers do periodical updates for compatibility with the latest version of Windows 10. However, bad updates can sometimes introduce issues that cause a system to break. You may need to roll back a driver update and bring it back to its previous version. Might as well apply up-to-date Microsoft patches and fixes to your operating system or configure the Windows updater so it can do regular updates.
6. Check for a Faulty Hardrive
A faulty Hard Drive can be a major blow indicating that your hard drive may be encountering issues and may need to be replaced. To ensure that your drive is healthy, it is recommended to perform a check disk. Microsoft has a ready tool for this that you can find and follow at https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/315265.
7. Check a newly installed Device
If you have installed a new device on your computer, check if it is the cause of the blue screen. Check if both your operating system and the device driver are up-to-date. Inspect if the device is firmly installed and properly seated on the motherboard. Try uninstalling if the issue persists.
8. Note the Blue Screen Stop Code
It’s easier to resolve a BSOD issue if you understand the specific error and actual problem you’re about to fix. There can be more blue screen errors you’ll come across. As I mentioned earlier, it may require familiarity with computer language to better understand troubleshooting BSOD.
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If You Cannot Find the Problem
Let a computer technician do it. In worst cases, check if your computer is still under warranty, you can ask for the best options to take in solving a BSOD issue. Below is a Windows 10 Blue Screen of Death Fix [Tutorial]. The video applies to computers, laptops, desktops, and tablets running the Windows 10 operating system.
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Summary
As discussed, there are different reasons why a Blue Screen happens. The good news is there are solutions available. Although such errors will not damage your hardware, they can be the beginning of an issue. This is one computer action that’s unusual and something to put your attention to. The most important thing is that you already have an idea of the code errors which will help you narrow your troubleshooting.
Now you know how to solve blue screen or BSOD in Windows 10. Good luck!
Have you experienced a BSOD and successfully fixed it? You might want to share the steps you did and teach us all? Leave them in the comments.
