Fixing Common Blue Screen Errors in Windows

Getting blue screen crashes? Here's what they mean and what you can do about them.

Category: Troubleshooting | Read time: 3 min | By Midland Computers

What Is a Blue Screen?

A Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) means Windows has encountered a serious error and needs to restart. While scary, most blue screen errors can be fixed.

Common Blue Screen Error Codes

IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL

**Usually caused by:** Faulty drivers or incompatible hardware

**Fix:** Update your drivers, especially graphics and network drivers

KERNEL_DATA_INPAGE_ERROR

**Usually caused by:** Failing hard drive or bad RAM

**Fix:** Run a disk check and memory test (see below)

SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION

**Usually caused by:** Corrupted system files or faulty drivers

**Fix:** Run System File Checker (see below)

CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED

**Usually caused by:** Corrupted Windows files or hardware failure

**Fix:** Run SFC and DISM repairs

PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA

**Usually caused by:** Bad RAM or corrupted drivers

**Fix:** Test your memory and update drivers

Basic Troubleshooting Steps

Step 1: Note the Error Code

When you get a blue screen, note the error code (it looks like SOMETHING_LIKE_THIS) and any stop code numbers. This helps diagnose the problem.

Step 2: Check for Windows Updates

  • Go to **Settings > Windows Update**
  • Install any available updates
  • Restart your computer

    • Step 3: Update Your Drivers

  • Right-click the **Start button** and select **Device Manager**
  • Look for any devices with a yellow warning triangle
  • Right-click and select **Update driver**
  • Choose **Search automatically for drivers**

    • Step 4: Run System File Checker

  • Right-click the **Start button** and select **Terminal (Admin)**
  • Type: **sfc /scannow**
  • Press Enter and wait for it to complete
  • If it finds errors, restart and run it again

    • Step 5: Check Your Hard Drive

  • Open **Terminal (Admin)**
  • Type: **chkdsk /f /r**
  • If asked to schedule for next restart, type **Y**
  • Restart your computer and let it run (this can take a while)

    • Step 6: Test Your RAM

  • Search for **Windows Memory Diagnostic** in the Start menu
  • Select **Restart now and check for problems**
  • Your computer will restart and test the memory
  • Results appear after the next login

    • When to Get Professional Help

    Bring your computer in if:

  • Blue screens happen **more than once a week**
  • The error code mentions **hardware failure**
  • You can't boot into Windows at all
  • Blue screens started **after installing new hardware**
  • The memory test or disk check **found errors**

    • **Keep getting blue screens?** Bring your computer to Midland Computers. We can diagnose the exact cause and fix it, whether it's a software issue or failing hardware.