What can cause Blue Screen of Death in Windows

There’s nothing quite as frustrating as the infamous Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) crashing your Windows experience. But what exactly causes those ominous blue screens, and what can you do about them? Let’s dive into the culprits behind the BSOD and how to potentially fix them.

What is the BSOD?

The Blue Screen of Death is a critical system error screen that Windows displays when it encounters a problem it cannot recover from. The screen typically includes an error message, sometimes with a code, that can hint at the cause of the crash.

Troubleshooting Tips & Common Error Codes

• Note the Error Code: Write down any error codes or messages displayed on the BSOD. These are your biggest clues to solving the problem. Here are a few common ones:
  • DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL: Typically indicates a faulty or conflicting device driver. Update or roll back recently updated drivers.
  • NTFS_FILE_SYSTEM: Problems with your file system or hard drive. Run a hard drive check tool (chkdsk) to scan for and fix errors.
  • PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA: Suggests an issue with your RAM. Run a memory test (like MemTest86+) to check for faulty RAM modules.
  • CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED: A critical system process failed. May be caused by corrupt system files, malware, or hardware problems. Update Windows and drivers, run a malware scan.
• Check for Recent Changes: Did you install new hardware, update drivers, or install new software recently? Undo changes to see if the crashes stop.
• Update Windows and Drivers: Ensure you have the latest Windows updates and device driver versions. Outdated drivers are a frequent BSOD culprit.
• Scan for Malware: Run a full antivirus and anti-malware scan to rule out malicious software.
• Test Hardware: If you suspect faulty hardware, run memory tests (e.g., MemTest86+) and monitor temperatures (using tools like HWMonitor).

When to Call for Help

If basic troubleshooting fails, or you suspect serious hardware problems, it’s time to seek professional assistance. We can diagnose the underlying issue behind the BSOD and provide expert repair solutions.

Remember: The BSOD is a symptom, not the disease itself. Identifying the root cause is key to preventing future crashes.

Important Note: There are MANY potential BSOD error codes. You can always search online for specific codes you encounter for more detailed troubleshooting steps.