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Fix a PC that has blue screen

We'll note the error code, update drivers, run memory diagnostic, and rule out overheating—or tell you when to call a pro.

Troubleshooting · Home maintenance
20–45 min
What you'll need
  • Temperature monitoring tool (HWiNFO, Open Hardware Monitor—optional)
Step 1 of 6

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Steps

Goal: Note the error code, update drivers, run memory diagnostic, and rule out overheating.

  • When the blue screen appears, note the error code at the top.
  • Good: Code noted. Proceed to Note the error code.
  • Bad: PC restarts too fast. Disable automatic restart in Startup and Recovery.

Note the error code

Goal: Use the error code to target the fix.

  • Common codes: DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL (driver), PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA (RAM), SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION (driver or Windows).
  • Search the code online for the likely cause. Update the driver for that component first.
  • Good: Driver updated. BSOD may stop.
  • Bad: Run memory diagnostic and check temps.

Update drivers

Goal: Fix driver-related BSOD.

  • Device Manager > Display adapters > Update driver. Download latest from NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel.
  • Check manufacturer site for chipset, storage, and network drivers.
  • Good: BSOD stopped.
  • Bad: Run Windows Memory Diagnostic.

When to get help

Call a technician if:

  • Memory diagnostic reports errors—RAM may be failing.
  • Drivers are updated and BSOD continues.
  • The PC overheats and you have cleaned dust.

Verification

  • The PC boots and runs without blue screen.
  • No crashes during normal use or under load.
  • Memory diagnostic passed (if you ran it).

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Error code and drivers Note the error code; update graphics and chipset drivers.
  2. Memory diagnostic Run Windows Memory Diagnostic; check for RAM errors.
  3. Overheating and SFC Check temps; clean dust; run sfc /scannow.
  4. Call a pro Memory errors, drivers updated but BSOD continues, or hardware failure.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Error code from blue screen:
  • When it happens (boot, under load, random):
  • Memory Diagnostic results (errors or pass):
  • Steps already tried:

Did you note the error code on the blue screen?

The error code points to the cause.

Disable automatic restart if the screen flashes. Note the code (e.g. DRIVER_IRQL, PAGE_FAULT). Good: Code noted—update drivers for that component. Bad: No code—update graphics and chipset, run memory diagnostic.
Question

Error code noted?

Continue

You can change your answer later.

Have you updated graphics and chipset drivers?

Outdated drivers often cause BSOD.

Device Manager > Display adapters > Update driver. Check manufacturer site for chipset drivers. Restart. Good: BSOD stopped. Bad: Run memory diagnostic.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Have you run Windows Memory Diagnostic?

Failing RAM causes blue screens.

Search "Windows Memory Diagnostic." Run it. Restart. Good: No errors—check overheating, run SFC. Bad: Errors reported—RAM may be failing, call a technician.

Yes, passed No, errors

You can change your answer later.

Is the PC overheating?

Overheating causes crashes.

Check CPU/GPU temps. Clean dust from fans. Good: Temps OK, BSOD stopped. Bad: Still BSOD—uninstall recent software, run chkdsk, or call a technician.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

BSOD resolved

The blue screen has stopped. Monitor for recurrence. If it returns, note the error code and consider a clean Windows reinstall.

Done

Call a technician

Memory errors, drivers updated but BSOD continues, or hardware failure. RAM replacement or hardware diagnosis may be needed.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would a PC have a blue screen?
Outdated or buggy drivers, failing RAM, overheating, corrupted Windows files, or hardware failure. Note the error code—it points to the cause.
Can I fix a blue screen myself?
Yes. Update drivers, run memory diagnostic, check temps, run SFC. If RAM or hardware is failing, a technician may be needed.
When should I call a technician for blue screen?
If memory diagnostic reports errors, drivers are updated and BSOD continues, or the PC overheats. RAM or hardware replacement may require a professional.

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