Why Does My Computer Show a Blue Screen?
A Windows blue screen means Windows encountered a serious problem and stopped to protect the computer. One blue screen does not automatically mean the computer is permanently damaged.
What’s happening?
A blue screen, sometimes called a BSOD (Blue Screen of Death), appears when Windows encounters a serious error that it cannot safely continue through. Windows may restart automatically after showing a message and a Stop code.
The message can look alarming, but a single blue screen can be caused by a temporary software problem. Repeated blue screens are more important to investigate because they can point to a driver, update, memory, storage, overheating, or other hardware problem.
Common causes
- A Windows or software problem
- A faulty or incompatible device driver
- A recent Windows update or software change
- A newly connected device or accessory
- Memory or storage problems
- Overheating or another hardware problem
Things you can safely try
- Take a picture of the blue screen. If you can, photograph the message and any Stop code. That information can be very helpful when identifying the cause.
- Let Windows restart normally. If the computer restarts and works normally, avoid repeatedly forcing it off just because the blue screen looked frightening.
- Think about what changed recently. Note whether the blue screen started after a Windows update, installing a program, connecting a new device, or another change.
- Disconnect a recently added USB device or accessory. If the problem began after connecting something new, safely disconnect it and see whether the computer remains stable.
- Install pending Windows updates if the computer is otherwise stable. Updates can include reliability and driver fixes. Use the normal Windows update process rather than downloading drivers from unfamiliar websites.
- Back up important files if the computer is usable. If the blue screen keeps returning, protect important documents and pictures before doing more extensive basic checks.
Stop here
If the blue screen keeps happening, the computer becomes extremely hot, you hear unusual clicking or grinding from the computer, or you suspect a hardware failure, stop basic checks and get professional help.
Do not randomly delete drivers, edit the Windows registry, download “driver fixer” programs, or follow instructions from an unexpected pop-up or caller. Those steps can make the problem worse.
Still having trouble?
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If you’ve tried the basic checks steps and still need help, we’re here to help.
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