Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) in Windows: 8 Fixes (2025 Guide)

Seeing a sudden blue screen with a sad face and a stop code like CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED, MEMORY_MANAGEMENT, or IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL? That’s the infamous Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). Don’t panic—this 2025 guide explains why it happens and gives you 8 step-by-step fixes you can safely try at home.

In this guide you’ll learn:

• Common causes behind BSOD errors
• 8 practical fixes—from quickest to advanced
• Pro tips to prevent BSODs in the future

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Why Does a BSOD Happen?

• Faulty or outdated drivers (graphics, Wi-Fi, storage)
• Corrupted system files or Windows updates gone wrong
• Hardware problems (RAM, SSD/HDD, overheating)
• Malware or unstable third-party software
• Overclocking or BIOS misconfiguration

Before You Start

Note the Stop Code on the blue screen if visible. It helps pinpoint the cause. If Windows reboots too fast, check: Settings → System → About → Advanced system settings → Startup and Recovery → uncheck “Automatically restart”.

8 Fixes for Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)

1) Update or Roll Back Problem Drivers

Drivers are the #1 BSOD trigger.

Steps: Press Win + X → Device Manager → expand category (e.g., Display adapters) → right-click your device → Update driver. If the issue started after a recent update, choose Properties → Driver → Roll Back Driver.

2) Run System File Checker (SFC) & DISM

Fix corrupted Windows files.

1) Open Command Prompt (Admin)
2) Type: sfc /scannow
3) After it completes, run:
   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
4) Restart the PC

3) Check Disk & SMART Health

Storage errors can crash Windows.

1) Open Command Prompt (Admin)
2) Type: chkdsk C: /f /r
3) Press Y to schedule, then restart

For SSD/HDD health, use the manufacturer tool or check SMART status with a trusted utility.

4) Test Your RAM (Memory Diagnostics)

Faulty RAM causes MEMORY_MANAGEMENT and random BSODs.

Steps: Press Win → type Windows Memory Diagnostic → Restart now and check for problems. If errors appear, test one stick at a time or replace the faulty module.

5) Undo Recent Changes (System Restore)

If BSODs started after a new app/driver, roll back.

Steps: Press Win + R → rstrui → pick a restore point before the problem date → restore. Your files remain safe; only system changes roll back.

6) Boot into Safe Mode & Clean Boot

Safe Mode loads minimal drivers; if stable there, a third-party service is likely the culprit.

Settings → System → Recovery → Advanced startup → Restart now
Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart → (4) Enable Safe Mode

For a Clean Boot: msconfig → Services tab → Hide Microsoft services → Disable all → Startup → Open Task Manager → Disable startups → Reboot. Re-enable items one by one to find the offender.

7) Reset BIOS/UEFI to Defaults (and Disable Overclocking)

Overclock or wrong BIOS settings = instant instability. Enter BIOS (usually Del or F2 at boot) → Load Setup Defaults → Save & Exit. If you overclock CPU/GPU/RAM, revert to stock.

8) Last Resort: Repair Install or Clean Install

If nothing works, do a Windows Repair Install (keeps files & apps) using the latest Windows ISO. Otherwise, back up data and perform a clean install for a fresh start.

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Stop Code Cheat Sheet (Quick Clues)

• CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED: Corrupted system files or drivers → Run SFC/DISM, check startup apps
• IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL: Driver/RAM conflict → Update/roll back drivers, test RAM
• PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA: RAM or disk issues → Memory diagnostic, chkdsk
• VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE (nvlddmkm/atikmdag): GPU driver → Clean install graphics driver
• SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION: Drivers, antivirus, or OS bugs → Update/remove culprit software

Prevention Tips (Keep BSODs Away)

• Keep Windows and drivers updated (but avoid beta/unstable builds on work PCs)
• Install only trusted software; avoid shady optimizers
• Maintain good airflow; clean dust every 6–12 months
• Use quality power (surge protector/UPS) to prevent sudden shutdowns
• Create periodic restore points and backups

When to Call a Professional

If you see repeated BSODs with different stop codes, hear clicking noises from storage, or the PC overheats/shuts off abruptly, it’s time for expert diagnosis. We handle deep driver conflicts, RAM/storage faults, overheating, and clean reinstallations with data safety.

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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)