To protect your computer, it stops everything. The most common cause is a failing SSD or hard drive. Other possible reasons include old storage drivers, third-party antivirus programs, or damaged system files. Before we get into troubleshooting steps, it’s important to first identify what might be causing the problem. One of the easiest ways to do this is by using the Event Viewer. Event Viewer logs different types of system and application messages, including errors, information, and warnings.
1. Run the Memory Diagnostics Tool
The Memory Diagnostics Tool is helpful for checking your RAM for possible problems. It can help identify issues that cause slow performance, random freezes, or blue screen errors like the one you’re experiencing.
2. Update Your Drivers
Outdated or faulty drivers can also cause this error to appear on your system. You should check Device Manager for any drivers that might be outdated or not working properly. Once you’ve identified an outdated driver, update it by following the steps below. You can also visit your device manufacturer’s website to download the latest drivers directly. Once all your drivers are updated, check if the error still occurs.
3. Run an SFC Scan
System File Checker (SFC) is a Windows tool that scans for and repairs corrupted system files. It helps keep important files and settings safe, and often resolves issues like blue screen errors. When you run an SFC scan, Windows looks for corrupt or missing system files and replaces them with the correct versions if needed. After the scan finishes, check if you still experience the blue screen error.
4. Install Pending Updates
Running an outdated version of Windows can also lead to this problem. If you haven’t updated your system in a while, installing the latest updates might fix it.
5. Disable Antivirus Temporarily
Sometimes, antivirus software can interfere with normal system operations, which may cause errors like the blue screen. While antivirus programs keep your computer safe, they can sometimes block certain features or files by mistake. You can try disabling your antivirus temporarily to see if it resolves the error. Here, we’ll show you how to do it with Avast antivirus. The steps may be slightly different for your antivirus program. After disabling the antivirus, try the steps that caused the error again and see if the issue is fixed. If it is, you may need to adjust your antivirus settings or switch to a different program.
6. Disable Fast Startup
Fast Startup helps your Windows 10 or 11 computer boot up faster after shutting down. It works by using a part of the hibernation process instead of a full shutdown. While Fast Startup is enabled by default on most computers, it doesn’t always load every driver or service correctly, sometimes causing blue screen errors. If you believe Fast Startup is the problem, you can disable it easily through the Control Panel.
