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BSoD Crashes on Windows? 
Here's What to Do Next

Note: This article links to the Microsoft website throughout. We do not control any of the content provided from those links.

A BSoD (Blue Screen of Death) can be distressing to see, especially if you don’t know what the cause is. If it happens once, it’s possible you’re just unlucky; not every BSoD is the sign that something is wrong with your system in particular. However, repeated BSoDs can be a sign that something is wrong with your system. This article aims to help you figure out what the problem is, and how to move forward to resolve the issue.
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1. Update your drivers

Over time, software being updated can cause different parts of your computer to become incompatible. Additionally, components that don’t have the correct driver can cause system instability. The simplest way to resolve these problems is to update the drivers.

 

  • Check Windows Updates - this grabs most drivers with no additional action needed.
  • Use manufacturer tools - laptop and PC manufacturers (such as Dell, HP, Lenovo etc.) provide programs that automatically download and install their specific drivers.
  • Additional drivers can be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website directly.
     

2. Recreate the error

Sometimes BSoDs can happen seemingly at random, with no apparent cause. Discerning whether the cause is random or reproducible is very important for fixing the problem.

  • Leave your system idle to see if it crashes on its own - this can rule out any programs you use, and could indicate a Windows or hardware level failure.
  • Test individual programs - avoid opening multiple programs at once to isolate it to a specific program. Start with newer programs that may be causing the crash
  • Boot into Safe Mode - this disables all software that isn’t absolutely necessary for Windows to function. If the system still crashes at this point you’ve likely found the exact software that causes the problem, or the system is experiencing hardware failure.

If the error can be made to happen in the same way repeatedly, it’s a lot easier to find a way to fix the problem. Random errors are more likely to be a sign of hardware failure (as the system is unable to correctly identify what went wrong).
 

3. Search for the error

“Blue Screen of Death” covers a wide range of issues, as such we’re unable to list them all here. Most of them are documented in other help forums. Make sure to use the exact term that the ‘Stop Code’ provides.

4. Software Problems

While we’ve already recommended installing drivers, reinstalling software that’s causing the problem can sometimes help. It may also be the case that if a specific program is causing a crash, that others have found workarounds, or that you may have to wait for the creator to release an update fixing the issue.

 

In the worst case, any system issues can be resolved by reinstalling Windows. If your system is experiencing repeated BSoDs then backing up your data should already be a high priority, but if you plan to reinstall it’s even more important to back them up. (Note that reinstalling Windows won’t stop individual programs from crashing - but if any hidden settings have been changed and are causing a crash, this will reset those settings).
 

5. Hardware Problems

After diagnosing, if you suspect your system has a hardware defect the first thing to do is to check the warranty on your device. If still in date, errors that cause system failure would likely be considered as part of your warranty.

 

The manufacturer will organise a collection/delivery and assess whether the problem is with the RAM, SSD or motherboard. Make sure to backup any data on the unit before sending it off as it may be wiped while serviced.

 

When your computer is no longer within warranty, check with a repair shop to have them perform the swap.
 

6. Time to Replace?

If you've worked through these steps and you still can't find a fix —or if professional repair costs more than a replacement—then it may be time to move on. Older systems especially can reach a point where they are simply beyond economical to fix (e.g. due to parts scarcity, age-related failures, or high labour costs).

 

At this point, it might be time to consider a new or refurbished laptop. A newer machine can offer better performance, energy efficiency, and a fresh warranty—saving you time, money, and stress in the long run. Need help choosing a replacement? Explore our range of reliable, great-value refurbished laptops.
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