How to Fix Windows 11 Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) Error

Experiencing a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) on Windows 11 can be alarming, especially for users with older hardware. Although these errors are less common today, they can still occur, often triggered by system updates or driver issues. If you encounter messages like “critical_process_died” or “dpc_watchdog_violation,” there’s no need to panic. This guide outlines effective methods to resolve the BSOD error on your Windows 11 device.

1. Restart Your PC

The first step in troubleshooting a BSOD is to restart your computer. A simple reboot can often resolve temporary glitches that lead to the blue screen. If the error persists after rebooting, proceed to the next method.

2. Use Startup Repair

Windows 11 includes a built-in recovery environment (WinRE) that can help fix startup issues. To access it:

1. Shut down your PC and turn it back on. As soon as the Windows logo appears, hold the power button to turn it off again. Repeat this process 2-3 times.
2. On the recovery screen, select “Advanced options.”
3. Click on “Troubleshoot,” then select “Startup Repair.”

This process will attempt to fix any issues preventing Windows from starting correctly.

3. Run SFC Scan

If the BSOD continues, running a System File Checker (SFC) scan can help identify and repair corrupted system files:

1. Boot into the recovery menu and select “Troubleshoot.”
2. Choose “Command Prompt.”
3. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.

After the scan completes, restart your PC to see if the issue is resolved.

4. Uninstall Recent Updates

If the BSOD appeared after a recent update, uninstalling it may resolve the problem:

1. Access the recovery screen and click on “Troubleshoot.”
2. Select “Uninstall Updates.”
3. Choose “Uninstall Latest Quality Update” or “Uninstall Latest Feature Update” as appropriate.

After the uninstallation, restart your computer.

5. Boot into Safe Mode

Booting into Safe Mode can help you troubleshoot further:

1. From the recovery screen, select “Startup Settings” and click “Restart.”
2. Press “4” or “F4” to enter Safe Mode.
3. Once in Safe Mode, open the Run dialog (Windows + R), type appwiz.cpl, and hit Enter.
4. In the Programs and Features window, click “View Installed Updates” and uninstall any recent updates that may be causing issues.

Restart your PC to exit Safe Mode.

6. Roll Back Driver Updates

If a recent driver update is causing the BSOD, rolling it back can help:

1. Boot into Safe Mode and open Device Manager (Windows + X, then select Device Manager).
2. Locate the device with the problematic driver, right-click it, and select “Properties.”
3. Go to the “Driver” tab and click “Roll Back Driver.”

Restart your PC to see if the issue is resolved.

7. Unplug Unnecessary Devices

Sometimes, hardware conflicts can lead to BSOD errors. Disconnect any unnecessary peripherals and restart your computer.

8. System Restore

If the BSOD persists, consider restoring your system to a previous state:

1. Access the recovery menu and select “Troubleshoot.”
2. Click on “System Restore” and choose the latest restore point.
3. Follow the prompts to restore your system.

After the process completes, restart your PC.

9. Reset Your PC

If all else fails, resetting your PC may be necessary. This will remove apps and settings but can keep your files:

1. Boot to the recovery screen and select “Reset this PC.”
2. Choose “Keep my files” and follow the on-screen instructions.

Your PC will reboot with a fresh installation of Windows 11.

10. Clean Install Windows 11

For users who want a completely fresh start, a clean installation of Windows 11 can be performed using a USB bootable device. This will erase all data on the C drive, so ensure you back up important files first.

By following these steps, users can effectively troubleshoot and resolve BSOD errors on Windows 11. If issues persist, consider seeking professional assistance or checking for hardware malfunctions.