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Complete List of Windows 11 BSOD Errors and How to Fix Them Step-by-Step

Experiencing a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) on Windows 11 can be frustrating. These errors interrupt your work and often leave you wondering what went wrong. Fortunately, understanding common BSOD errors and knowing how to fix them can save you time and frustration.

This article covers a complete list of common Windows 11 BSOD errors and provides simple, step-by-step solutions. Whether you are a beginner or have some technical knowledge, the instructions here are easy to follow.

We will start with quick checks that help identify the problem and then move on to more detailed troubleshooting methods. By the end, you should have a clearer path to resolving these errors and keeping your system stable.

Let’s dive into the most common BSOD errors and how to fix them effectively.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Basic Checks

Before starting with detailed troubleshooting, it’s important to perform some basic checks. These quick steps can often resolve simple issues causing BSOD errors.

  • Restart your computer: Sometimes, a simple restart clears temporary glitches.
  • Check for Windows Updates: Updates often include fixes for known bugs and hardware compatibility.
  • Disconnect external devices: Remove USB drives, printers, or other peripherals to rule out device conflicts.
  • Ensure sufficient disk space: Low storage can cause system instability.
  • Scan for malware: Use Windows Defender or another trusted antivirus software to check for infections.

Common Windows 11 BSOD Errors and How to Fix Them

1. SYSTEM_THREAD_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED

This error usually happens due to incompatible or outdated drivers.

Step-by-step Fix:

  1. Boot into Safe Mode: Restart your PC. When the Windows logo appears, hold the power button to force shutdown. Repeat this 2-3 times until the recovery screen appears. Then, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart. After restart, press 4 or F4 to enter Safe Mode.
  2. Update or uninstall problematic drivers: Press Windows + X and select Device Manager. Look for devices with a yellow exclamation mark. Right-click and choose Update driver or Uninstall device.
  3. Use Windows Update: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for updates.
  4. Restart normally: Exit Safe Mode and see if the problem persists.

Why this works: Drivers control hardware communication. Faulty drivers can cause system crashes, so updating or removing them often resolves the issue.

2. PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA

This error relates to memory or disk problems.

Step-by-step Fix:

  1. Run Memory Diagnostic: Press Windows + R, type mdsched.exe, and press Enter. Choose to restart now and check for problems. Windows will test your RAM and report issues.
  2. Check your disk for errors: Open Command Prompt as administrator and type:
chkdsk /f /r

You will be asked to schedule the check on the next restart. Type Y and restart your PC.

  • Update drivers and Windows: Keeping software up to date prevents conflicts.
  • Scan for virus and malware: Malicious software can cause memory corruption.

    • Why this works: Memory and disk errors cause Windows to crash when accessing invalid data. Diagnosing hardware health is key to fixing this BSOD.

    3. DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL

    This error is caused by driver conflicts or faulty drivers accessing restricted memory.

    Step-by-step Fix:

    1. Identify problem driver: Use BlueScreenView or check the error message for driver file names.
    2. Update or uninstall drivers: Go to Device Manager and update or remove the problematic driver.
    3. Run System File Checker: Open Command Prompt as administrator and type:
    sfc /scannow

    This tool repairs corrupted Windows system files.

  • Check for Windows and driver updates: Keeping everything updated can fix compatibility issues.

    • Why this works: Drivers must handle memory access carefully. Faulty drivers cause memory errors leading to BSODs.

    4. KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED

    This error occurs when a kernel-mode program causes an exception Windows cannot handle.

    Step-by-step Fix:

    1. Boot into Safe Mode: Follow the earlier Safe Mode steps.
    2. Uninstall recently installed software: Remove any new programs or drivers that might conflict with Windows.
    3. Update drivers: Outdated drivers often cause this error.
    4. Perform System Restore: If the problem started recently, restore your PC to an earlier working state. Go to Control Panel > Recovery > Open System Restore.

    Why this works: Software conflicts and bad drivers in kernel mode cause this BSOD. Removing or updating them resolves the issue.

    Additional Troubleshooting Tips

    • Check for overheating: Overheated hardware can cause crashes. Ensure your PC is well ventilated.
    • Reset BIOS to default: Incorrect BIOS settings may cause errors. Access BIOS during boot (usually F2 or Del) and choose the default settings.
    • Perform a clean boot: This starts Windows with only essential services, helping you identify conflicting software. Search for “clean boot Windows 11” for detailed steps.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    What causes BSOD errors on Windows 11?

    BSOD errors are usually caused by hardware problems, driver issues, corrupted system files, or software conflicts.

    How can I find out which error caused the BSOD?

    Windows displays an error code during the BSOD, such as 0x0000001E. You can also check the minidump files using tools like BlueScreenView.

    Is it safe to uninstall drivers?

    Yes, but only uninstall drivers you are sure are causing problems. Windows will often reinstall necessary drivers automatically after a restart.

    Will resetting Windows fix BSOD errors?

    Resetting Windows can fix many issues but should be a last resort after trying other troubleshooting steps.

    Can hardware upgrades cause BSOD errors?

    Yes, incompatible or faulty hardware like RAM or hard drives can cause BSODs.

    When Nothing Works

    If you have tried all the above methods and still face BSOD errors, consider these final options:

    • Contact Microsoft Support: Use the official Windows Support for professional help.
    • Use System Restore or Reset: Restore your system to an earlier point or reset Windows while keeping your files.
    • Check hardware: Test your RAM and hard drive with third-party tools or visit a technician for hardware diagnosis.
    • Reinstall Windows: As a last resort, perform a clean installation of Windows 11.

    Conclusion

    BSOD errors on Windows 11 can be caused by various issues, from driver problems to hardware faults. By starting with simple checks and gradually moving to advanced troubleshooting, most errors can be resolved without expert help.

    Remember to keep your system updated, regularly check hardware health, and maintain backups of your important data. With patience and these step-by-step instructions, you can fix common BSOD errors and enjoy a smoother Windows 11 experience.

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