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How to Fix and Solve Stop Code Errors on Windows 11: Complete Working Solutions

Stop code errors on Windows 11, often known as Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors, can disrupt your work and cause frustration. These errors indicate that your system has encountered a critical problem it cannot recover from without restarting. Fortunately, most stop code errors can be fixed with simple troubleshooting steps.

In this guide, we will walk you through easy and effective methods to solve these errors. No advanced technical skills are required, and each step is explained clearly. By following these solutions, you can get your Windows 11 PC back to normal quickly.

Understanding why these errors occur helps in preventing them in the future. The causes vary from driver issues, hardware problems, to corrupted system files.

Let’s start with some quick checks before moving on to detailed solutions.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

Before diving into fixes, make sure you do the following basic checks:

  • Backup important data: Some solutions involve system changes, so backing up your files protects your data.
  • Note the stop code: When the BSOD appears, it shows a stop code like CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED. Write it down; it helps identify the problem.
  • Disconnect external devices: Unplug USB drives, printers, or other peripherals to rule out device conflicts.
  • Ensure your PC is cool: Overheating can cause crashes. Make sure your PC is well-ventilated.

Step 1: Restart Your PC

Sometimes, a simple restart solves temporary glitches causing stop code errors. Restart your computer normally and see if the error repeats.

Why this matters: Restarting clears temporary files and resets active processes that may have caused the crash.

Step 2: Run Windows Update

Microsoft regularly releases updates to fix bugs and improve system stability. Installing the latest updates often resolves stop code errors.

  1. Click Start and select Settings.
  2. Go to Windows Update on the left menu.
  3. Click Check for updates.
  4. Install any available updates and restart your PC.

Why this matters: Updates include security patches and driver updates that can fix underlying issues causing system crashes.

Step 3: Update Device Drivers

Outdated or faulty drivers are a common cause of stop code errors. Updating them can resolve conflicts between hardware and Windows.

  1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Look for any devices with a yellow exclamation mark.
  3. Right-click the device and select Update driver.
  4. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
  5. Follow on-screen instructions and restart your PC.

Alternative method: Visit your PC manufacturer’s website to download and install the latest drivers manually.

Step 4: Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool

Faulty RAM can cause unpredictable system crashes. Windows has a built-in tool to check your memory for errors.

  1. Press Win + R, type mdsched.exe, and press Enter.
  2. Choose Restart now and check for problems.
  3. Your PC will restart and scan the memory automatically.
  4. Wait for the test to complete; results will appear after logging back in.

Why this matters: Identifying faulty RAM helps prevent future crashes and data loss.

Step 5: Use System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

Corrupted system files can trigger stop code errors. Windows provides tools to repair these files.

  1. Click Start, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
  2. Type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow

This scans and repairs corrupted system files. After the process completes, restart your PC.

If the problem persists, run the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

After DISM finishes, run sfc /scannow again and restart.

Step 6: Check for Disk Errors

Errors on your hard drive or SSD can cause system instability. Checking your disk for issues can fix this.

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator (same as above).
  2. Type the following command and press Enter:
chkdsk /f /r

You will be asked to schedule the scan on the next restart. Type Y and press Enter, then restart your PC.

Why this matters: Repairing bad sectors and file system errors prevents crashes and data corruption.

Step 7: Uninstall Recently Installed Software or Drivers

If you started experiencing stop code errors after installing new software or hardware drivers, they might be the cause.

  1. Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
  2. Find and uninstall the recently added programs.
  3. For drivers, open Device Manager, right-click the device, and choose Uninstall device.
  4. Restart your PC and check if the error persists.

Step 8: Perform a System Restore

System Restore lets you revert your PC to a previous state when it was working fine, without affecting your personal files.

  1. Press Win + S, type Restore, and select Create a restore point.
  2. Click on System Restore.
  3. Follow the wizard to choose a restore point before the errors started.
  4. Confirm and let Windows restore your system.

Why this matters: It quickly fixes system issues caused by recent changes.

Step 9: Reset Windows 11

If none of the above steps work, resetting Windows 11 reinstalls the operating system while keeping or removing your files based on your choice.

  1. Open Settings > System > Recovery.
  2. Under Reset this PC, click Reset PC.
  3. Choose whether to keep your files or remove everything.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset.

Note: Back up important data before resetting, especially if choosing to remove everything.

FAQs

What is a stop code on Windows 11?

A stop code is an error code displayed during a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) that helps identify the cause of the system crash.

Can hardware cause stop code errors?

Yes, faulty RAM, hard drives, or other hardware components can trigger stop code errors.

How often should I update drivers?

Regularly updating drivers, especially after installing new hardware or experiencing issues, helps maintain system stability.

Is it safe to reset Windows?

Yes, resetting Windows is safe but make sure to back up your data before proceeding.

What if my PC keeps restarting after a stop code error?

You can disable automatic restart to read the error message by going to System Properties > Startup and Recovery Settings and unchecking Automatically restart.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the steps above and still face stop code errors, it might indicate deeper hardware issues or corrupted system components.

  • Visit the official Microsoft Support for advanced troubleshooting.
  • Consider consulting a professional technician to check your hardware.
  • If your PC is under warranty, contact the manufacturer for repair or replacement options.

Conclusion

Stop code errors on Windows 11 can be alarming but are often fixable with systematic troubleshooting. Starting with simple steps like restarting and updating Windows, then moving to more involved fixes like checking memory and repairing system files, usually resolves the issue. Keeping your system and drivers up to date helps prevent these errors.

Remember to back up your data before performing major changes and use system restore or reset as a last resort. With these solutions, you can minimize downtime and keep your PC running smoothly.

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