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How to Fix BSOD After Windows 11 Update: Step-by-Step Error Troubleshooting Guide

Experiencing a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) after a Windows 11 update can be frustrating and confusing. This error often disrupts your workflow and may make your system unstable.

Fortunately, most BSOD issues after updates can be fixed by following some straightforward troubleshooting steps. You don’t need to be a tech expert to understand or apply these fixes.

In this guide, we will walk you through simple, detailed steps to resolve BSOD errors caused by recent Windows 11 updates. Each step explains why it’s important, helping you learn as you fix the problem.

Let’s get started and make your PC run smoothly again.

Quick Note: Before You Begin

  • Backup your important data: Always save your files to an external drive or cloud storage before making major changes.
  • Ensure your PC is plugged in: A stable power supply prevents interruptions during fixes and updates.
  • Note down the error code: If your BSOD shows a code (like “0x0000007E”), keep it handy. It helps in identifying the exact problem.
  • Check for hardware changes: If you recently installed new hardware, this might be causing the error.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

It might sound simple, but restarting can often clear temporary issues causing the BSOD. When you reboot, Windows reloads all drivers and system files, potentially fixing minor glitches.

How to do it: Click Start > Power > Restart. If your PC won’t boot normally, try a hard reboot by holding down the power button until it turns off, then press it again to start.

Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode

Safe Mode starts Windows with only essential drivers and services. This environment helps isolate if a third-party app or driver is causing the BSOD.

How to enter Safe Mode:

  1. Turn off your PC by holding the power button.
  2. Turn it back on and as soon as Windows starts loading, press the power button again to force shutdown. Repeat this process 2-3 times until you see the Recovery Environment.
  3. In Recovery Environment, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
  4. Once your PC restarts, press 4 or F4 to enter Safe Mode.

In Safe Mode, your system runs with minimal drivers, making it easier to identify problematic software or drivers.

Step 3: Uninstall Recent Updates

Sometimes, the update itself might be faulty or incompatible with your hardware. Removing it can restore system stability.

How to uninstall updates:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Windows Update > Update history.
  3. Scroll down and click Uninstall updates.
  4. Choose the latest update and click Uninstall.
  5. Restart your PC.

If uninstalling the update fixes the BSOD, you can pause updates temporarily to avoid automatic reinstallations.

Step 4: Update or Roll Back Device Drivers

Drivers control hardware communication. Outdated or incompatible drivers often cause BSOD errors after updates.

Update drivers:

  1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Look for devices with a yellow warning icon.
  3. Right-click the device and select Update driver.
  4. Choose Search automatically for drivers.

Roll back drivers: If the issue started after a driver update, rolling back might help.

  1. In Device Manager, right-click the device and select Properties.
  2. Go to the Driver tab and click Roll Back Driver.
  3. Follow the prompts and restart your PC.

Step 5: Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic

Faulty RAM can cause BSOD errors. Windows has a built-in tool to check your memory for problems.

How to run the test:

  1. Press Windows + R, type mdsched.exe, and press Enter.
  2. Choose Restart now and check for problems.
  3. Your PC will reboot and run the memory check automatically.
  4. After the test, Windows will show the results when you log in.

If errors are found, you may need to replace your RAM modules.

Step 6: Use System File Checker (SFC) and DISM Tools

Corrupted system files can trigger BSODs. Windows provides tools to scan and repair these files.

How to run SFC and DISM:

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Press Windows + S, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
  2. Type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow

This scan checks and repairs system files. Wait for it to finish (may take some time).

  1. If problems persist, run the DISM tool by typing:
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

This command repairs the Windows image, which supports system file repairs.

After DISM finishes, run sfc /scannow again to fix remaining issues.

Step 7: Check for Disk Errors

Hard drive problems can also cause BSODs. Checking your disk for errors can help identify and fix such issues.

How to check your disk:

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator (see previous step).
  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.

Restart your PC. The disk check will run and fix any errors it finds.

Step 8: Perform a System Restore

If recent changes caused the BSOD, restoring your system to an earlier point might help.

How to use System Restore:

  1. Press Windows + S, type Recovery, and open it.
  2. Click Open System Restore > Next.
  3. Select a restore point dated before the update or problem started.
  4. Click Next and then Finish to begin the restoration.

Your PC will restart and revert settings to the chosen date. This can often resolve update-related BSODs.

FAQs

What causes BSOD errors after Windows updates?

Common causes include incompatible device drivers, corrupted system files, hardware issues, or faulty updates.

Can I fix BSOD without losing data?

Yes. Many fixes involve system repairs or uninstalling updates without deleting your personal files. However, backing up data is always recommended.

How do I know which driver is causing the BSOD?

You can check the BSOD error message for clues. Tools like Event Viewer or BlueScreenView can help identify problematic drivers.

Is Safe Mode always accessible if my PC won’t start?

Usually, yes. Forcing shutdowns during boot triggers the Recovery Environment, which lets you enter Safe Mode.

Should I reinstall Windows if these steps don’t work?

Reinstalling Windows is a last resort. Try all troubleshooting steps first or consider professional help before reinstalling.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and still face BSOD errors, consider the following:

  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft Support website for personalized help.
  • Use Windows Recovery Environment: Use the option to reset your PC while keeping your files (Settings > Recovery > Reset this PC).
  • Seek professional repair services: Hardware issues like failing RAM or hard drives might require expert diagnosis.
  • Check hardware connections: Reseat RAM and other components if you’re comfortable doing so.

Conclusion

BSOD errors after Windows 11 updates are common but usually fixable. Start with simple steps like restarting or booting into Safe Mode, then gradually move to more advanced fixes such as driver updates and system scans.

Understanding why each step matters empowers you to handle future issues with confidence. Remember to keep your system backed up and updated to avoid similar problems.

By following this guide carefully, you should be able to restore your PC’s stability and enjoy a smoother Windows 11 experience.

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