If Windows crashes repeatedly and you suspect a driver, record the stop code and any “What failed” module name first. Then check recent changes and use Device Manager to update, roll back, or temporarily disable the suspected device. A blue screen is a clue, not proof: Microsoft notes that “A hardware device, its driver, or software might have caused this error.”
How do I fix Windows crashes caused by a faulty driver?
These steps apply to Microsoft’s Windows 10 and Windows 11 troubleshooting guidance. Start with changes that are easy to undo, and move to recovery only if the problem continues.
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- Write down the crash details. Record the exact stop code and the name beside “What failed,” if shown. Note what changed shortly before the crashes began, such as a driver update or newly connected hardware. These details can help identify the component involved; they do not prove that a driver caused the crash. See Microsoft’s blue-screen troubleshooting guidance.
- Undo a recent hardware change. If the crashes began after you added or connected hardware, shut down, disconnect or remove it if safe to do so, and restart Windows to see whether the problem stops.
- Use Safe Mode if Windows will not start reliably. Safe Mode loads a limited set of files and drivers, which can make it possible to troubleshoot when normal startup repeatedly crashes. Microsoft explains how to reach Safe Mode in its blue-screen guidance.
- Check Device Manager. Look for warning icons and focus on devices related to the timing of the crashes. Choose the action that matches the history: update a missing or outdated driver, roll back a recently updated one, or disable or uninstall a suspected device if updating does not help.
- Check Windows basics. Make sure Windows has current updates and adequate free disk space. Microsoft gives 10% to 15% free space as a useful general target for its blue-screen troubleshooting steps, not a fixed requirement; the amount needed depends on the system configuration.
- Escalate if crashes persist. If the issue followed a recent driver, software, or settings change, consider System Restore. Use other recovery options only after backing up important files and reviewing their effects.
Should I update or roll back the driver?
Choose based on when the crashes began. An update is the sensible first step when the driver is missing or outdated. Rollback is more appropriate when the problem started after a driver update. Microsoft’s Device Manager instructions cover updating, reinstalling, and rolling back drivers.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →| What happened | Action to try | Where to get the driver |
|---|---|---|
| The device appears to have a missing or outdated driver. | Use Update driver in Device Manager, then restart if prompted. | Try Windows Update first; if it does not offer a suitable driver, use the PC or device manufacturer’s official support channel. |
| Crashes began after a driver update. | Roll back the driver in Device Manager, then restart if prompted. | Rollback restores the earlier installed driver; it is not a new download. |
| Updating does not help, or the suspected device is still causing problems. | Consider disabling or uninstalling the device. Windows may reinstall its driver after a restart. | Use Windows’ reinstall process or the device manufacturer’s official support channel if needed. |
How do I roll back a driver after a blue screen?
- Open Device Manager and expand the category for the suspected device.
- Right-click the device and select Properties.
- Open the Driver tab and select Roll Back Driver, if available.
- Follow the prompts and restart if Windows asks you to.
Rolling back requires administrator permissions. If the button is unavailable, Windows may not have an earlier driver to restore. If you can only reach Windows through Safe Mode, use that session to make the change.
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What should I do if Windows keeps restarting?
If repeated crashes prevent normal use, start Windows in Safe Mode and try the targeted Device Manager steps there. If the problem persists, look for a relevant critical event in Event Viewer’s System log at the time of a crash. Windows Memory Diagnostic is another troubleshooting option; memory-dump analysis is generally aimed at IT professionals and developers. Microsoft covers these and other advanced checks in its blue-screen guidance.
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When should I use System Restore or another recovery option?
Consider System Restore when a recent driver, software, or settings change preceded the crashes and the less disruptive Device Manager steps have not resolved them. It can revert system files, registry settings, and installed programs to a restore point while leaving personal files unaffected. Microsoft explains the process and its effects in its System Restore guidance.
Microsoft lists further recovery routes in its Windows recovery options. Point-in-time restore is available on Windows 11 version 24H2 or later where supported; availability varies. Resetting or reinstalling Windows is more disruptive than repairing a driver or using System Restore, and some recovery options can cause data loss. Back up important files before proceeding.
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