Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →If a Windows blue screen disappears before you can read it, use Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to turn off automatic restart: Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart, then select Disable automatic restart on system failure. This keeps the next stop-error screen visible so you can note its code and any “What failed” name. It reveals clues; it does not fix the cause.
Before changing startup settings
A blue screen of death (BSOD) is a Windows stop error, also called a bug check. An unexpected restart can involve hardware, a driver, or software, and the displayed stop code or “What failed” module is a clue—not a definitive diagnosis. Microsoft describes the automatic-restart option for situations where Windows repeatedly fails and restarts. (Microsoft’s blue-screen troubleshooting guide; Startup Settings)
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If the device uses BitLocker encryption, find its recovery key before entering recovery menus; Windows may request it. Menu names and access routes can vary by device and Windows configuration. (Microsoft Startup Settings guidance; Find your BitLocker recovery key)
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Disable automatic restart and record the stop error
- Open WinRE. If Windows reaches the sign-in screen, hold Shift while selecting Power > Restart. If you cannot reach sign-in, Windows may enter recovery after failed starts; the available route depends on your device. Avoid repeated forced shutdowns as a universal method.
- In WinRE, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
- When the Startup Settings list appears, choose Disable automatic restart on system failure. Use the corresponding number shown on your screen if prompted.
- After the next stop error, write down the entire stop code and any text after “What failed.” A phone photo can preserve the exact wording.
Microsoft says this setting prevents Windows from automatically restarting when an error causes it to fail. The resulting screen can help guide troubleshooting, but this setting does not repair Windows or identify a failed part by itself. (Windows Startup Settings)
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Use Safe Mode to narrow down the cause
If Windows cannot start normally, return to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart and select Safe Mode. Safe Mode loads a limited set of files and drivers. If the crash does not happen there, that can narrow the investigation toward software or drivers loaded during a normal startup; it does not prove which one is responsible. (Microsoft Startup Settings guidance)
Check recent changes and basic system conditions
- Undo a recent hardware change: Shut down and disconnect newly added peripherals or hardware if practical, then check whether Windows starts reliably. If removing a device resolves the issue, investigate its compatibility and driver rather than assuming the device itself is defective.
- Review Device Manager: Look for warning icons, especially on devices or drivers changed shortly before the crashes. Update or roll back a relevant driver only when the timing and device provide a reasonable lead.
- Check free storage: Microsoft gives 10% to 15% free disk space as a general rule of thumb; the exact requirement varies with system configuration. Free space if the system drive is nearly full. (Microsoft blue-screen troubleshooting)
- Install Windows updates: If Windows is stable enough to use, check for available updates. If the loop began immediately after an update, consider the update-removal recovery option below instead of repeatedly attempting a normal startup.
Choose a recovery option based on the failure
WinRE offers several tools, but they address different problems and have different consequences. Start with the least disruptive option that fits the symptoms, and back up important files before using recovery choices that may remove data. Microsoft warns that some recovery options can cause data loss. (Windows recovery options)
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| Option | When it may help | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Startup Repair | Windows will not start correctly. | It attempts to address certain startup issues, including damaged system files, boot configuration data, incompatible drivers, and registry errors. It is not guaranteed to fix every stop error. Find it under Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair. (Windows Recovery Environment) |
| Uninstall Updates | The crashes started after a Windows update. | WinRE may offer an option to remove a recent update. Whether it is available depends on the device and recovery state. (Windows recovery options) |
| System Restore | A restore point exists from before the problem began. | It can return system settings to an earlier state. Check the recovery prompts and understand their effects before proceeding. (Windows recovery options) |
| Reset this PC or reinstall Windows | Less disruptive recovery steps have not resolved the issue. | These are more consequential steps. Their effect on files, apps, and settings depends on the option selected; back up important files first where possible. (Windows recovery options) |
When the crash keeps happening
For ongoing failures, Microsoft identifies Event Viewer system logs and Windows Memory Diagnostic as additional troubleshooting tools. Memory-dump analysis is primarily aimed at IT professionals and developers, so it may be more practical to seek help if the basic checks do not point to a cause. (Microsoft blue-screen troubleshooting)
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsContact the device maker or a qualified repair service if you cannot access WinRE, do not have a required BitLocker recovery key, or crashes continue after basic troubleshooting. A stop code alone is not enough evidence to recommend replacing a particular component.
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Windows 10 support status
The troubleshooting guidance cited here covers Windows 10 and Windows 11, but support status differs. Microsoft ended Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025; after that date, free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, and security fixes ended. That date does not change the recovery steps, but it matters when deciding how to keep a Windows 10 device secure. (Microsoft: Windows 10 support ends on October 14, 2025)
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