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How to Troubleshoot Blue Screen Errors in Windows 11 (2026)

A stop code narrows the search but does not prove a part has failed. Follow a low-risk sequence for Windows 11 crashes, and use WinRE if the PC cannot start.
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A Windows 11 stop code is a clue, not proof that a particular part has failed. Note the exact code and any module named after “What failed,” then consider what changed before the first crash. Start with reversible checks if Windows still starts; if it cannot reach sign-in or keeps restarting, use Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) instead.

Why does my Windows 11 PC keep getting a blue screen?

Windows may shut down or restart after a serious problem. Microsoft calls these incidents unexpected restarts, stop-code errors, bug checks, kernel errors, or blue-screen errors. Hardware, a device driver, or software may be involved, but the displayed code alone does not identify a failed component. Depending on the Windows version, the screen may be black rather than blue; Windows 11 version 24H2 and later may show a black stop-error screen. See Microsoft’s overview of unexpected restarts and stop-code errors.

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Record the clues before changing anything

  • Write down the full stop code exactly as shown.
  • Record any file or module shown after “What failed.”
  • Note when the first crash occurred and what changed shortly beforehand: new hardware, a driver or app installation, or a Windows update.
  • Notice whether crashes happen during startup, while using a particular app or device, or at apparently random times.

A repeated code or a named module can help narrow the investigation, but neither is enough by itself to conclude that RAM, storage, a graphics card, or another specific part is defective.

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How do I fix a Windows 11 stop code error if the PC still starts?

Work from low-disruption checks toward recovery. If Windows is difficult to start reliably, use Safe Mode for the checks below. Microsoft’s Windows troubleshooting sequence recommends removing recently added hardware, checking Device Manager, available disk space, and Windows Update.

1. Disconnect recently added hardware

Shut down the PC and disconnect hardware added shortly before the crashes, such as a peripheral or expansion device. Restart and see whether the problem recurs. If removing a device stops the crashes, that is useful evidence, but it does not alone establish whether the device, its driver, or an interaction is responsible.

2. Check Device Manager for a problem device

Open Start, search for Device Manager, and look for a device marked with an exclamation point. Try updating its driver. If that does not help, Microsoft suggests trying to disable or uninstall the device. Make a note of the device and change so you can reverse the step if needed.

Prefer Windows Update or Device Manager over arbitrary driver-updater utilities. If the stop code is WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR, Microsoft recommends trying Windows Update for drivers first; manually updating an implicated device is more appropriate when the error points to which hardware device may be involved. See Microsoft’s WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR guidance.

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3. Check free disk space and Windows Update

Check that the Windows drive has room available, then open Settings > Windows Update and install available Windows 11 updates. Microsoft says the needed free space varies by system configuration; it offers 10% to 15% free space as a useful target because Windows and some applications need room for swap files and other operations. That figure is guidance, not a fixed minimum.

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When should you use Safe Mode?

Use Safe Mode when normal startup is unreliable or when you need to check whether the crashes recur with a limited set of essential services and drivers running. If the problem does not recur in Safe Mode, that narrows the possibilities, but does not identify the exact cause.

To reach it, enter Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), then choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart. After the PC restarts, choose a Safe Mode option from the numbered list. Microsoft documents the route and options in its guides to Windows startup settings and the Windows recovery environment.

How can you collect more diagnostic clues?

These checks can help identify patterns or provide evidence for support; they are not guaranteed repairs.

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Check Event Viewer around the crash time

Open Start, search for Event Viewer, and inspect the System log for errors around the time Windows crashed. Compare timestamps with your notes and the stop code. An event near the crash may be relevant, but timing alone does not prove it caused the stop error.

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Run Windows Memory Diagnostic

Search Start for Windows Memory Diagnostic and follow its prompts to check memory. After the diagnostic runs, inspect Event Viewer for a MemoryDiagnostics-Results entry. Microsoft also notes that IT professionals and developers can analyze memory dumps for more detail. Its blue-screen troubleshooting guidance covers these evidence-gathering options.

What if Windows cannot reach sign-in or keeps restarting?

Use WinRE when Windows will not start normally or is caught in a restart loop. It provides recovery tools such as Startup Repair, Startup Settings, Command Prompt, uninstall updates, and UEFI firmware settings. Microsoft explains how to access WinRE and what it contains. If you need recovery or installation media to reach recovery tools, a USB flash drive can serve as media; it does not fix the underlying cause by itself.

Try Startup Repair for a startup failure

In WinRE, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair and follow the prompts. Startup Repair automatically diagnoses and attempts to fix certain startup problems, including some involving missing or damaged system files, boot configuration data, the master boot record, incompatible drivers, or registry errors. It cannot be expected to repair every blue screen. See Microsoft’s Startup Repair instructions.

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If recovery asks for a BitLocker recovery key, you will need that key to continue with the protected recovery action.

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Consider Quick Machine Recovery for qualifying startup failures

On Windows 11 version 24H2 or later, Quick Machine Recovery can detect repeated startup failures related to a known widespread issue and check Windows Update for a Microsoft-provided fix. Microsoft says it is enabled by default on Windows 11 Home; on Pro and Enterprise, an administrator may need to enable it. It is a targeted startup recovery feature, not a general fix for every stop code. Details are in Microsoft’s Quick Machine Recovery guide.

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Which Windows recovery option should you choose?

If Windows still starts but remains unstable, begin with the least disruptive option that fits what changed. If Windows will not start, choose from WinRE tools instead. Back up important files before recovery actions whenever possible, and read the prompts: the effect on files, apps, and settings depends on the option.

Option When it may fit Effect and availability
Uninstall a recent update Crashes began after a Windows update and the PC can reach recovery options. Rolls back a recent update rather than resetting Windows. Access and exact choices depend on the system and recovery state.
System Restore The problem followed a system or software change and a suitable restore point is available. Rolls back system files and settings, not personal files.
Point-in-time restore A suitable restore point exists and the device is running Windows 11 version 24H2 or later. Availability is version-dependent; review the restore details before proceeding.
Reinstall the current Windows version while preserving files, apps, and settings Windows still starts and this reinstall option is available. Microsoft lists this option for Windows 11 version 22H2 or later. Confirm the on-screen description and back up important files first.
Reset this PC Less disruptive checks or suitable rollback options have not resolved the problem. More disruptive than a targeted rollback. The effect on files and apps depends on the reset choices; back up first.

Microsoft’s Windows recovery options guide describes choices by symptom and version. For a work- or school-managed PC, contact your IT department if the available recovery options do not resolve the issue.

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When does a stop code call for hardware support?

General stop-code guidance cannot identify a failed physical component. Do not buy replacement RAM, a drive, or a graphics card based only on a generic code. If a diagnostic result or repeated, specific symptom points to hardware trouble, preserve important data and contact the device maker or a qualified repair professional with the stop code, module name, timing, and diagnostic results.

Quick Recap

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