[7 Methods] How to Fix Windows 11 Blue Screen Error Without Data Loss

In this article, we will discuss what exactly the Windows 11 blue screen is, why it occurs, and how you can fix it.

Posted by @Irene July 24, 2024 Updated By @Irene June 21, 2023

What is Windows 11 blue screen?

Windows 11 blue screen generally refers to the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error that can occur on computers running the Windows 11 operating system. The BSOD is a critical error screen that appears when Windows encounters a problem it cannot recover from, leading to a system crash.

The Windows 11 blue screen is typically displayed as a blue screen with a white or light blue text, providing an error message and sometimes a specific error code. It indicates that there has been a severe system error that prevents Windows from functioning properly.

The common error codes are listing below:

• CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED • SYSTEM_THREAD_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED • INACCESSIBLE-BOOT-DEVICE • IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL • VIDEO_TDR_TIMEOUT_DETECTED • PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA • SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION • DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION • C1900101-20017 • 0XC1900101-0X40017 • NTFS_FILE_SYSTEM

Why does blue screen Windows 11 occur?

After briefly knowing the blue screen Windows 11, it is better to identify the specific cause and take appropriate steps to fix it. Though various factors will lead to that, still some common reasons you can read for reference and then adopt targeted measures for a blue screen Windows 11 fix.

1. Driver issues: Outdated, incompatible, or malfunctioning device drivers can clash with the operating system, resulting in blue screen crashes. 2. BCD errors: Issues with the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) can cause Windows 11 to encounter blue screen crashes. 3. Incompatibility: When certain applications are incompatible with Windows 11, they can create conflicts that result in blue screen errors. 4. Hardware failure: Faulty hardware components, such as a malfunctioning RAM module or a failing hard drive, can cause the Windows 11 blue screen error. 5. Memory stick incompatibility / Corruption or poor contact: Incompatible or corrupted memory sticks or poor contact between the memory sticks and the motherboard can trigger blue screen crashes. 6. MBR (Master Boot Record) or system file error: Errors or corruption in the MBR or system files can lead to the blue screen of death. 7. Virus or malware attack: Viruses, malware, or other malicious software can infect and corrupt crucial system files, leading to blue screen errors.

Taking preventive measures can also help minimize the occurrence of Windows 11 blue screen errors. It is advisable to keep the OS up to date, regularly remove viruses and malware, and install compatible applications.

How to fix Windows 11 blue screen error

Experiencing Windows 11 blue screen of death can be frustrating, but there are 7 effective methods you can take to fix it. Follow the instructions below to resolve the issue:

Method 1: Remove Unnecessary Devices

To address blue screen errors in Windows 11, you can start by removing any external devices or hardware connected to your computer. These devices, such as a hard drive, Bluetooth mouse, keyboard, or USB storage drives, can sometimes cause system malfunctions.

Step 1: Launch "File Explorer" and open "This PC" from the left-side menu.

Step 2: Locate the USB device you want to remove, right-click on it, and select "Eject" from the menu.

Method 2: Run Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool

Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool is specifically designed to check for memory-related issues that can lead to blue screen errors. It scans your system's memory thoroughly for errors.

Step 1: Press Win+R to open the RUN dialog box, type mdsched.exe, and hit Enter.

Step 2: Choose "Restart now and look for issues" (recommended).

Step 3: Your system will reboot, and then a diagnostic test will initiate. It will show you if there are any errors in your memory.

Step 4. Once the test is finished, please restart your PC again and check if the problem is fixed. If it shows some big issues in the RAM, then it is better to replace it.

Method 3: Update System Drivers

Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause system malfunctions, including blue screen errors. Regularly updating drivers ensures that your computer has stable and compatible driver software. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Press Win+X to open a dialog box and select Device Manager.

Step 2: If you see a yellow triangle icon next to any entry, it indicates a possible driver problem. Right-click on these entries and choose "Update Driver."

Step 3: Select "Search automatically for drivers" to allow Windows to install the necessary updates.

Method 4: Run SFC Scan

Running an SFC scan helps identify and repair corrupted or damaged system files, which can contribute to blue screen errors. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Press Win+R to open the box, type "cmd," and press Enter.

Step 2: Right-click on Command Prompt and select "Run as Administrator." In the prompt, type "SFC /scannow" and press Enter. The scan will run and fix detected errors.

Method 5: Perform System Restore

If the above methods don't resolve the blue screen problem, you can restore your system to a previous date.

Step 1: Click Start, type "System Restore," and select "Create a Restore Point."

Step 2: In the pop-up window, click "System Restore" and choose a desired date to revert to.

Step 3: Click "Finish" to confirm the restore point. Check if the blue screen issue is resolved.

Method 6: Scan PC for Virus or Malware

Performing a thorough scan for viruses or malware can help identify and eliminate potential threats causing blue screen errors.

Step 1: Open the Start menu, type "Windows Security" into the search field, and press Enter.

Step 2: Click on "Virus & threat protection."

Step 3: Choose to perform a Full scan and click "Scan now" to initiate the process.

Method 7: Rebuild MBR

The Master Boot Record (MBR) is a crucial component of the system that contains information about the partitions and how the operating system should boot. When the MBR gets corrupted or damaged, it can result in blue screen errors.

AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional is a powerful tool that can assist you to solve many computer issues by yourself. The "Rebuild MBR" feature of this software specializes in repairing and rebuilding the MBR, effectively resolving issues related to the boot process.

When fixing system problems, there is always a risk of data loss. However, this software can take precautions to protect data integrity during the MBR rebuilding process. It ensures that important data on the disk remains unaffected and intact.

Free Download Win 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP
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Before you begin:

Connect the affected hard drive to a working Windows PC with AOMEI Partition Assistant installed.

Use AOMEI Partition Assistant to create a bootable media (USB, CD/DVD).

Insert the bootable device into the affected computer and boot from it.

Step 1: Right-click the disk that needs repair and select "Rebuild MBR".

Step 2: In the next window, choose the appropriate MBR type for your operating system and click "OK."

Step 3: Finally, click "Apply" on the toolbar to execute the Rebuild MBR operation.

Note:
"Rebuild MBR" is a data operation, but it's important to have proper knowledge as an incorrect rebuild can render your computer unbootable.
"Rebuild MBR" only addresses issues related to the MBR code corruption, not bootable or system file loss causing booting problems.

To sum up

In conclusion, encountering a Windows 11 blue screen error can be disruptive, but there are effective solutions to resolve it. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can increase your chances of fixing the issue and restoring the stability of your system.

Apart from the "Rebuild MBR" feature, AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional offers a comprehensive set of disk management tools. This includes migrating OS to SSD, converting MBR/GPT, allocating free space, and more.

Having all these features within a single software solution enhances convenience and efficiency for computer users. Windows Server users can turn to the Server Edition to further manage their devices effectively.