Blue screen when gaming or searching? Don't worry; There are nine methods in all to fix the blue screen of death error on PC. But you should perform data recovery at first for data security.

Workable Solutions Step-by-step Troubleshooting
Perform blue screen recovery at first Use EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard to recover data after BSOD error. You have two options to recover...Full steps
Fix 1. Use system restore You can use System Restore to roll its system software back to a previous state...Full steps
Fix 2. Ensure enough space  Clear up hard disk space and make sure it is at least 15% of a drive's capacity free at all times...Full steps
Fix 3. Use EaseUS Partition Master It has a Boot Repair function can fix startup problems with one click. You can download it and follow the detailed instructions...Full steps
Fix 4. Use Windows repair services Clear up hard disk space and make sure it is at least 15% of a drive's capacity free at all times...Full steps
Fix 5. Scan for virus The virus and malware might infect the master boot record and Windows kernel at a low level...Full steps
Fix 6. Install the latest drivers Try to download and install the latest drivers to fix BSOD caused by driver problems...Full steps
More effective fixes  You can also fix the BSOD problem by applying available Windows service packs and updates...Full steps

What Are the Main Causes of Blue Screen of Death

The Blue Screen of Death, also known as BSOD Error, Blue Screen Error, or STOP Error, is an error screen displayed on a Windows computer system after a fatal system error. Once this error occurs, your system may stop responding and fail to boot, and all data stored on your computer become inaccessible. BSOD mainly results from a system crash, driver problem, and hardware failure. And other likely causes are listed below.

  • Software incompatibilities
  • Incompatible versions of DLLs, low-level software running in the Windows kernel
  • Virus attack or malware infection that may cause MBR or system files damaged
  • Boot BCD error
  • Low disk space in C drive
  • Power supply issues
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Why Does My Computer Keep Blue Screen

This article gives a complete tutorial on what a blue screen means, why it appears, how to troubleshoot it, and some practical tips to prevent the computer blue screen of death. Keep reading and find your solution.

why does my computer keep blue screening

When your Windows crashes and stops working with a blue screen, you may ask that does blue screen damage the computer? The answer is NO. The blue screen of death arises because of a computer problem. The computer problem is the cause, and the blue screen is the result.

blue screen of death

Does Blue Screen of Death Delete Files

This is another most concern for many users. Although the blue screen error itself will not delete files, when the question appears, you cannot access the data on your computer. And if the BSOD error is related to system problems or hardware issues, you may face the risk of losing data. Therefore, before fixing the blue screen problem, you should first find a way to restore your computer data.

Can You Recover Files from Blue Screen of Death

Yes, you can recover data from the blue screen of death with the help of professional data recovery software. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard is a top-notch file recovery tool that enables you to recover files from HDD, SSD, USB flash drive, external hard drive, SD card, and other devices in complicated scenarios. For example, system crash, virus attack, hard drive corrupted/damaged, hard drive formatting, partition loss, RAW partition, etc..

How to Recover Files after Blue Screen of Death

Now, let's discuss two ways to recover data after BSOD error by using this proficient EaseUS data recovery tool.

Method 1. Perform Blue Screen Recovery with EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard

Before you make a PC data recovery, you need to do first remove your hard drive from the original computer with the blue screen of death and then connect it to a new computer running normally as a second hard drive. Then, download and install EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard on the computer to recover data from the hard drive.

 Download for Win Recovery Rate 99.7%
 Download for Mac Trustpilot Rating 4.7

Step 1. Select the drive where you lose your data and click "Scan".

select and scan the hard drive

Step 2. Use "Filter" or "Search" to find the lost files when the scan completes.

Preview lost hard drive data

Step 3. Select all the files you want and click "Recover". Then, browse another secure location to save them.

recover data from hard drive

Method 2. BSOD Recovery via EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard with Bootable Media

If you don't want to or don't know how to remove the hard drive, you can still recover data from your problematic computer directly by using EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard with bootable media.

NOTE: If the BSOD is caused by hardware damage, you cannot recover data with bootable media, which can't start your computer either in this case. To recover data, you have to remove your hard drive and use Method 1 to troubleshoot.

Step 1. Create a bootable disk

Launch EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, choose "Crashed PC Recovery" and click "Go to Recover".

choose crashed pc recovery

Select an empty USB to create the bootable drive and click "Create".

Warning: When you create a bootable disk, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard will erase all data saved in the USB drive. Back up important data beforehand. 

create bootable USB

Step 2. Boot your computer from the bootable USB

Connect the bootable disk to the PC that won't boot and change your computer boot sequence in BIOS. For most users, it works well when they restart their computer and press F2 simultaneously to enter BIOS.

Set to boot the PC from "Removable Devices" (bootable USB disk) beyond Hard Drive. Press "F10" to save and exit.

restart from bootable USB

Step 3. Recover data from a crashed system/PC

After booting from EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard bootable disk, select the drive you want to scan to find all your lost files. Preview and recover the files you need to a safe location.

recover lost files

Conclusion: When you have a blue screen issue and cannot access your files, don't panic. You can try EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard or its bootable disk to restore data at a high recovery rate. In addition to the powerful recovery feature, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard is also a JPEG repair tool that supports repairing corrupted JPEG/JPG files for free.

How to Fix Blue Screen of Death Error

After recovering data from the blue screen, it's time for you to fix the error. Rebooting your computer is certainly the first attempt. If you fail, do as what shows in the video tutorial to fix BSOD caused by MBR/system file error, BCD error, or driver issue of hardware.

If the problem remains unsolved when all three approaches have been tried, go on using the following solutions to fix the BSOD error.

1. Use System Restore to undo changes

The BSOD error may occur after you install a new program/hardware, update a driver, or install a Windows update. If so, you can fix the issue by undoing the change you made. You can use System Restore to roll its system software back to a previous state. Or you can roll back the device driver to a version prior to your driver update.

2. Ensure enough space on the C drive

Check that there's enough free space left  Blue Screen of Death and other data corruption issues can happen if there's not enough free space on the drive Windows is installed on. Thus, clear up hard disk space and make sure it is at least 15% of a drive's capacity free at all times.

3. Use EaseUS Partition Master

When you encounter this kind of error, you can ask the EaseUS Partition Master for help. It has a Boot Repair function can fix startup problems with one click. You can download it and follow the detailed instructions below to fix blue screen-related issues.

Free Download 

Windows 11/10/8/7100% Secure

Step 1. Start EaseUS Partition Master after connecting the external drive/USB to your computer, go to "Bootable Media," and click "Create bootable media."

create easeus partition master bootable disk

Step 2. Select an available USB Drive or CD/DVD and click "Create." You can also burn the Windows ISO file to the storage media.

create easeus partition master bootable disk

Step 3. Connect the created bootable drive to the new computer and reboot the computer by pressing and holding F2/Del to enter the BIOS. Then, set the WinPE bootable drive as the boot disk and press F10 to exit.

Step 4. Boot the computer again and enter the WinPE interface. Then, open EaseUS Partition Master and click "Boot Repair" under the "Toolkit" option.

open boot repair

Step 5: Select the system you want to repair and click "Repair."

click  repair

Step 6. Wait a moment, and you will receive an alert that the system has been successfully repaired. Click "OK" to complete the boot repair process.

click ok to complete the repair

4. Use Windows 10 Repair Services

A secure way to repair Windows 10 without data loss is using manual Windows data recovery services. EaseUS's professional technical team can help you solve any system startup errors, including system failure, system blue screen, system black screen, and so on.

Consult with EaseUS data recovery experts for one-on-one manual recovery service. We could offer the following services after FREE diagnosis:

  • Fix Windows boot issues, including BSOD
  • Fix Windows error and configure Windows environment
  • Restore the system when it fails to boot
  • Optimize Windows computer to make it run quickly

5. Scan for virus or malware

As mentioned before, the virus and malware might infect the master boot record and Windows kernel at a low level to cause system instability, so you can start your PC in safe mode and run the antivirus software for a full system scan.

6. Install the latest drivers for hardware

An incorrectly installed or outdated driver can lead to a system crash. Download a reliable tool to manage outdated and missing drivers: EaseUS DriverHandy. And it can also back up and reinstall drives automatically. This may fix BSOD caused by driver problems.

Free Download 

Windows 11/10/8/7100% Secure

It's an easy-to-use tool. You just need to download it and let it scan your computer and then update the drivers to the newest.

update outdated drivers

7. Apply available Windows service packs and updates

Microsoft regularly releases patches and service packs for their operating systems that may contain fixes for BSOD error.

8. Check the system and application logs

You can check the System and Application logs in Event Viewer for errors or warnings that might provide useful clues on the cause of the BSOD. So that you can fix the problem pertinently.

9. Return BIOS to default settings

An overclocked or misconfigured BIOS can cause all sorts of random issues, including BSODs. 

  • Go to C: > Windows > Software Distribution > Download and delete all the files stored in this folder. Also, delete the $Windows.~BT folder located in the root directory of "C:".
  • After deleting these files, reboot your computer. Go to the BIOS (press the F12 or Delete key while booting up) and enable UEFI Boot.
  • Disable all overclocking options for your processor, if you have set it higher than default values.

10. Reinstall Windows

If all the above methods cannot help you solve the Stop Error, you can try resetting Windows or performing a clean install. Make sure that you have backed-up all important data to an external hard drive before doing reinstalling Windows. 

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Updated by Sherly

Sherly joined EaseUS in 2022 and she has always loved writing articles and enjoys the fun they bring. She receives professional training here, focusing on product performance and other relative knowledge. She has written over 200 articles to help people overcome computing issues.

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Written by Tracy King

Tracy became a member of the EaseUS content team in 2013. Being a technical writer for over 10 years, she is enthusiastic about sharing tips to assist readers in resolving complex issues in disk management, file transfer, PC & Mac performance optimization, etc., like an expert.

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