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How to Recover Your Computer from Blue Screen Issues

Is your Dell computer crashing to a blue screen during use? There are many potential causes for this problem; out-of-date drivers or software, corrupt system files, or faulty hardware are only a few.

    Figure 1: Illustration of a blue screen or STOP error in Windows.Figure 1: Illustration of a blue screen or STOP error in Windows.


    Follow these quick steps to recover your Dell computer from a blue screen-related issue.

    Fix 1: Update drivers and BIOS

    Dell recommends updating device drivers and BIOS as normal maintenance for your device. These updates contain enhancements or changes that keep your device current and compatible with your hardware and software, and can increase stability.

    Learn how to download and install the latest BIOS update on your Dell computer.

    Learn how to download and install Dell drivers.

    Fix 2: Boot with minimal devices

    Faulty hardware devices can cause the computer to crash to a blue screen. To rule out external devices, start the computer using the minimal hardware required to boot into Windows.

    1. Turn off the computer.
    2. Disconnect all devices such as USB drives, printers, webcams, media cards (SD/xD), except the keyboard and mouse.
    3. Turn on the computer and use normally to see if the problem persists.

    Fix 3: Perform a hard reset

    A hard reset helps drain static electricity that may be causing the blue screen issue. To perform a hard reset, follow these steps.

    1. Turn off the computer. Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds.
    2. Disconnect the power cable (for desktop computers), or disconnect the AC adapter and remove the battery (for Dell laptops with removable battery).
      NOTE: For Dell laptops that have a nonremovable battery, learn how to reset real time clock (RTC) to recover your Dell laptop. For Dell laptops with removable batteries, see the user guide of your Dell laptop for step-by-step instructions to safely remove the battery.
      NOTE: On select Dell Latitude laptops, learn how to use forced ePSA to recover from a POST or boot failure.
    3. Disconnect all devices such as USB drives, printers, webcams, media cards (SD/xD), except the keyboard and mouse.
    4. Press and hold the power button for 15 to 20 seconds to drain the residual power.
      Figure 2: Illustration of power button on Dell computerFigure 2: Illustration of power button on Dell computer
    5. Connect the power cable (for desktop computers) or the AC adapter and battery (for laptops).
    6. Turn on the computer.

    Fix 4: Run a hardware diagnostic to identify a potential hardware issue

    A potential hardware failure with the system memory (RAM) or system board (motherboard) can cause a POST issue. Running a preboot diagnostics helps identify potential hardware issues that may be causing the startup issue.
    1. Turn on your computer.
    2. At the Dell logo, press the F12 key several times until the One Time Boot Menu appears.
    3. On the boot menu screen, select the Diagnostics option and press Enter.
      Fix 4: Run a hardware diagnostic to identify a potential hardware issueFigure 3: UEFI boot menu
    4. The diagnostic test begins.
      The diagnostic test begins.Figure 4: Dell ePSA diagnostics
      NOTE: The preboot diagnostic interface may vary on your Dell computer, see the user guide of your Dell computer for product-specific information.
      NOTE: The mouse is not active during testing.
      NOTE: On Dell laptops, user response is required during the LCD test.
    5. If there are any issues, error codes are displayed. Make a note of the error code, validation code, and service tag, and then look up the error code.

    Fix 5: Repair missing or corrupted Windows system files

    The System File Checker and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM.exe) are command-line tools to scan Windows and repair missing or corrupt system files.

    1. Restart the computer and boot into Windows. If the computer cannot boot into Windows, try to boot into safe mode with networking.
    2. Click Start and search for Command Prompt or cmd.
    3. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
    4. At the command prompt, type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Watch this video to learn how to run Windows Startup Repair.
    5. The System File Checker will scan and verify the operating system files. Do not close the command prompt window until the verification is 100% complete.
    6. Restart the computer and check if the issue is resolved.
    7. If the issue is not resolved, repeat steps 1 and 2.
    8. At the command prompt, type DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth and press Enter.
      NOTE: The DISM tool requires an active internet connection. Connect an ethernet (RJ45) cable directly from the router to the computer. Safe mode with networking does not support wireless (Wi-Fi) internet connection.
    9. The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool will connect to Windows Update online to download and replace missing or corrupted Windows system files (if applicable).
    10. After the repair process is complete, restart the computer.

    Fix 6: Repair or reset the computer using SupportAssist OS Recovery

    When your computer is unable to boot to the operating system even after repeated attempts, it automatically starts SupportAssist OS Recovery on supported Dell computers. This recovery environment enables you to diagnose hardware issues, repair your computer, back up your files, or restore your computer to factory defaults.

    Read more about how to restore your Dell computer using SupportAssist OS Recovery.

    Watch this video to learn how to use SupportAssist OS Recovery on supported Dell computers.

    If the blue screen issue persists, try additional troubleshooting steps if your Dell computer does not boot into Windows

    Video Resources

    Load BIOS to defaults

    To reset BIOS to its default settings on a Dell computer, restart the computer and press the "F2" key repeatedly at the Dell logo screen to enter BIOS. Then, click on "Restore Settings", select "OK", and follow the on-screen instructions.
    How to Perform an OS System Restore (With Data Backup)

    This video explains how to perform an OS system restore with data backup using the "SupportAssist OS Recovery Tool." The steps include selecting "Restore System," choosing either "Local Restore" or "Cloud Restore," backing up data if necessary, selecting a storage device, confirming the device, selecting the reason for the restore, and clicking "Next" to begin the restore process. Once completed, click "Finish."