Microsoft has released a detailed guide to help users troubleshoot and resolve the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors on Windows 10 and Windows 11. The guide, updated on May 11, 2025, follows a series of high-profile system crashes, including the global outage in July 2024 caused by a faulty CrowdStrike update that led to widespread BSODs with error codes 0x50 and 0x7E.
BSODs, or stop errors, happen when Windows faces a serious system failure and shuts down to protect the data and hardware. The screen typically displays the message, “Windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer,” along with a specific error code that helps pinpoint the issue.
How to Troubleshoot Stop Errors
The guide breaks troubleshooting into basic and advanced steps. It focuses on common error codes, including PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA (0x00000050), which suggests invalid memory access. Microsoft reports that around 75% of stop errors are due to faulty drivers, making driver checks a key part of the solution.
For basic troubleshooting, Microsoft advises users to remove any recently added hardware that could be causing the issue. Then, users should boot into Safe Mode by holding the Shift key while selecting Power > Restart, followed by Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings. From there, users can check Device Manager for hardware problems indicated by warning signs like exclamation marks, which often require updated drivers.
The guide also stresses the importance of having enough free disk space, recommending 10-15% to ensure smooth system operation. Users are advised to install the latest Windows updates and use System Restore if issues persist.
Advanced Troubleshooting Techniques
For more complex issues, the guide recommends using the Event Viewer to identify errors that occurred during the crash. It also suggests running Windows Memory Diagnostics, accessible by typing “Memory” in the search box. IT professionals can use WinDbg to analyze memory dumps with the command “!analyze -v” to identify the exact cause of the failure.
Driver Verifier, a tool designed to detect driver-related issues, is also highlighted. However, the guide warns that it can slow down the system due to high CPU usage. Microsoft suggests testing drivers in small groups of 10-20 instead of all at once.
Additionally, the guide covers hardware-specific checks, such as looking for overheating components and running disk diagnostics using the “chkdsk” command.
Lessons Learned from Past Outages
The guide also references the July 2024 outage triggered by a faulty CrowdStrike update, which caused widespread BSODs with error codes like 0x50 and 0x7E. Microsoft’s updated guide includes insights from this incident, highlighting the need for regular updates and effective driver management to prevent similar issues in the future.
