Steps to fix the blue screen error on Windows 11 startup

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Overview:

The Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) on startup in Windows 11 can occur due to various hardware or software-related issues. Fixing the issue can be as simple as running Startup Repair, updating drivers, or rebuilding the Boot Configuration Data (BCD). Learn how to troubleshoot this error and restore system stability. If your data becomes inaccessible due to the error, professional data recovery services are available to recover data from affected systems.

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Encountering a blue screen error during startup can signal a significant problem with your system. The BSoD on startup often arises from hardware failures, corrupted drivers, or incompatible applications. In some severe cases, the system may shut down, restart repeatedly, or get stuck in a boot loop. The absence of an error code may further complicate troubleshooting.

Don’t worry, though! This article will guide you through possible causes and solutions for the Windows 11 startup blue screen error.

What causes blue screen on startup error?

Common causes of blue screen on startup

Several factors could trigger a BSoD during startup in Windows 11. Here are the most common ones:

• Faulty or malfunctioning external devices
• Corrupted or damaged system files
• Boot Configuration Data (BCD) corruption
• Problematic third-party applications
• Outdated or incompatible device drivers
• Malware infections

Regardless of the cause, you can resolve the issue using the troubleshooting methods outlined below.

Recover your data before you proceed

A startup blue screen error may prevent access to your important files. Before applying any fixes, it’s crucial to ensure that your data is safe. If you’re facing issues accessing your data due to a BSoD-affected system, Medha Cloud offers professional data recovery solutions. Our team can assist you in recovering lost files and restoring your system to a functional state.

Solve Windows 11 blue screen on startup error

We’ve listed the most recommended methods for fixing Windows 11 Blue Screen on Startup Error. Let’s try them all one by one. 

1. Disconnect external devices

Start by disconnecting all external peripherals, such as USB drives, printers, and other devices. Faulty external devices can cause driver-related issues, resulting in a BSoD.

2. Run startup repair

Windows often runs Startup Repair automatically to diagnose and fix startup issues. You can also run it manually:

1. Turn off your system and reboot it.
2. As the brand logo appears, turn off the system again.
3. Repeat this process three times to boot into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
4. Navigate to Advanced options > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.

3. Boot in safe mode with networking

If the Startup Repair tool doesn’t solve the issue, see if you can boot your PC in Safe Mode with Networking. Safe Mode with networking adds the network drivers and services you’ll need to access the internet and other computers on the network. 

To start PC in Safe Mode with Networking, follow the given steps:

• Boot into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) by following the above steps. 
• Select Advanced options > Troubleshoot > Advanced options. 
• Select Startup Settings > Restart.

• The system will reboot into Startup Settings; select F5 to start the computer in Safe Mode with Networking.

4. Update disk drivers

If you recently installed any new device driver on your system and experienced the BSOD error, the driver might be buggy or corrupted. Update the device driver and download the latest driver software to resolve the error in this case: 

• Go to Device Manager by pressing Windows + X.

• Now, go to the Disk Drives category in the Device Manager screen.
• Expand the Disk Drives category and right-click on the newly installed drive. 
• Click Update driver from the available options. 

• Select Search automatically for drivers on the following prompt.

If Windows finds the latest driver for the device, download it. Restart the system and see if the error persists.   

5. Uninstall third-party applications

Sometimes, third-party applications can also cause a computer blue screen on startup. It happens when the system can’t find the program files related to that application or the app files are buggy or corrupted. In such a case, you can remove/uninstall the third-party application from your system using the following steps:

• Open Settings (Windows + I), go to Apps > Apps & features. 
• Scroll down and locate the third-party app you installed recently.
• Click on it and select Uninstall > Uninstall.

• Click ‘Yes’ when prompted to confirm your action.
• Once the app is uninstalled, reboot your system to see if the error is gone.

6. Run a malware scan

A Windows 11 blue screen on startup can also occur if your system is infected with viruses or malware. You can run a malware scan using Windows Defender antivirus software. Here are the steps to do so:

• Open Settings (Windows + I), go to Update & Security, and then click Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.

• On the following prompt, locate Current threats and select Scan options.
• Further, select Microsoft Defender Offline scan, and then click Scan now.
• The system will restart, and Microsoft Defender Offline will load and perform a quick scan in the recovery environment. 
• When the scan is finished, the system will restart automatically. Check if the blue screen on PC startup error is gone. 

If you have a reliable third-party antivirus program, such as Kaspersky or Norton, etc., run that for malware check.

7. Rebuild the Boot Configuration Data (BCD)

A computer blue screen on startup may also appear due to corrupt or damaged BCD. Try rebuilding the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) to solve the BSoD error on your Windows 11 system using the following steps:

• Go to Windows Search (Windows + S), type cmd, and choose Run as administrator when you see the results.

• In the cmd window, type the following commands one by one and hit Enter after each command.

bootrec /fixmbr

bootrec /fixboot

bootrec /scanos

bootrec /rebuildbcd

• Once the process is done, see if there are any further instructions to follow. 
• After completing the process, exit the command prompt and restart your system to see if the blue screen on PC startup error is gone. 

8. Perform a system restore

If the error persists, consider rolling your system back to a previous restore point using System Restore. This can undo recent changes and restore your system to a working state.

9. Factory reset your system

Reset your Windows system to factory settings to solve the Windows 11 blue screen on startup error. This will return your system to its default configurations, undoing all the changes or settings. This will fix any startup issues caused by outdated drivers or faulty applications. To reset Windows 11, follow the given steps:

• Press Windows + S to open Windows Search, and type Reset this PC. When you see the result, click Open.

• Click Reset PC on the following prompt.

• Click Remove everything on the following prompt.

• Choose either Cloud download or Local reinstall to reset Windows 11.
• Next, click on Change settings in the Additional settings dialog box. 

• Toggle on the switches given against the options you want and click Confirm. 

• Click Next > Reset on the Ready to reset this PC. 

Let the process complete, and reboot your system once it is done. Finally, check if your system boots correctly without throwing any errors. 

10. Reinstall windows 

If you can’t solve the problem even after applying all the above methods, you’re left with no option but to reinstall Windows. Perform a clean installation to erase the hard drive carrying the previous OS. Refer to this Microsoft guide to clean install Windows 11 and overcome the issue. 

Keep your system Error-Free

To avoid future blue screen errors, consider the following maintenance tips:

• Regularly clean up unnecessary files and programs.
• Keep your OS and drivers updated.
• Monitor your system’s performance and resolve minor issues early.

Conclusion: Trust Medha Cloud for seamless IT solutions

Blue screen errors can be frustrating, especially when they occur at startup. By following the above steps, you can troubleshoot and resolve Windows 11 BSoD errors. If you’re looking for a more proactive approach to prevent such errors or need expert IT support, Medha Cloud is here to help. At Medha Cloud, we specialize in providing reliable, comprehensive IT solutions tailored to your business needs. Whether it’s regular system maintenance, network support, or cloud services, we’ve got you covered.