Blue screen, or the computer keeps restarting

A blue screen means Windows hit a problem it couldn't recover from. One now and then is usually nothing. Several a week, or a restart loop, means something needs fixing.

First, protect your files

If the computer still starts, back up anything important now. Some causes of blue screens, like a failing drive, get worse.

Write down the stop code

The blue screen shows a stop code (for example MEMORY_MANAGEMENT or CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED). It points to where to look.

Think about what changed

• A recent Windows update or driver update
• New hardware or a new program
• A power cut or a knock

Try this

• Undo the recent change: uninstall the new program or driver, or use System Restore to go back to before it
• If Windows can't start, let "Automatic repair" run, then try Advanced options, Startup Repair
• Run Windows Memory Diagnostic (search for it in the Start menu) to check the memory

Still happening? We test the drive, memory and other parts to find the real cause, rather than reinstalling and hoping.

Other common problems

• Your e-mails are landing in customers' spam
• Internet down? How to tell if it's you or your provider
• Mac running slow, or won't start
• Locked out of an account, or forgot the password
• All common problems