BSOD

BSOD stands for Blue Screen of Death, the informal name for a stop error screen shown by Microsoft Windows after an unrecoverable system fault. The screen is blue with white text and reports a stop code (bug check code), and may name a driver, module, or memory address involved in the fault. Windows then halts to prevent further damage, and a restart is required to resume operation.

Stop errors are formalized as bug checks. Windows writes diagnostic data, including a crash dump (memory.dmp) and event log entries, to aid analysis. Most BSODs arise from hardware failures, driver problems, or software that interacts with the kernel in an unsafe way. Common causes include faulty RAM, failing storage devices, overheating, power irregularities, corrupted system files, or recent driver or software updates.

Troubleshooting typically involves noting the stop code, then testing and updating components. Steps include updating or rolling back drivers, removing recently added hardware or software, running hardware diagnostics, testing memory with a RAM test, and checking disk health with CHKDSK or SMART tools. In Safe Mode, you can disable services, review the Event Viewer, or perform system restore or a clean installation if necessary.

Impact and context: A BSOD interrupts normal use and can cause data loss if work has not been saved. In modern Windows versions the frequency has decreased with improved hardware and driver quality, but the blue screen remains a visible indicator of a fatal system fault and a focus of troubleshooting in IT contexts.