Blue screen or the PC restarts on its own? Safe checks

Five safe checks before a lab diagnosis

1. Write down what happened just before. A Windows update, a graphics driver, a new program, or a BIOS change. If the blue screen started that same day, roll back the last update or boot Safe Mode and remove the new driver. Don’t install random “driver cleaners” from the web.

2. See whether it only happens under load. A restart in a game or while editing video, with the fans loud, is often heat or the power supply - not a “blue screen virus”. Don’t push a long session until it’s checked.

3. Don’t run ten repair tools at once. Each one rewrites system files. A stop code from the screen, or a photo, is enough. Event Viewer helps if you already use it - don’t delete logs at random.

4. Check things plugged in. A bad USB stick, a loose display cable, or memory that was moved recently can drop the system. If you already opened the case: unplug from the wall, touch the case metal, and make sure the RAM is fully seated. Don’t pull parts “just to look”.

5. Stop taking it apart. A motherboard swap, shorting pins, or flashing a BIOS from an unknown file turns a small fault into a dead board. If the blue screen returns after the rollback, or the PC never finishes booting, bring it in.