How to Fix "Your PC Ran Into a Problem and Needs to Restart" Error in Windows 10

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Encountering the "Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart" error in Windows 10 can be alarming. This error typically triggers a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) and indicates that your computer has encountered a critical issue that requires a restart. The error message is usually accompanied by a stop code that can provide clues about the underlying problem. This guide will help you troubleshoot and resolve this error to restore your system’s stability.
Fix-Your-PC-Ran-Into-a-Problem-and-Needs-To-Restart-Blue-screen-problem-in-Windows-10

1. Restart Your Computer

A simple restart can sometimes resolve temporary glitches that cause the error.

  1. Save Your Work: Ensure all your work is saved and close any open applications.
  2. Restart: Click the Start menu, select the power icon, and choose "Restart."

2. Check for Windows Updates

Keeping Windows up-to-date can fix bugs and security vulnerabilities that may cause the error.

  1. Open Settings: Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Navigate to Update & Security: Click on "Update & Security."
  3. Check for Updates: Click "Check for updates" and install any available updates.
  4. Restart Your Computer: Restart your computer to apply updates.

3. Update Device Drivers

Outdated or corrupt drivers can lead to system errors. Updating drivers can help resolve the issue.

  1. Open Device Manager: Press Windows + X and select "Device Manager."
  2. Update Drivers: Expand the categories and right-click on devices such as "Network adapters," "Graphics adapters," or other hardware components. Select "Update driver" and choose "Search automatically for updated driver software."
  3. Restart Your Computer: After updating drivers, restart your computer.

4. Check for Hardware Issues

Faulty hardware can trigger BSOD errors. Testing your hardware can help identify potential issues.

  1. Run Memory Diagnostic: Press Windows + R, type mdsched.exe, and press Enter. Choose "Restart now and check for problems" to test your RAM.
  2. Test Hard Drive: Use the built-in Check Disk Utility to scan for errors on your hard drive. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:
    chkdsk /f /r
    Follow the prompts and restart your computer to check the disk.

5. Perform a System File Check

Corrupt system files can contribute to the error. Running the System File Checker (SFC) can help repair these files.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Press Windows + X and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin)."
  2. Run SFC Scan: Enter the following command and press Enter:
    sfc /scannow
  3. Wait for Completion: Allow the scan to complete and follow any instructions provided. Restart your computer if needed.

6. Check for Software Conflicts

Conflicting software, especially third-party security programs or system utilities, can cause system errors.

  1. Uninstall Recent Software: If the error started after installing new software, try uninstalling it. Go to "Settings" > "Apps," find the recent software, and select "Uninstall."
  2. Disable Third-Party Antivirus: Temporarily disable any third-party antivirus or firewall software to check if it is causing the issue.

7. Perform a System Restore

If the error started recently, performing a System Restore can revert your system to a previous state before the error began.

  1. Open System Restore: Press Windows + R, type rstrui.exe, and press Enter.
  2. Select a Restore Point: Follow the prompts to choose a restore point from before the error started and restore your system.

8. Check BIOS/UEFI Settings

Incorrect BIOS/UEFI settings can cause system instability. Ensure your settings are correctly configured.

  1. Enter BIOS/UEFI: Restart your computer and press the key to enter BIOS/UEFI (usually F2, Del, or Esc).
  2. Check Settings: Verify settings related to your hardware components, such as CPU and RAM. Reset BIOS/UEFI settings to default if unsure.
  3. Save and Exit: Save any changes and exit BIOS/UEFI. Restart your computer.

9. Run Hardware Diagnostics

Running diagnostics tools can help identify and troubleshoot hardware issues.

  1. Use Manufacturer Tools: Many hardware manufacturers provide diagnostic tools (e.g., Dell SupportAssist, HP Hardware Diagnostics). Run these tools to check for hardware problems.
  2. Test Components Individually: If possible, test individual components like RAM or GPU to identify faulty parts.

10. Reset Windows

If none of the previous solutions work, performing a reset can resolve deeper system issues.

  1. Open Settings: Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Navigate to Update & Security: Click on "Update & Security."
  3. Reset This PC: Select "Recovery" and then "Get started" under "Reset this PC."
  4. Choose an Option: Select "Keep my files" to preserve your personal files or "Remove everything" for a complete reset.

Conclusion

The "Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart" error can be disruptive, but the troubleshooting steps outlined can help you identify and resolve the issue. Regular system maintenance, driver updates, and hardware checks are crucial to maintaining system stability. If the problem persists despite these efforts, seeking assistance from a professional technician or contacting Microsoft Support may be necessary for further diagnosis and resolution.

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