Fix Windows 10 Crashing Randomly or at Startup

If your Windows 10 PC keeps crashing randomly or won’t get past the boot screen, this guide walks you through the most common causes and fixes, from quick software checks to deeper hardware diagnostics. You’ll start with safe, non-destructive steps and move to more advanced ones only if needed.

What You’ll Need

Windows 10 installation media (USB or DVD) or access to the Recovery Environment (WinRE)
Another working computer to download tools if needed
A screwdriver if you plan to reseat hardware

Step-by-Step

Boot into Safe Mode. If Windows starts but crashes, hold Shift while clicking Restart. If it won’t boot at all, interrupt startup three times (power off during the Windows logo) to trigger WinRE. Then go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart, and press 4 or F4 for Safe Mode. If it boots fine in Safe Mode, a driver or startup program is likely the culprit.
Run the built-in troubleshooters. In Safe Mode, open Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot. Run the Blue Screen, Hardware and Devices, and Power troubleshooters. They can auto-detect and fix common issues.
Check for Windows updates. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for updates. Install all pending updates, including driver updates. Reboot and see if the crashes persist.
Update or roll back drivers. Open Device Manager (right-click Start). Expand Display adapters, Network adapters, and other categories. Right-click each device and select Update driver. If a recent driver update caused the issue, right-click and go to Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver.
Run System File Checker and DISM. Open Command Prompt as Administrator (type “cmd” in Start, right-click, Run as administrator). Run sfc /scannow and wait for it to finish. Then run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. Reboot after both.
Check for malware. Run a full scan with Windows Defender (Virus & threat protection > Scan options > Full scan). Malware can cause random crashes and boot loops.
Disable fast startup. Open Control Panel > Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do > Change settings that are currently unavailable, then uncheck “Turn on fast startup” and save. This resolves many startup crashes.
Test your RAM. Type “Windows Memory Diagnostic” in Start and run it. It will restart and test memory. If errors appear, replace the faulty RAM stick.
Check disk health. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run chkdsk /f /r. You’ll need to restart. This checks for bad sectors and file system errors.
Check temperatures and hardware. Use a free tool like HWMonitor to see if your CPU or GPU is overheating. Clean dust from fans and heatsinks. Also ensure all cables and RAM sticks are firmly seated.
Perform a clean boot. Type msconfig in Start, go to Services, check “Hide all Microsoft services”, click Disable all, then go to Startup and open Task Manager to disable all startup items. Restart. If no crash, re-enable services one by one to find the culprit.
Reset Windows. If nothing else works, go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC. Choose “Keep my files” to reinstall Windows without losing personal data. This fixes deep system corruption.

Common Mistakes

Skipping Safe Mode: Jumping straight to a reset without testing Safe Mode can lose time and data.
Ignoring overheating: A dusty CPU fan can cause random shutdowns that look like crashes.
Using third-party driver updaters: These often install wrong or beta drivers that worsen instability.
Not checking event logs: The Event Viewer (under Windows Logs > System) often shows the exact error code or driver that caused the crash.

Tips

Keep your system clean: uninstall unused apps, especially those that add background services.
Use a surge protector to prevent power fluctuations that can corrupt system files.
If you overclock your CPU or GPU, revert to stock speeds to test stability.
Regularly update your BIOS/UEFI from the manufacturer’s website, but only if you’re comfortable—a bad flash can brick the system.

Troubleshooting

If Safe Mode also crashes: The problem is likely hardware (RAM, hard drive, or overheating). Run the memory diagnostic and chkdsk first. If those pass, test with a different power supply or GPU if available.

If you get a Blue Screen with an error code: Note the code (e.g., CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED, MEMORY_MANAGEMENT, VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE). Search for that specific code online—it often points to a specific driver or component.

If Windows won’t even reach Safe Mode: Use your installation media to boot from it. Select “Repair your computer” > Troubleshoot > Startup Repair. If that fails, use the Command Prompt from the media to run bootrec /fixmbr, bootrec /fixboot, and bootrec /rebuildbcd.

If the problem started after a recent Windows update: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Go back to the previous version of Windows 10 (if available within 10 days).

If you suspect a specific app: Uninstall it in Safe Mode and see if the crashes stop. Reinstall the latest version from the official website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does my PC crash only when playing games?
A: Likely GPU overheating, outdated graphics drivers, or an insufficient power supply. Monitor temperatures and update drivers.

Q: Can a failing hard drive cause random crashes?
A: Yes. A failing drive can cause file corruption, blue screens, and boot failures. Run chkdsk and check SMART status with tools like CrystalDiskInfo.

Q: I get a “Your PC ran into a problem” error on every boot. What now?
A: That’s a generic BSOD. Try the Startup Repair first, then Safe Mode. If neither works, reset Windows or reinstall from installation media.

Q: Is it safe to use third-party registry cleaners?
A: No. They can delete critical entries and cause more crashes. Windows has built-in tools for registry issues; avoid cleaners.

Q: How do I know if a driver is causing the crash?
A: Open Event Viewer, go to Windows Logs > System, and look for red error events with source “BugCheck”. The event details often list the faulty driver file.

Q: Will resetting Windows delete my files?
A: If you choose “Keep my files”, it removes apps and settings but keeps personal files. However, it’s always wise to back up important data before any major repair.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

More in this bed

The whole Tech How-To bed →