Problem

When attempting to boot a Windows 10 iPC or regular PC that has previously functioned normally, you instead see a Blue Screen of Death. This is typically caused by Windows Updates changing your PC's configuration, but can also be caused by system corruption or other issues.

Solution

The solution is to correct any bad configuration changes Windows Update or other functions may have made. This can sometimes be done with Startup Repair, but Windows Update issues usually require a full System Restore.

Try a Startup Repair first:
  1. Hold F8 as the PC is booting to enter the Windows Recovery Environment (WRE):
    1. If holding F8 isn't working, you can also try booting 3-5 times in quick succession. If Windows detects three or more bad boots, it will automatically enter WRE
  2. Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Repair
    1. You may need to select your Windows account and enter your password before continuing
  3. Once Startup Repair completes, it will say one of two things:
    1. If it says "Startup Repair couldn't repair your PC", shut the PC down and move on to the next section
    2. If it says "Startup Repair repaired your PC", restart the PC to see if you can now boot. If you're still unable to boot, proceed to the next section

If Startup Repair is unable to repair your PC, move on to a System Restore:

A System Restore will only touch system files, not personal files (programs, images, sound files, etc). Restore Points are typically created once a week, or whenever a significant event happens. This could be a software install, or in most cases, a Windows Update.

  1. Hold F8 as the PC is booting to enter the Windows Recovery Environment as before
  2. This time, navigate to Advanced Options > System Restore
  3. Select your account and enter your password
  4. Select a Restore Point prior to the appearance of the Blue Screen of Death
    1. You may need to check the "Show more restore points" box to view earlier restore points
  5. Select Next, and then Finish on the next screen to complete your System Restore.


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