How do you update drivers and software to prevent blue screen of death errors?

1 Check for Windows updates

The first thing you should do is make sure your Windows system is up to date. Windows updates can improve the stability and security of your computer, as well as fix any bugs or compatibility issues that might cause BSOD errors. To check for Windows updates, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click on Check for updates. If there are any available updates, install them and restart your computer.

2 Update your drivers

Drivers are software that allow your hardware devices to communicate with your operating system. Outdated, corrupted, or incompatible drivers can cause BSOD errors, especially if they affect critical components like your graphics card, sound card, or network adapter. To update your drivers, you can use the Device Manager tool in Windows. To access it, press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager from the menu. Then, expand the categories of devices you want to update, right-click on each device, and select Update driver. Choose the option to search automatically for updated driver software and follow the instructions. Alternatively, you can download the latest drivers from the manufacturer's website and install them manually.

3 Uninstall unwanted software

Sometimes, BSOD errors can be caused by software that conflicts with your system or uses too much resources. For example, some antivirus programs, system utilities, or games might interfere with your Windows processes or drivers. To avoid this, you should uninstall any software that you don't need or use anymore. To uninstall software, go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features and find the software you want to remove. Click on it and select Uninstall. Follow the prompts to complete the process and restart your computer.

4 Scan for malware

Malware is malicious software that can harm your computer or steal your data. Some malware can also cause BSOD errors by infecting your system files, drivers, or registry. To protect your computer from malware, you should use a reliable antivirus program and scan your system regularly. You can also use Windows Defender, the built-in security tool in Windows. To scan your system with Windows Defender, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security and click on Virus & threat protection. Then, click on Scan options and choose a full scan or a custom scan. Wait for the scan to finish and remove any threats found.

5 Clean your registry

The registry is a database that stores settings and information for your Windows system and applications. Sometimes, the registry can become cluttered, corrupted, or invalid due to various reasons, such as installing or uninstalling software, changing hardware, or malware infection. This can lead to BSOD errors, as well as performance issues and other problems. To clean your registry, you can use a reputable registry cleaner program that can scan, repair, and optimize your registry. However, you should be careful when using such programs, as they can also cause damage if used incorrectly. Always backup your registry before making any changes and follow the instructions carefully.

6 Test your hardware

If none of the above steps solve your BSOD errors, you might have a hardware problem that requires professional attention. For example, your memory, hard drive, or motherboard might be faulty, damaged, or overheating. To test your hardware, you can use some built-in tools in Windows, such as the Memory Diagnostic Tool or the Disk Check Tool. To access them, type "memory" or "disk" in the search box and select the appropriate option. Follow the prompts to run the tests and see if there are any errors. If there are, you should contact a qualified technician or replace the faulty hardware.

7 Here’s what else to consider

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