Fixing a blue screen error in Windows 10 using Command Prompt isn’t as daunting as it seems. By following a few straightforward steps, you can identify and resolve the issue, restoring your computer to normal operation. Let’s dive in and fix that error!
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Fix Blue Screen Error in Windows 10 Using Command Prompt
In this section, we’ll walk through the steps to fix a blue screen error using the Command Prompt. We’ll run built-in Windows utility tools to identify and fix the underlying issues causing the error.
Step 1: Boot into Safe Mode
To start the repair process, you need to boot your computer into Safe Mode.
Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode in Windows 10 that starts your computer with a minimal set of drivers and services. If Windows boots normally, it means a third-party software or driver is the likely culprit for the blue screen error.
Step 2: Open Command Prompt as Administrator
Once in Safe Mode, open the Command Prompt with administrative privileges.
Press Win + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin).” Running as an administrator ensures you have the necessary permissions to execute the required commands.
Step 3: Use the System File Checker Tool
Type sfc /scannow and press Enter to start the System File Checker tool.
This tool will scan all protected system files and replace corrupted files with a cached copy located in a compressed folder at C:WindowsSystem32dllcache. This process might take some time, so be patient.
Step 4: Run the DISM Tool
Next, run the Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM) by typing DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and pressing Enter.
The DISM tool will scan and repair potential corruptions in the Windows image. This step can also take a while, but it is crucial for ensuring your system files are intact.
Step 5: Reboot Your Computer
After the scans are complete, reboot your computer normally.
Restarting will apply the changes made during the SFC and DISM scans. If the blue screen error was due to corrupted system files, it should now be resolved.
Once you’ve completed these actions, your computer should boot without the blue screen error. If the issue persists, additional troubleshooting might be required.
Tips: How to Fix Blue Screen Error in Windows 10 Using Command Prompt
- Check for Windows Updates: Ensure your system is up to date, as Microsoft frequently releases patches that fix known issues.
- Update Drivers: Outdated drivers can cause blue screen errors. Use Device Manager to check for updates.
- Run a Memory Check: Use the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool to check for memory issues.
- Check Hard Drive Health: Use
chkdsk /fin Command Prompt to check for and fix hard drive errors. - Back Up Your Data: Always back up important files regularly to avoid data loss.
Frequently Asked Questions: How to Fix Blue Screen Error in Windows 10 Using Command Prompt
What is Safe Mode?
Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode in Windows that starts your computer with only essential services and drivers, helping to troubleshoot issues.
How do I know if SFC found and repaired issues?
After running sfc /scannow, the Command Prompt will display a message indicating whether or not issues were found and repaired.
What should I do if the DISM tool fails?
If DISM fails, try running the command again. If it still fails, you may need to use the Windows installation media for repairs.
Can I use these steps to fix other errors?
Yes, SFC and DISM are versatile tools that can fix various system file issues, not just blue screen errors.
Do I need to back up my files before running these tools?
While these steps generally don’t affect personal files, it’s always a good idea to back up important data before making system changes.
Summary
- Boot into Safe Mode.
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Use the System File Checker Tool.
- Run the DISM Tool.
- Reboot your computer.
Conclusion
Dealing with a blue screen error in Windows 10 can be frustrating, but using the Command Prompt to run tools like SFC and DISM can often resolve the issue. These steps help repair corrupted system files, paving the way for a smoother computing experience.
If you’ve followed the steps and still face issues, it may be time to consult a professional or dive deeper into specific drivers and hardware components. Always ensure your system and drivers are updated, and don’t forget to back up your data regularly.
Hopefully, this guide helps you get back on track without that dreaded blue screen. If you found this information useful, feel free to share it with others who might benefit. Happy computing!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.