Effective Solutions to Resolve Windows 11 Crashing

Windows 11, the latest version of Microsoft’s operating system, has garnered significant attention due to its revamped user interface and a plethora of new features. However, it’s a common understanding that with more features come more bugs. Users have flooded the Microsoft Community forum with various complaints, error reports, and descriptions of issues they’ve encountered while using Windows 11. In this article, we will explore potential solutions to address the problem of Windows 11 repeatedly crashing.

Check Out: How to Backup Windows 11

Table of Contents

1. Check for Available Windows Updates:

Microsoft regularly releases Windows updates that encompass bug fixes, security patches, and performance improvements. Checking for pending Windows updates is a good starting point to resolve the crashing issue in Windows 11.

Open the Start menu and select Settings.
Within the Settings window, go to Windows Update and click on Check for updates.
If updates are available, click Install all to initiate the update process.

2. Restart Your Computer in Safe Mode:

If your Windows 11 PC is prone to frequent crashes, trying Safe Mode is a recommended step. Safe Mode essentially provides a minimal version of the operating system with limited system resources and can help diagnose issues.

Go to Settings > System > Recovery and select Restart now.
After the restart, choose Troubleshoot, followed by Advanced options, and then Startup Settings.
Once you see the list of options, press the 4 key (or F4) on your keyboard to initiate Safe Mode.

3. Uninstall Recently Added Applications or Drivers:

Newly installed applications or drivers can sometimes lead to compatibility issues and result in problems. If you’ve recently added software or drivers before the onset of issues, consider uninstalling them.

Right-click on the Start button and choose Installed apps.
Scroll through the list of installed applications, select the one you wish to remove, and click the three-dot menu. Then, opt for Uninstall and follow the on-screen instructions.

4. Roll Back to a Recent System Restore Point:

System Restore is a valuable tool that allows you to revert your computer’s configuration to a previous state when it was functioning without issues. This can be an effective way to undo problematic changes.

Type Create a restore point in the Windows search bar and select it from the search results.
In the System Properties window, click on System Restore and follow the on-screen instructions to choose a restore point from a time when your system was stable.

5. Repairing Corrupted System Files

The System File Checker (SFC) tool is a crucial component for maintaining a stable and secure operating system. It scans for and attempts to repair corrupted system files:

Type “cmd” in the Windows search bar.
Right-click on “Command Prompt” in the search results and select “Run as administrator.”
In the Command Prompt window, enter “sfc /scannow” and press Enter.
Allow the scan to run, and Windows will repair any corrupted system files it detects.

6. Utilizing the Reliability Monitor

Windows includes a Reliability Monitor that provides detailed error reporting, which can provide insights into application and system crashes:

Type “reliability” in the Start Menu and press Enter to open the Reliability Monitor.
Review problem reports during the timeframe when crashes started to occur.
Critical events will display the reason for the Windows crash.
You can search for the error code online to find known solutions for identified problems.

7. Inspecting Hardware Components

Faulty or failing hardware components like RAM, CPU, and HDD can potentially lead to Windows crashes. It’s essential to rule out hardware issues:

Run comprehensive diagnostics such as Memtest86+ to identify RAM errors.
Use tools like CrystalDiskInfo to check HDD health and look for reallocated sectors and failures.
Test key components like the GPU, CPU, and RAM using specific apps such as Furmark, Prime95, and Memtest86+.
Visually inspect motherboard capacitors for any signs of bulging or leakage.

8. Adjusting Advanced System Settings

Fine-tuning advanced Windows settings related to performance, resource allocation, and troubleshooting can assist in resolving crashes. These settings include:

Increasing virtual memory size if crashes occur during memory-intensive tasks.
Disabling resource-intensive visual effects like Aero when GPU-related crashes are suspected.
Enabling boot logging to record events during startup for in-depth crash analysis.
Configuring error reporting and debugging options to generate crash dump files.
Modifying page file settings if crash dump analysis indicates page faults.

9. Reviewing Event Viewer Logs

The Windows Event Viewer provides comprehensive logs of system events, including application crashes, errors, and other issues. Analyzing these logs can reveal the causes of crashes:

Type “Event Viewer” in the Windows search bar and select it.
In Event Viewer, navigate to the System and Application logs within Windows Logs.
Examine these logs for errors or warnings, including specific error codes.

10. Running CHKDSK for File System Errors

The CHKDSK command scans your hard drive for file system errors that could potentially result in Windows crashes. Here’s how to use CHKDSK:

Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
Run “chkdsk /f” to scan drive C: (replace C: if necessary).
For a more thorough scan, checking the disk surface for bad sectors, use “chkdsk /r” instead.

11. Monitoring for Overheating

Overheating is a common cause of computer crashes, particularly when components like the CPU and GPU surpass their recommended operating temperatures. To address overheating:

Monitor temperatures in BIOS, HWMonitor, or your system’s thermal management utility during usage.
Ensure that fans are operating correctly, heatsinks are seated securely, and vents are unobstructed.
Consider using an external cooling pad or replacing stock CPU and case fans if necessary.

12. Updating Graphics Drivers

Outdated or problematic graphics drivers are a frequent source of Windows crashes, particularly during activities like gaming or video playback. To resolve this issue, update your GPU drivers:

Right-click on the Start button and choose “Device Manager.”
Expand the “Display adapters” section.
Right-click on your graphics card and select “Update driver.”
Follow the on-screen instructions to search for and install updated drivers.

13. Performing a Clean Install

If all other attempts to resolve issues fail, a clean installation of Windows can often provide a solution. This process involves reinstalling Windows from scratch, so it’s essential to back up all crucial files and data before proceeding:

Create Windows installation media using a USB drive or DVD.
Boot your computer from the installation media.
Follow the on-screen instructions for a custom installation and reinstall Windows after formatting the system drive.

These are some of the key solutions to address Windows 11 crashing. The article suggests additional tips, such as checking hardware components for faults, adjusting advanced system settings, reviewing Event Viewer logs, and more. In extreme cases, a clean installation of Windows may be necessary to resolve persistent problems.

It’s important to note that addressing Windows crashes can be a complex process, so referring to the original article on the Microsoft Official Documentation Website for detailed instructions and additional solutions for Windows 11 crashing is advisable.