Windows 11 Keeps Crashing? Ultimate Guide to Fix It

Experiencing frequent crashes on Windows 11 can be frustrating. This guide will help you troubleshoot and resolve the issue effectively.

What Can I Do If Windows 11 Keeps Crashing?​

1. Check for Updates​

• Open Settings: Click on the Start Menu and select the gear icon to open Settings.
• Go to Update & Security: Navigate to this option within the Settings menu.
• Tap on Windows Update: You'll find this in the sidebar.
• Check for Updates: Click on Check for updates and let Windows search for any available updates.
• Download and Install Updates: If updates are available, download and install them. Your PC might restart automatically.

Checking for updates ensures that your Windows 11 system has the latest patches and improvements, which can resolve many crash-related issues.

2. Check for Malware​

• Open System Tray: Click on the arrow next to your system clock.
• Right-click on Windows Defender Icon: Choose the Run a quick scan option.
• Let it Scan Your PC: Wait for the scan to complete.
• Restart Your Computer: After the scan is done, restart your PC to make sure the changes take effect.

Running a malware scan can help identify and remove malicious software that might be causing your system to crash.

3. Run DISM and SFC Scan​

SFC Scan:​

• Open Start Menu: Type "CMD" or "Windows Terminal".
• Run as Administrator: Right-click and select Run as administrator.
• Enter Command: Type SFC /Scannow and press Enter.
• Wait for the Scan to Finish: This might take a few minutes.

DISM Scan:​

• Open CMD as Administrator: As shown above.
• Enter Command: Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter.
• Wait for the Scan to Complete: Follow any additional on-screen prompts if necessary.

Running these scans can help repair corrupted or missing system files, potentially resolving the crashes.

4. Perform a Clean Boot​

• Open Task Manager: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc or right-click the taskbar and choose Task Manager.
• Go to Startup Tab: Disable all items by right-clicking and selecting Disable.
• Open System Configuration: Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
• Go to Services Tab: Check Hide all Microsoft services and then click Disable all.
• Restart Your PC: Apply the changes and restart your computer.

A clean boot starts Windows with minimal drivers and startup programs, which can help identify if background services are causing the crashes.

5. Fix Overheating Issues​

• Check Temperatures: Use tools like HWiNFO64 or AMD/NVIDIA software to monitor your system temperatures.
• Clean Your PC: Use an air blower to remove dust.
• Replace Thermal Paste and Pads: Apply new thermal paste to your CPU/GPU and replace thermal pads if needed.
• Ensure Proper Ventilation: Make sure your PC is in a well-ventilated space.

Overheating can cause your system to crash. Keeping your PC cool can prevent these issues.

6. Update Graphics Driver​

• Open AMD/NVIDIA/Intel Software: Right-click on your desktop or open the software from the system tray.
• Check for Updates: Navigate to the settings or update section and click Check for Updates.
• Download and Install: Follow prompts to download and install the latest drivers.
• Restart Your PC: After installation, restart your computer.

Updating your graphics driver can resolve crashes related to display and video rendering.

7. Check for issues with RAM and storage drive​

• Press Windows + R to launch the Run command.
• Type mdsched.exe in the text field and click OK to launch the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool.
• Click on Restart now and check for problems to run the scan.

If there’s an issue with your RAM, you might need to replace it.

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8. Check Crash Log​

• Open Control Panel: Search and open Control Panel from the Start Menu.
• Navigate to System and Security: Click on this option.
• Open Security and Maintenance: Click here to find the Reliability Monitor.
• Check Critical Events: Analyze the logs for crashes and look for recurring issues.

Knowing what causes the crashes can help you pinpoint the exact problem and address it directly.

9. Reset PC to Factory Settings​

• Open Settings: Go to the Start Menu and select Settings.
• Navigate to Recovery: You'll find this in the sidebar.
• Tap Get Started Under Reset this PC: Choose this option.
• Select Keep My Files: This will keep your personal files but reset system settings and apps.
• Follow Prompts to Complete: Wait for the process to finish, which may take around 30 minutes.

Factory resetting your PC can resolve persistent issues by starting fresh, but make sure to back up your data first.

Back Up Your Windows 11 PC to Prevent Data Loss​

• Download EaseUS Todo Backup: Install the software from the official website.
• Select Backup Contents: Choose OS from the categories.
• Select Backup Destination: Choose a local drive or NAS.
• Start the Backup Process: Follow prompts to complete.

Regular backups ensure you don't lose important data when troubleshooting crashes.