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Blue screen or unexpected restart

The screen turns blue with an error message · The computer restarts without warning · A kernel panic or crash report appears

ComputerDifficulty 3/335 minMedium risk

Applies to: Windows, Mac, Other

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Safety note

Do not edit the registry, BIOS, or system firmware while troubleshooting.

Initial troubleshooting steps

Save your work immediately and let the computer restart if it needs to.
Note any error code or message shown before the restart.
Check for and install pending operating-system updates.
Restart the computer in safe mode only if you are comfortable doing so and IT approves.
Contact IT with the error code if the problem keeps happening.

Escalate if needed

Repeated crashes can indicate hardware or driver faults; escalate to IT.