You do not need an error code to begin. Pick the screen or behavior that matches your PC, then collect the details that narrow the next step.
Protect your files first
Back up important files when possible. If the drive is encrypted, locate the BitLocker recovery key before recovery changes. Stop if storage appears to be failing or this is a work or school managed PC.
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Start with what you saw
Blue Screen After Windows Update: Safe First ChecksPC Blue Screen While Gaming: GPU, RAM & Driver ChecksBlack Screen With Cursor in Windows: What to CheckBlack Screen With a Stop Code on Windows 11Windows 11 Automatic Repair Loop: File-Safe OptionsWindows Stuck on Restarting: What to Record FirstPC Randomly Shuts Down: Event 41 and Next ChecksWindows Wi-Fi Disconnects: Driver and Network ChecksPC Freezes Then Restarts: Logs, Code, and SafetyWindows Won’t Boot: Choose Recovery Without Losing FilesPreparing Automatic Repair Stuck: Recovery DecisionsStartup Repair Couldn’t Repair Your PC: Next StepsBlack Screen Before Login: Display or Startup?Black Screen After Sign-In: What Still Works?Windows Stuck on Logo: Boot Path ChecksPC Turns On but No Display: First ChecksWindows Crashes After Sleep: Driver Power ChecksWindows Crashes During Shutdown: What to NoteBlue Screen on Wake: Sleep and Driver EvidenceApps Freeze After Windows Update: Narrow the ScopeGame Crashes at Launch: App or System Error?GPU Driver Timeout: Display Evidence and Safe ChecksUSB Device Not Recognized: Port and Code ChecksWi-Fi Adapter Disappeared: Device Manager StepsBluetooth Missing in Windows: Adapter ChecksExternal Monitor Black Screen: Check the Display PathWindows RAM Errors: What a Memory Test Can Tell YouDisk Read Issues in Windows: Protect Data FirstSSD Not Detected: Firmware or Windows?File System Corruption: Safe InvestigationBitLocker Recovery Screen: Find the Right KeyCan’t Sign In After Update: Preserve Account AccessSecure Boot Error: Check Device and Update ContextWindows Hello Error: Account and Device ChecksWindows 11 Blue Screen on Startup: First DecisionsWindows 11 Blue Screen Loop: Stop Repeating Risky RestartsWhere to Find Windows Blue Screen Logs and Dump CluesAutomatic Repair Loop After Update: Check the Build FirstDevice Manager Code 43 on a GPU: Driver and Display ChecksDevice Manager Code 43 on Wi-Fi: Adapter ContextDevice Manager Code 43 on USB: Port, Cable, and DeviceDevice Manager Code 43 on Bluetooth: Adapter Checks
Use a code when you have one
A symptom gives you a safe first route. The exact stop code, update HRESULT, Device Manager code, or Event Viewer provider can narrow it further. Record the full message before trying a fix.
Keep track of your checks
This checklist stays in this browser session. It is not sent to WinErrors.
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