Is your Windows 11 continually crashing? If so, you might be wondering how to resolve this issue. Since the release of Windows 11, it has encountered various problems. Some users have difficulties locating compatible drivers, while others are unable to run Windows 11 on their computers.

Although most of those early issues have been resolved, some still persist and cause Windows 11 to crash. Consequently, many users find themselves frustrated, wondering how to address this problem.

Thus, let's delve into the issue and discover the solutions to fix if your Windows 11 is continually crashing.

Why Does My Windows 11 Keep Crashing?

Before discussing the solutions, let's first diagnose the problem. Here are possible reasons why your Windows 11 is continually crashing:

    • An outdated or faulty driver installation
    • A system update that might have introduced issues
    • An outdated version or build of Windows
    • Broken or corrupted system files
    • Virus or malware infection
    • Your computer is overheating
    • Your graphics driver is out of date
    • Your RAM is causing problems

These are the most frequent issues you might encounter if your Windows 11 keeps crashing. Hence, it's crucial to attempt a few troubleshooting solutions to address this problem effectively. Let's delve into resolving these crash problems.

How to Solve the Issue of Windows 11 Constantly Crashing

Now that you're aware of the potential reasons behind your Windows 11 crashes, let's discuss some solutions. It's crucial to realize that there can be numerous fixes for each issue. However, we've narrowed it down to eight of the most effective and likely remedies for this problem. Let's delve into each one.

    1. Fix 1: Check for Updates
    2. Fix 2: Check for Malware
    3. Fix 3: Run DISM and SFC Scan
    4. Fix 4: Perform a Clean Boot
    5. Fix 5: Fix Overheating Issue
    6. Fix 6: Update Graphics Driver
    7. Fix 7: Check Crash Log
    8. Fix 8: Reset PC to Factory Settings

Fix 1: Check for Updates

One of the best things you can do is to check for updates on your Windows system. As previously mentioned, having an outdated Windows build version can sometimes lead to various issues. To prevent such compatibility problems, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Settings on your PC.

Step 2: Go to the Update & Security option.

choose update & security

Step 3: Tap on the Windows Update tab in the sidebar.

tap windows update

Step 4: Allow it to check for updates.

Step 5: Download and install any available updates.

This might also prompt your Windows to restart and check for updates. However, if you check for updates and none are available, it's less likely that the issue stems from an outdated Windows version. Proceed to the next solution to address the problem.

Solution 2: Check for Malware

The next step is to scan for malware. Since there isn't a vast array of trusted software available, your best option is to use Windows Defender - Microsoft's built-in tool to detect and remove any computer viruses or malware from your PC.

Here's how you can check for malware:

Step 1: Open the System Tray.

Step 2: Right-click on the Windows Defender icon.

click Windows Defender icon

Step 3: Tap Run a quick scan from the menu.

Run Quick Scan from the menu

Step 4: Let it scan your PC.

After the scan is finished, restart your computer to make sure the quick scan has completed. If the restart is blocked, it's possible that Windows Defender is still in the process of scanning. Once the scan is finished, your Windows system should be free of malware. Check then if the issue is still occurring. If it persists, proceed to the next solution.

Fix 3: Run DISM and SFC Scan Step 1: Open the Command Prompt as an Administrator. To do this, right-click on the Start button, and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" or search for "cmd" in the search bar, then right-click on Command Prompt and choose "Run as administrator." Step 2: Run the DISM scan. In the Command Prompt, type the following command and press Enter: ``` DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth ``` This process might take some time, so be patient. Step 3: Run the SFC scan. After the DISM scan completes, enter the following command and hit Enter: ``` sfc /scannow ``` The System File Checker will now scan your system for any corrupted files and attempt to fix them. This process may also take a while. Step 4: Restart your computer. Once both scans have finished, restart your computer for the changes to take effect. Step 5: Check if the issue is resolved. After restarting, see if the problem you were experiencing has been fixed. If not, proceed to the next fix.

DISM and SFC scans are two distinct system scan utilities that examine your PC for damaged or missing files. Running either or both of these scans may assist in repairing the missing files and potentially resolve the issue of Windows 11 crashing. Here's how to perform an SFC Scan:

Step 1: Go to the Start Menu.

Step 2: Type CMD or Windows Terminal.

Step 3: Launch Windows Terminal as an administrator.

Run Windows Terminal as administrator

Step 4: After CMD opens, type in the following command:

"SFC /Scannow"

type SFC /Scannow

Step 5: Press Enter and wait for the scan to complete.

This System File Checker (SFC) scan will examine your PC for any missing files. If no missing files are detected, proceed with the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) method by following these steps:

Step 1: Run CMD/Windows Terminal as an administrator.

Step 2: Next, enter the following command:

"DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth"

type the command

Step 3: Press Enter and wait for it to complete.

Step 4: Close the Command Prompt if no violations are detected.

Step 5: If violations are detected, enter the following commands:

"DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth"

Step 6: Wait for it to restore your files.

After examining these files, you can also open the Run dialog box, type "MDSched.exe," and press Enter to run a memory-related error scan. This will immediately restart your computer, so ensure you attempt the Memory Diagnostic Tool after executing the DISM and SFC /scannow commands.

Fix 4: Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot involves turning off all unnecessary apps and services, allowing the system to start with only the essentials. To achieve this, you'll need to modify settings in System Configuration and Task Manager. Here's the process:

Step 1: Open Task Manager.

Step 2: Go to the Startup tab.

Step 3: Disable or turn off all the apps one by one.

disable apps

Step 4: Now, open the Run command by pressing the Windows key + R on your keyboard.

Step 5: Type MSConfig and press Enter.

type MSConfig

Step 6: In MSConfig, switch to the Services tab.

Step 7: Tap Hide all Microsoft services.

Step 8: Tap the Disable All button.

tap Disable All

Step 9: Click Apply, then OK.

Step 10: Restart your PC.

This will most likely resolve the issue if it was caused by recently installed software, driver, or service. Once the problem is fixed, you can revert to these options and enable each service or software one at a time - this will help you identify the specific service or software that is causing the issue.

Solution 5: Address Overheating Problem

If your PC is overheating, it's probable that your Windows 11 is repeatedly crashing. Consequently, it's essential to keep an eye on your PC's temperature and resource usage. To accomplish this, you can utilize various monitoring tools. For example, if you have an AMD graphics card, here's how you can check its status:

Step 1: Right-click on your Desktop and open AMD Software.

Enter AMD Software

Step 2: In the AMD software, navigate to Performance.

Step 3: Then switch to Tuning.

Step 4: Lastly, check the GPU temperatures under the Fan Tuning option.

check GPU temperatures

There are similar tools available for NVIDIA GPUs, as well as Intel and AMD CPUs. You can experiment with several software options, such as:

    • HWiNFO64
    • Hardware Monitor
    • GPU-Z
    • NVIDIA Control Panel

Once you've tried these tools and if your system temperatures are abnormally high, you can attempt a few remedies, such as:

    • Clean dust off your PC using an air blower;
    • Remove carbon buildup from RAM/CPU/GPU connectors with a rubber eraser;
    • Apply new thermal paste to your CPU/GPU;
    • Replace thermal pads on NVME heat sinks;
    • Replace thermal pads on other heatsinks, such as GPU, chipset, etc.

Hence, after attempting these measures, recheck the temperatures of your CPU, GPU, and VRMs. If they are all within normal ranges, it's improbable that there is a hardware issue.

Fix 6: Update Graphics Driver Updating your graphics driver can often resolve issues related to graphics performance or compatibility. Follow these steps to update your graphics driver: 1. **Identify your Graphics Card**: First, you need to know which graphics card is installed on your computer. You can usually find this information in your computer's System Information, Device Manager, or by using third-party software like GPU-Z. 2. **Visit the Manufacturer's Website**: Go to the official website of your graphics card manufacturer (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel). Look for the "Drivers" or "Support" section. 3. **Select the Right Driver**: Choose the correct operating system (Windows, macOS, etc.) and the specific model of your graphics card. Download the latest driver package. 4. **Download and Install**: Download the driver file to your computer, then run the installer. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process. Make sure to uninstall any previous versions of the driver before installing the new one. 5. **Restart Your Computer**: After the installation is finished, restart your computer to apply the changes. 6. **Verify the Update**: Open your graphics control panel (NVIDIA Control Panel, AMD Catalyst Control Center, or Intel Graphics Settings) to confirm that the new driver version is installed. If updating the driver doesn't solve the issue, you might consider rolling back to a previous driver version if available, or performing a clean installation of the driver.

The next step you can take is to check for driver updates. Since we're dealing with an AMD GPU, we'll guide you on how to attempt updating your driver through the AMD Adrenalin software. If you have an NVIDIA or Intel graphics card, you'll need to visit their respective websites to install the most recent drivers.

Here's how AMD users can update their graphics driver:

Step 1: Right-click on your Desktop or open the AMD software via the system tray.

open AMD software

Step 2: In the AMD Software, click on the Settings cogwheel icon.

Step 3: Next, locate and click on the Check for Updates option.

Check for Updates option

Step 4: When the driver update appears, click on Download.

check Critical Events

Step 5: Wait for it to download and install.

Step 6: Restart your computer.

This will update your AMD graphics device driver in just a few minutes. Afterwards, you can verify the updated driver version within the same settings. For Intel and NVIDIA users, download the drivers from their official websites and install them either through the executable file or via the Device Manager on your Windows 11 computer.

Fix 7: Check the Crash Log

The following step involves examining the System Crash Log. This necessitates reviewing the crash log to identify the root cause of your Windows 11 PC crashes. Be it an installed RAM module or an outdated driver, this approach will assist you in uncovering the problem. Here's how to proceed:

Step 1: Open the Control Panel.

Step 2: Locate the System and Security option.

Step 3: Click on Security and Maintenance.

Step 4: Check the Reliability Monitor.

Step 5: Check for Critical Events.

Check Crash Log

Step 6: Analyze the root cause of the issue.

As you can see in this image, DTLite.exe is one of the offending tools. Therefore, uninstalling it might resolve the issue for you - or any other software/program that's causing crashes.

Solution 8: Reset PC to Factory Settings

In this approach, we will restore your PC to its original factory settings. Hence, it's crucial to backup all your data on the C drive to prevent any loss during the process. This procedure will also erase all drivers and software, so remember to backup those as well. A backup guarantees a factory reset of your PC without losing data. After that, proceed with the following steps:

Step 1: Go to System Settings.

Step 2: Locate the Recovery tab in the sidebar and click on it.

Step 3: Tap on Get Started under Reset this PC.

Step 4: Choose the "Keep my files" option.

Reset PC to Factory Settings

Step 5: Wait for your PC to restart and reset.

This will reset your entire PC, which might take around 30 minutes. Therefore, once it's completed, the issue is likely to be resolved, and your Windows 11 should no longer crash.

Bonus Tip: How to Backup Windows 11 PC to Prevent Data Loss Backing up your Windows 11 PC is crucial to protect your important files and data from accidental deletion, hardware failures, or other unforeseen circumstances. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to create a backup: 1. **Enable File History:** - Press `Windows key + I` to open Settings. - Click on "System" and then select "Backup." - Turn on "Backup using File History" if it's not already enabled. - Connect an external hard drive or USB drive and choose it as your backup location. 2. **Configure File History:** - Click on "More options" to customize the settings. - Choose how often you want backups to occur (e.g., every hour). - Select which folders you want to include in the backup. - You can also set up a network location for backups if desired. 3. **Create a System Image:** - Press `Windows key + X`, then click "Control Panel." - In the Control Panel, select "System and Security," then "Backup and Restore (Windows 7)." - Click "Create a system image" on the left side. - Follow the prompts to choose the same external drive used for File History or another storage location. 4. **Use Third-Party Backup Tools:** - Consider using reliable backup software like Acronis True Image, tools Todo Backup, or Macrium Reflect. - Install the software, follow the setup wizard, and configure your backup preferences. 5. **Schedule Regular Backups:** - Ensure you regularly schedule backups, either through File History or your chosen third-party tool. - Test your backups periodically to verify their integrity and ensure data recovery is possible. 6. **Cloud Backup Options:** - Sign up for a cloud storage service like Microsoft OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox. - Sync important files to the cloud to have an offsite backup option. By following these steps, you'll have a reliable backup strategy in place to safeguard your Windows 11 data and minimize the risk of data loss.

All the methods we've discussed so far pose a risk to your data. Hence, it's crucial that you concentrate on employing a method that enables you to prevent data loss. To achieve this, we'll be utilizing a tool called Todo Backup.

Todo Backup Home enables you to backup your entire computer to protect against data loss. It offers various backup options, such as full, incremental, and differential backups. Furthermore, it lets you compress your backups to conserve storage space.

Here are additional reasons to consider using tools like Todo Backup as your primary data backup software:

Hence, after downloading and installing this utility, follow these steps to back up your Windows 11 using it:

Step 1. On the main page, click "Select backup contents".

create system backup step1

Step 2. Click on the OS category among the four options available.

create system backup step2

Step 3. Todo Backup will automatically select your system partition, you just need to choose a backup destination.

create system backup step3

Step 4. You can save the backup file to either your Local Drive or NAS.

create system backup step5

Step 5. Once the backup process is complete, you can check the backup status, recover, open, or delete the backup by right-clicking the backup task on the left panel.

create system backup step5

To conclude matters

That's all about how to fix "Windows 11 keeps crashing". These eight solutions will certainly assist you in preventing your Windows 11 from crashing. It's crucial that you try each fix sequentially to ensure a smooth and comprehensive recovery process, as one solution might resolve the issue, eliminating the need to try them all.

However, before proceeding with any fixes, ensure you back up your data. Again, utilize the Todo Backup tool to create a comprehensive and secure backup of your crucial data, so you don't lose it amidst the computer's constant crashes. Download and give it a try; there are more features available for you to discover.

Frequently Asked Questions on Windows 11 Keep Crashing

1: Is it bad if your PC keeps crashing? Yes, it's generally a cause for concern if your PC keeps crashing. It could indicate underlying hardware issues, software problems, driver incompatibilities, overheating, or other issues. Frequent crashes can lead to data loss, hinder productivity, and potentially cause damage to your system components over time. It's advisable to troubleshoot the problem by checking for updates, scanning for malware, monitoring temperatures, and ensuring all hardware components are functioning properly. If the issue persists, seeking professional assistance might be necessary.

The persistent crashing of your PC poses a risk of hardware damage. Frequent power cycling, i.e., constantly turning it on and off, can inflict irreversible harm to your computer components, which is precisely why it's concerning if your PC continually crashes.

2: Why does Windows 11 have a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error?

Blue Screen or BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) errors are typically linked to hardware issues like faulty RAM, HDD, or outdated graphics drivers. However, in recent instances, it might also result from unsupported applications, drivers, or services.

3: How can I tell if my CPU needs to be replaced?

If your CPU is overheating and struggling to handle newer games, software, etc., it's probably outdated. However, if you've been using a CPU from the last 2-3 generations, it's likely that you don't need to replace it immediately.