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HP PCs - Error Messages Display on a Blue Screen (Windows 10)

There are many reasons that a computer displays a blue screen when operating or when it fails to start or boot into the Windows operating system. If your computer displays a blue screen, you might see or hear symptoms to indicate the general area of the problem.

If you are not sure what the problem is, go to HP PCs - Computer does not start (Windows 10).

Use this document if the computer stops responding and displays a blue screen or continually restarts. In most cases, an error message or code is displayed on the blue screen, the computer does not respond to commands typed on the keyboard, and it is necessary to press and hold the power button for 15 seconds or more to turn off the computer.

Example of a blue screen error in Windows
Note:

Depending on your version of Windows, some graphics and information in this document might vary slightly.

If your computer suddenly fails to boot properly, you might need to try the following solutions in order until the issue is resolved: disable auto restart, perform a power reset, use Microsoft System Restore, test for hardware faults, or update your computer in addition to other troubleshooting steps.

Disabling the automatic restart option to view error messages

Errors might occur but not display if Automatic restart is enabled. Disable this option to allow the computer to display error messages instead of restarting. You might be able to use the infromation in the error message to resolve the issue.

  1. In Windows, search for and open View advanced system settings.

  2. In the Startup and Recovery section, click Settings.

  3. Remove the check mark next to Automatically restart, and then click OK.

    Location of the Automatically restart check box

  4. Restart the computer.

The computer no longer restarts automatically when a problem occurs. Instead, a blue screen displays with useful information. You can search for a resolution using the information in the error.

Resetting the power on your computer

If your computer fails to boot properly, you might need to perform a power reset, which might involve removing the battery, pressing a key or combination of keys, or other steps.

Power reset a laptop with removable battery

Perform a power reset on your notebook with a removable battery.

  1. Turn off the computer, and then unplug the power cord.

  2. Disconnect any peripheral devices, and then remove the computer from any port replicator or docking station.

  3. Remove the battery from the computer.

  4. With the battery and power cord unplugged, press and hold the Power button for approximately 15 seconds.

  5. After you drain the capacitors, re-insert the battery, and then plug in the power cord. Leave peripheral devices disconnected.

  6. Turn on the computer.

Power reset a notebook with a non-removable battery

Perform a power reset (or hard reset) of your notebook to clear information from the computer memory without erasing personal data.

  1. Turn off the computer.

  2. Disconnect the AC adapter.

  3. Remove any discs from the disc drive.

  4. Remove memory cards from the card reader slot.

  5. Disconnect all nonessential peripheral devices, such as printers, scanners, external hard drives, and USB flash drives.

  6. With the AC adapter unplugged, press and hold the power button for approximately 15 seconds.

  7. Reconnect the AC adapter, and then turn on the computer.

Power reset button configurations for power resetting a laptop with a non-removable battery

When power resetting a laptop with a non-removable battery, you might need to use one of the following power reset button combinations.

Power reset button configurations for select notebook computers

Common model name

Typically designated button combination

HP ENVY 17 2D and 3D

Press and hold the Power and Beats buttons for 8–10 seconds.

HP ENVY 15-3000 series

Press and hold the Power and Beats buttons for 8–10 seconds.

HP ENVY 14 Spectre

Press and hold the Power and Mute buttons (on the right side of the palm rest) for 8–10 seconds.

HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G1

Press and hold the Power and Mute buttons at the same time for 15 seconds, or until the computer restarts.

Power reset your desktop computer

Perform a power reset (or hard reset) of your desktop computer to clear information from the computer memory without erasing personal data.

  1. Turn off the computer.

  2. Disconnect the AC adapter.

  3. Disconnect all nonessential peripheral devices, such as printers, scanners, external hard drives, and USB flash drives.

    Note:

    Do not disconnect your mouse, keyboard, or monitor.

  4. With the AC adapter unplugged, press and hold the power button for approximately 15 seconds.

  5. After you drain the capacitors, reconnect the AC adapter. Leave peripheral devices disconnected.

  6. Turn on the computer.

Correct blue screen errors using Windows System Restore

Some blue screen errors can be corrected by restoring your computer to a previous state when it functioned normally.

For business computers, if you do not have the option to restore the computer, contact your company's IT department or your local IT service.

Restore your computer when Windows starts normally

If the computer stops working correctly, but Windows starts as expected, you can restore it to a previous point in time when it was working.

Create a restore point

Windows automatically creates restore points at regularly scheduled intervals and before many software installations. If you would like to create a restore point manually, use the steps below.

  1. In Windows, search for restore, and then open Create a restore point from the results list.

  2. On the System Protection tab, click Create.

    Clicking Create to create a restore point

  3. Type a name for the restore point, and then click Create.

  4. Click Close.

    Close button on the 'restore point created successfully' screen

Restore your computer when Windows starts normally

Restore your computer to a previous point in time.

  1. Save any open files, and then close all open programs.

  2. In Windows, search for and open Create a restore point.

  3. On the System Protection tab, click System Restore.

    Selecting System Restore in the System Properties window

  4. In the System Restore window, click Next.

  5. Select the restore point you want to use, and then click Next.

    Selecting a restore point

  6. Review your selection, and then click Finish.

  7. Read the warning about not interrupting System Restore, and then click Yes.

    CAUTION:

    Allow System Restore to complete without interruption to avoid corrupting the hard drive or causing additional damage to the computer.

    Confirming System Restore cannot be interrupted
    System Restore returns the computer configuration to a previous point in time and restarts the computer.

Restore your computer when Windows cannot start normally

Use Microsoft System Restore from the Windows loading screen when Windows does not start normally.

  1. Turn off the computer and wait at least 5 seconds.

  2. Turn on the computer and repeatedly press the F11 key, about once every second, until you see the Windows loading screen.

  3. If a language selection screen opens, select the language you want to use to continue.

  4. On the Choose your keyboard layout screen, select the keyboard layout that matches your keyboard type.

  5. On the Choose an option screen, click Troubleshoot.

  6. Click Advanced Options, and then click System Restore.

    Note:

    Depending on your settings, you might need to select an account and enter your login information.

  7. Click Next.

    Clicking Next in the System Restore window

  8. Select a Restore Point, and then click Next.

  9. Click Finish to restore your computer to a previous point.

    Clicking Finish on the confirm restore point screen

  10. Click Yes in the caution that displays.

    CAUTION:

    Do not interrupt System Restore when it starts.

    Clicking Yes in the caution window

  11. When System Restore is complete, the computer restarts.

Correct blue screen error messages by testing for hardware failures

Blue screen error messages can be caused by hardware failures. Use these steps to determine if your computer hardware is functioning within the correct parameters.

For instructions on how to test for hardware failures to ensure that your hardware is functioning correctly, see HP PCs - Testing for hardware failures in Windows 10.

Update your computer with HP Support Assistant or Windows Update

You can resolve many blue screen errors or messages by updating your computer using either HP Support Assistant or Microsoft Windows Update.

Update the PC with HP Support Assistant

Use HP Support Assistant to find and install updates, including BIOS updates, for your computer with Windows.

  1. In Windows, search for and open HP Support Assistant, or click the app icon in the taskbar.

    If the app is not installed on your computer, download the latest version from the HP Support Assistant website.

  2. On the My Dashboard tab, find your computer, and then click Updates.

  3. Wait while HP Support Assistant analyzes the system.

  4. After the analysis completes, select the listed updates, download and install the updates, and then follow any on-screen instructions.

  5. If prompted, restart the computer, and then close the tool.

Run Windows Update

Update your Windows 11 or Windows 10 computer using Windows Update.

  1. In Windows, search for and open Check for updates.

    If there are any available updates, they begin automatically.

    Note:

    To download and install optional updates, use the following instructions for your operating system:

    • In Windows 11, select Advanced options > Optional updates, select the updates that you want to install, and then click Download & install.

    • In Windows 10, select View all optional updates, select the updates that you want to install, and then click Download and install.

  2. After the updates install, restart your computer when prompted.

Perform a Windows system reset

If the issue persists, recover the computer back to its original configuration.

Microsoft provides a reset feature that repairs your computer by reinstalling the operating system. Before using this option, make sure you back up all your important files.

Go to HP PCs - Reset the computer for more information.

Contact HP Customer Support

Contact HP Customer Support for further assistance if the issue persists.

  1. Go to HP Customer Support - Contact.

  2. Enter your product serial number to view warranty status and to change your location, if necessary.

  3. Select a support option. Support options vary by country/region.

Additional support options

Try one of our automated tools or diagnostics
Ask a question on our HP Support Community page
Get in touch with one of our support agents

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