BSoD Archives

Winsage

June 16, 2026

Windows 11 KB5094126 BSODing, freezing, forcing BitLocker lockout, breaks OneDrive, and more

Microsoft rolled out Patch Tuesday updates for Windows 11, specifically KB5094126 and KB5093998, along with dynamic updates KB5094149, KB5095971, and KB5094156. Users have reported various issues post-update, including access difficulties with OneDrive and Dropbox, BitLocker recovery lockouts, and blue screens of death (BSOD), particularly the 0xc0430001 error on HP systems. This error may be linked to a previous bug affecting HP devices related to Secure Boot certificate updates. Users experiencing this error are advised to verify the presence of the boot.stl file on their installation media, as it is essential for Secure Boot. Microsoft recommends using the Update WinPE script to ensure the boot.stl file is included or manually transferring it from the WindowsBootEFI directory. Additionally, some Lenovo PC users have reported system freezes after the update. One user identified a conflict between KB5094126 and User Account Control (UAC) that affects OneDrive and Dropbox access in Explorer, noting that enabling UAC resolves the issue.

Winsage

June 14, 2026

Windows 11 KB5094126 crashes some PCs (HP?) with BSODs, breaks OneDrive in File Explorer, enterprise apps

Windows 11 KB5094126, released on June 9, 2026, is a significant update that introduces new features, including the Low Latency Profile, and addresses up to 200 security vulnerabilities. However, it has caused boot failures for some HP devices, particularly the HP EliteBook 840 G10, leading to BSODs or BitLocker Recovery prompts. The update may conflict with specific BIOS configurations or EFI/System partition settings, especially on devices with older EFI partitions. Users experiencing boot failures may need to disable Secure Boot as a temporary workaround. Additionally, the update has disrupted OneDrive integration in File Explorer, preventing access from the left pane and tray icon, although users can still access cloud folders directly. Similar issues have been reported with Dropbox and iCloud Drive. The update has also affected Microsoft Word integration in various business applications, leading to failures in document handling. Furthermore, changes to desktop.ini files have impacted custom folder icons, requiring users to unblock these files to restore functionality.

Winsage

June 12, 2026

Windows bowls a BSOD at sports fans

Worcestershire County Cricket Club experienced a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) on its screens, which are typically used to relay messages to spectators. The BSOD was caused by a DRIVERPOWERSTATE_FAILURE, likely due to a hardware issue or a malfunctioning driver. This incident has drawn attention from system administrators and has been noted by a reader named Rhodri Howell.

Winsage

June 9, 2026

Microsoft is usually blamed for every PC bug, but Dell and HP’s latest Windows 11 BSOD reboot fiascos are all on them.

Dell users reported issues with Dell SupportAssist causing system crashes, blue screens, and reboot loops on Windows 11. Dell stated the problems were not due to Microsoft's operating system and initially recommended uninstalling the software. An expert suggested disabling the service as an alternative. Dell later confirmed that Remediation Dell SupportAssist (version 5.5.16.0) and Alienware SupportAssist can trigger blue screen errors and reboot loops on Windows 11. HP also faced issues with a BIOS bug causing high-end Windows 11 PCs to get stuck in a BitLocker recovery loop, advising users to disable automatic updates while they worked on a fix.

Winsage

May 19, 2026

Microsoft plans to improve Windows 11 driver quality in 2026

Microsoft is launching the Driver Quality Initiative (DQI) to improve the quality of Windows 11 drivers, which are crucial for the operating system's performance. The initiative includes four pillars: encouraging the use of safer user-mode drivers, implementing rigorous partner verification processes, enhancing the Windows Update catalog, and focusing on stability and performance. Microsoft plans to collaborate with partners like AMD and Intel to achieve these goals. AMD's Director of Software Engineering emphasized that driver quality is a shared commitment. Additionally, Microsoft aims to enhance Windows 11 by reintroducing features like a movable taskbar and improving performance for lower memory devices, with gradual improvements expected in the coming months.

Winsage

May 14, 2026

Dell confirms its SupportAssist software causes Windows BSOD crashes

Dell's SupportAssist software is causing blue-screen crashes on certain Windows systems, attributed to a recent update to the SupportAssist Remediation service, specifically version 5.5.16.0. Users experiencing these crashes are advised to uninstall or disable the service to resolve the issue. Dell has acknowledged the problem and is working on a solution. Uninstalling the service may result in the loss of system repair points created by Dell OS SupportAssist Recovery. Users still facing issues after uninstallation should contact Dell support. This incident follows previous software challenges faced by Dell, including blue screens from earlier SupportAssist versions and BIOS updates that prevented some laptops from booting. Additionally, vulnerabilities have been identified in the BIOSConnect feature of Dell SupportAssist, posing security risks.

Winsage

May 14, 2026

Dell SupportAssist is crashing some Windows 11 PCs, causing them to enter reboot loops. Here’s how to stop it.

Dell users on Windows 11 are experiencing frequent blue screens and reboot loops after updating the Dell SupportAssist Remediation software to version 5.5.16.0, released on April 30. This issue particularly affects models like the XPS 15 9530, with crashes occurring approximately every thirty minutes and a common error message being "CRITICALPROCESSDIED." The problem has been traced to the DellSupportAssistRemediationService.exe, which is pre-installed on many Dell systems and designed to manage diagnostics, driver updates, and recovery tools. Users are advised to uninstall or disable the software to restore normal functionality. Dell has acknowledged the issue and is working on a resolution. Temporary workarounds include disabling the service via Command Prompt or fully uninstalling the SupportAssist components through the Settings app. However, uninstalling may result in the loss of system repair points created by the service.

Winsage

May 4, 2026

Microsoft Confirms Critical Windows Update Error Disrupting Global Systems

Microsoft has confirmed a critical bug in its latest cumulative update, affecting millions of Windows 10 and Windows 11 users. The issue leads to a "Restart and Shut Down" loop, preventing users from completing the update and locking them out of their devices. This disruption is particularly severe for corporate IT departments, with reports of entire office networks being paralyzed. The problematic update, identified as KB5037853, was meant to address security vulnerabilities but has caused systems to display an endless "Update and Restart" message. Some users experience a "Blue Screen of Death" (BSOD) and may be forced into "Recovery Mode." Microsoft is working on a "Known Issue Rollback" (KIR) to automatically undo the problematic code for consumer machines, while enterprise users may require manual intervention. The downtime is projected to result in significant financial losses, with large enterprises potentially losing up to ,600 per minute of unplanned downtime. Affected versions include Windows 11 22H2, 23H2, and Windows 10 22H2. Symptoms include failure to shut down, BSOD on boot, and missing Start menu icons. The estimated downtime ranges from 4 to 12 hours, depending on IT response speed. Critics have raised concerns about Microsoft's development process, suggesting it places users in the role of beta testers.

Winsage

March 28, 2026

To BSOD or not to BSOD? Only Microsoft knows the answer

At the RSAC 2026 Conference, Microsoft showcased two screens displaying the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), one resembling Windows 98 and the other Windows 8. The Windows 98 BSOD featured unusual hexadecimal values, suggesting it might not be a genuine error message. The Windows 8 screen displayed a message indicating a problem with the PC, raising questions about its authenticity. Microsoft has not clarified the intent behind these displays, which could either be a marketing strategy or a retrospective on Windows errors. The situation highlights the complexities of software reliability and user experience.

Winsage

March 16, 2026

Windows 11 KB5079473 is not causing BSODs or an inaccessible C: drive and app failures, says Microsoft

The March 2026 Patch Tuesday update, KB5079473, is not causing significant issues like BSODs or reboot loops, according to Microsoft. Reports of an inaccessible C: drive and application malfunctions on Samsung PCs are linked to a recent update of the Galaxy Connect app, not the Windows update. Microsoft confirmed no known connections between the March update and major system failures. The update includes over a dozen security fixes and introduces new features, such as improvements to the File Explorer search bar and a Bing-based Internet speed test tool. Specific Samsung models are experiencing C drive accessibility issues due to the Galaxy Connect app, which has disrupted permissions.