Will Reinstalling Windows Fix a BSoD Error?

When Windows crashes with a blue screen of death (BSoD), it can be difficult to fix, especially if you cannot boot into the desktop.

Fortunately, there are many tools to get things running smoothly again. In extreme cases, you may be tempted to reinstall Windows entirely and start fresh.

Let’s explore when you should reinstall Windows, when it’s a bad idea to do that, and what the downsides are.

When should you reinstall Windows because of BSoD?

Reinstalling Windows should be a last resort after suffering a BSoD loop. Only consider doing so if:

• Startup Repair fails – If you cannot fix the startup process, there are deeper problems with Windows. It’s also difficult to repair the operating system if you cannot boot as normal.
• System File Checker fails – SFC scans and repairs corrupt system files. If this doesn’t fix the error, the problem may go beyond Windows itself.
• Safe Mode doesn’t work – If you cannot boot normally, Safe Mode will allow you to boot and repair Windows. However, when this doesn’t work, reinstalling Windows might be your only option.
• You have no restore points – The System Restore feature also you to roll back to a previous state when Windows was working. However, if you have not set any restore points, there’s no way to do this.
• Hard drive failure – If the hard drive which contains the system partition fails, it is near impossible to recover, and you will need to reinstall Windows on a different drive.

BSoD causes that do not require reinstalling Windows

Experiencing a BSoD rarely means you have to reinstall Windows. In some situations, it won’t fix the problem. Here are some examples when reinstalling Windows is irrelevant:

Hardware issues – When hardware failure results in the BSoD, reinstalling Windows will not do any good. Depending on the severity of the damage, you may need to replace the malfunctioning component.

BIOS damage – The BIOS is firmware installed on a computer’s motherboard. This has no relation to Windows.

What are the risks of reinstalling Windows after BSoD?

You should avoid reinstalling Windows unless absolutely necessary. This is because it will erase all custom settings, preferences, and configurations that you have set up on your computer.

In some cases, you will also lose personal files, documents, photos, videos, and applications that are not backed up elsewhere.

How do I safely reinstall Windows?

1. Insert the Windows installation media, such as a DVD or USB drive, into your computer.
2. Restart your computer and access the BIOS or UEFI settings by pressing the designated key on your keyboard. That varies depending on the computer manufacturer and model, but it’s typically displayed on the boot screen or in the user manual. Common keys include F1, F2, F12, or Del.
3. In the BIOS or UEFI settings, navigate to the boot options or boot order section. This may be listed under different names, such as Boot, Boot Sequence, or Boot Order.
4. Set the first boot device to the Windows installation media. If you’re using a USB drive, select the name of the USB drive or the manufacturer’s name. If you’re using a DVD, select the CD/DVD drive.
5. Save the changes and exit the BIOS or UEFI settings. This may involve pressing a key such as F10 or Esc.
6. Your computer should now boot from the Windows installation media. Follow the on-screen instructions to begin the Windows installation process.
7. Accept the license terms and choose the Custom: Install Windows only (advanced) option.
8. Select the partition or drive where you want to install Windows and click Next.
9. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process. You may need to enter your product key and set up your user account.
10. Once the installation is complete, your computer should restart. If it still gets stuck in a restart loop, you may need to enter the BIOS settings and change the boot order to prioritize the newly installed Windows on your hard drive.

Using Fortect to repair Windows

Fortect can come to your rescue even when Windows’ own repair tools fail. Because it uses an up-to-date database of working Windows files, it is often better than your old installation media. Here’s what to do:

1. Download and Install Fortect on your computer.
2. You can run a scan in Safe Mode if Windows won’t boot normally.
3. Wait a few minutes for it to detect all Windows problems, including missing or damaged system files.
4. Click Start Repair to repair all Windows problems.

Reinstalling Windows can help solve the BSoD if other methods have failed. However, it won’t solve hardware or BIOS issues.

Before you choose this option, make sure to try Fortect, which can repair a damaged system without reinstalling Windows or losing data.