How to Fix a White Screen of Death on Windows

The white screen of death is a dreaded error that many Windows users fear. This issue prevents access to the login menu, displaying only a blank white screen without any Windows interface or boot options. It signifies a severe operating system malfunction, preventing users from interacting with their devices. 

Experiencing this problem can be extremely frustrating and distressing for those affected.

We will address the common causes of the white screen of death and provide solutions for possible fixes.

Stay tuned.

Causes of the White Screen of Death on Windows 10/11

The White Screen of Death (WSOD) is a critical error that presents a blank white display, blocking system or website access. While graphics issues and malware are frequent culprits, other factors can trigger this problem. 

We will examine all potential causes of the WSOD and offer complete solutions to address this disruptive issue.

Here are the most common causes of the white screen of death on Windows:

Malware: Malicious software interfering with system processes.

Bad Display Card Drivers: Faulty or outdated graphics drivers cause display issues.

External Devices: Connected peripherals causing conflicts or errors.

Windows Update Issues: Problems arising from the latest Windows update.

Hardware Failures: Failure of one or multiple hardware components.

Outdated or Failed Drivers: Outdated or corrupt drivers causing hardware problems.

Graphics Card Driver Problems: Critical graphics card drivers are not functioning correctly.

Background Applications: Interference from background applications affecting system processes.

Missing System Files: Absence of critical system files on your computer.

Buggy Windows Update: A problematic Windows update disrupting system stability.

White Screen of Death Fixes

Here’s a thorough guide to fixing the White Screen of Death:

Turn Off the Computer and unplug from the internet

Resetting the hardware and software components of the system can clear temporary glitches, resolve conflicts with background processes, and refresh the system’s state, potentially allowing it to start up correctly again. It’s akin to rebooting a device to clear any temporary errors or issues causing the WSOD, providing a fresh start for the operating system and associated hardware.

• Press and hold the power button until the system shuts down completely.
• Once done, unplug from the internet to get off the network completely.
• Wait for at least 30 seconds before restarting.

Remove All External Devices

Removing all external devices eliminates potential conflicts and interruptions caused by peripherals. External devices like USB drives, external hard disks, and other peripherals can sometimes interfere with the boot process or cause software conflicts that lead to the WSOD. By disconnecting these devices, the system can focus on starting up without external interruptions, potentially bypassing the white screen issue and successfully loading the operating system.

This troubleshooting step helps isolate whether external hardware is contributing to the problem.

Force Restart PC

Force restarting the PC to terminate any stalled processes or software conflicts causing the issue. This action interrupts the current problematic state of the system and initiates a fresh boot sequence, which can clear temporary glitches or errors that led to the WSOD. It’s similar to rebooting a device to refresh its operations, allowing the operating system to start. 

• Hold the power button for 10 seconds.
• Release and press the power button again to restart.

Turn On Safe Mode

Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode in Windows that starts your computer with only essential drivers and services. It helps troubleshoot issues, as it helps isolate whether the problem is caused by software or drivers. 

• Restart your PC and press F8 repeatedly before Windows loads.
• Select “Safe Mode” from the Advanced Boot Options menu.
• If the WSOD doesn’t appear in Safe Mode, it may indicate a driver or software issue.

Update Graphics Card Driver

Updating the graphics card driver can resolve the White Screen of Death (WSOD) by ensuring compatibility with the latest software updates and applications. New drivers often include bug fixes and performance optimizations that address issues causing display anomalies like the WSOD. 

This update can stabilize the graphics processing, preventing glitches leading to a blank screen during system operation.

• Open Device Manager.
• Locate your graphics card under “Display adapters.”
• Right-click and select “Update driver as shown above.
• Choose to search automatically for updated driver software.

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Roll Back Windows Update

Rolling back a recent Windows update can sometimes help resolve the White Screen of Death (WSOD) by reversing changes that may have introduced compatibility issues or bugs. Sometimes, updates can conflict with system drivers or software, causing the WSOD. 

Reverting to a previous state before the update can restore system stability and functionality, potentially eliminating the white screen issue.

• Open Settings and go to “Update & Security.”
• Click on “View update history” and then “Uninstall updates.”
• Remove the most recent update and restart your PC.
• Check Pending Windows Updates

Check if Windows is Up-to-Date

Ensuring Windows is up to date often includes bug fixes, security patches, and compatibility improvements. Keeping the operating system current reduces the likelihood of encountering issues related to outdated software or drivers. Updates can address underlying problems contributing to the WSOD, such as resolving hardware or software component conflicts. 

Also, updated system files and drivers can enhance system stability, minimizing the chances of encountering errors like the WSOD during regular operation.

Start > Settings > Windows Update ( lower left corner for Windows 10 ) > Make sure that your Windows is up to date > If not, click on the Check for updates or Install updates button as shown above.

Conclusion

The White Screen of Death can be resolved through systematic troubleshooting. Following these steps, you can often identify and fix the underlying cause, whether a hardware conflict, driver issue, or problematic update. If the problem persists after trying these solutions, consider seeking professional technical support or performing a system restore to a point before the issue occurs.