Before you start
- Photograph or write down the exact stop code and any driver/module name.
- If this happened only once and never returns, a restart may be all that is needed.
Remove newly added hardware
If the crashes began immediately after adding hardware, shut down, remove that hardware and test again.
Boot into Safe Mode
Use Windows Recovery Environment > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart > Safe Mode. If the issue disappears, focus on third-party drivers/software.
Check Device Manager
Right-click Start > Device Manager. Look for warning icons. Update the driver or, if a recent driver caused the issue, roll it back/remove it.
Check storage and updates
Keep roughly 10–15% free drive space where possible and install current Windows updates.
Repair system files
Open Command Prompt as administrator and run DISM followed by SFC.
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth sfc /scannow
If the same stop code repeats
Use the exact stop code to narrow the cause. Persistent MEMORY_MANAGEMENT-type crashes can involve drivers or hardware such as RAM; recurring crashes deserve hardware diagnostics or professional support.
Microsoft source
This guide is independently written and condensed from current Microsoft Support guidance. If your Windows build differs or the problem persists, use the official source for the full decision tree.
Open Microsoft Support ↗