Common Causes:

• Corrupt or incompatible drivers (especially storage/chipset drivers)
• Faulty hardware connections (loose RAM, failing hard drive)
• Damaged system files from improper shutdowns or malware
• Outdated BIOS/UEFI firmware
• Conflicting Windows updates
• Hardware failures (motherboard, CPU, or storage issues)

1. Basic Troubleshooting (Try These First)

A. Force Restart Your PC

• Hold down the power button for 10 seconds to force shutdown
• Wait 30 seconds, then power it back on

B. Check for Windows Updates

• Press Windows + I → Update & Security → Windows Update
• Click Check for updates and install all available updates
• Restart your PC

C. Disconnect External Devices

• Unplug all USB devices (except mouse/keyboard)
• Remove external hard drives, printers, etc.
• Restart and check if the error persists

2. Intermediate Solutions (Driver & System File Checks)

A. Update Critical Drivers

• Press Windows + X → Device Manager
• Expand these sections and look for yellow warning icons: Disk drives Storage controllers System devices
• Right-click each device → Update driver → Search automatically

Pro Tip: For chipset drivers, visit your motherboard manufacturer's website for the latest versions.

B. Run System File Checker (SFC)

• Open Command Prompt as Admin: Press Windows + X → Terminal (Admin)
• Type: sfc /scannow and press Enter
• Wait for completion (may take 20-30 minutes)
• Restart your PC

C. Check Disk for Errors

• In Admin Command Prompt, type: chkdsk C: /f /r
• Press Y to schedule scan on next restart
• Restart your PC and let it run (may take hours if disk is large)

3. Advanced Troubleshooting

A. Boot in Safe Mode

• Hold Shift while clicking Restart
• Go to Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings
• Press F4 for Safe Mode or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking
• If the error doesn't occur in Safe Mode, it's likely a driver issue

B. Check Memory (RAM) for Errors

• Search for Windows Memory Diagnostic in Start menu
• Run it and choose Restart now and check for problems
• The test will run automatically on reboot

C. Review BIOS/UEFI Settings

• Restart and press F2/DEL (varies by manufacturer) to enter BIOS
• Check these settings: Ensure SATA Mode is set to AHCI (not RAID or IDE) Disable Fast Boot temporarily Reset to Optimized Defaults if unsure
• Save changes and exit

4. Last Resort Options

A. System Restore

• Boot into Advanced Startup (Shift + Restart)
• Go to Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → System Restore
• Choose a restore point from before the error started

B. Reset This PC

• Go to Settings → Update & Security → Recovery
• Select Reset this PC → Keep my files
• Follow the on-screen instructions

C. Clean Windows Installation

• Create a Windows installation USB using Microsoft's Media Creation Tool
• Boot from USB and choose Custom Install
• Delete all partitions and perform a fresh install

When to Seek Professional Help

If you've tried all solutions and still get the error, your hardware might be failing. Consider:

• Testing with a different hard drive/SSD
• Checking motherboard for swollen capacitors
• Consulting a technician for hardware diagnostics

Prevention Tips

• Always shut down properly (no forced power-offs)
• Keep drivers and BIOS updated
• Use a UPS to prevent power surge damage
• Regularly backup important data

This error can be frustrating, but following these steps methodically will help identify and resolve the underlying issue. Start with the basic solutions and work your way down the list until the problem is solved.