Your PC Ran into a Problem and Needs to Restart in Windows 10/11

The blue screen error prompt 'Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart' is a common issue that can be resolved with 11 standard fixes. These fixes cover various problems that may cause the error, and trying them one by one can help resolve the issue. If any important files are lost during the process, Deep data recovery software can be used to recover them.

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Depending on the situation, the solution to fix your PC running into a problem differs. For instance, if your PC is stuck on a blue screen, you may need to troubleshoot the issue by checking for hardware failures, updating drivers, or running a System File Checker. If your PC is slow or freezing, you might need to optimize your system by running a disk cleanup, disabling startup programs, or upgrading your RAM.

Workable Solutions	Step-by-step Troubleshooting
Case1. You can boot Windows	Boot into safe mode and then boot normally > check disk > leave enough space for system drive> check system log in event viewer...Full steps
Case2. You can't boot Windows	Perform system restore > perform system image recovery > restore registry configuration...Full steps
Case3. Stuck in Windows loop	Perform startup repair > Perform system/image recovery > restore registry > enter safe mode...Full steps

The "Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart" issue on Windows 10 can be resolved by updating the operating system to the latest version, checking for driver updates, running the System File Checker, and resetting the Windows Update components. Additionally, disabling any recently installed software or hardware, and running a System Restore to a previous point when the issue was not present can also resolve the issue.

About "Your PC Ran Into a Problem and Needs to Restart"

Some Windows users experience unexpected crashes, resulting in the blue screen of death, with various causes leading to different error messages and information. The most common one is "Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart".

Symptoms

The error "Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart. We're just collecting some error info, and then we'll restart for you" may occur during the Windows startup process or during normal use, causing the system to freeze and display this message. This error is often related to hardware or software issues, such as corrupted system files, driver problems, or overheating.

It always comes with a stop/error code like:

WHEA UNCORRECTABLE
KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_ERROR
FAULTY_HARDWARE-CORRUPTED_PAGE
DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION
Stop code: 0xC0000021A
INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE
CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED
BAD_SYSTEM_CONFIG_INFO

Causes

The "Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart" error message is quite common, but its causes can vary greatly. With over 100 possible error codes, it's difficult to pinpoint a single reason for the issue. However, some of the most common factors contributing to this error include.

Virus/malware infection
Problematic driver
Changes in registry
Corrupted system files
Loose hard drive connection
Improper shutdown of the system

These causes may also lead to other blue screen errors like DPC Watchdog violation, Automatic Repair loop, and more.

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11 Fixes for Your PC Ran Into a Problem and Needs a Restart in Windows 11/10/8/8.1

If you're experiencing the "Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart" error, there's a chance that a simple restart might resolve the issue. However, if your PC restarts and attempts an automatic repair, it may not work and you'll be stuck with a "Your PC did not start correctly" message. In such cases, you'll need to try specific fixes depending on your situation.

Situation 1. You Can Boot Windows

If you can still boot your computer, apply troubleshooting steps to prevent the error from happening again. This makes it easier to fix the error with a bootable computer.

Method 1. Boot into Safe Mode and then Boot Normally

Safe Mode is a Windows diagnostic mode that starts your PC with minimal programs and services, allowing you to troubleshoot system-related issues by uninstalling incompatible software/drivers, deleting problematic files, and removing viruses. It can also help repair system errors by reaccessing the storage system.

To enter Safe Mode on a functional computer, you can go to Settings.

Step 1. In Windows 10, click "Start" > "Settings" > "Update & Security" > "Recovery".

Step 2. In the "Advanced startup" section, choose "Restart now".

Step 3. After the restart, choose "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced Options" > "Startup Settings" > "Restart".

Step 4. Now you will see the "Startup Settings" screen, where you can choose one of the three Safe Mode options: "Enable Safe Mode", "Enable Safe Mode with Networking", or "Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt".

Step 5. Restart your computer and see whether it boots properly.

Method 2. Check the Disk

Running the CHKDSK command can help fix disk errors like bad sectors and file system errors, which may be causing the "Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart" error with the "INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE" message. This is because the file system errors on your hard drive may be the root cause of the issue. By checking the disk, you can identify and potentially resolve these errors, which may resolve the problem.

Step 1. Go to "This PC". Right-click your drive and choose "Properties".

Step 2. Go to the "Tools" tab and click "Check" > "Scan drive".

Method 3. Leave Enough Space for System Drive

If your system drive is almost out of space, consider extending the system partition to create more space for your OS. This will allow Windows and installed applications to function properly.

Method 4. Check System Log in Event Viewer

Checking the system log in Event Viewer can help identify the cause of the "Your PC ran into a system" error in Windows, particularly for problematic devices or drivers.

Step 1. Click "Start" and enter the event viewer.

Step 2. Right-click "Event Viewer" and choose "Run as administrator".

Step 3. Expand "Windows Logs" and choose "System".

Step 4. Check the errors that occurred simultaneously with the blue screen and fix the error according to the information.

If you're experiencing issues with your device, try updating the device driver in Device Manager and running hardware diagnostics using the Windows built-in feature. If these solutions don't work, you can continue to troubleshoot the problem using other methods.

Windows 10 error code 0xc00000e occurs when the system fails to boot due to corrupted system files, driver issues, or hardware problems. To resolve this issue, users can try booting in Safe Mode, running a System File Checker, or using the System Restore feature to revert to a previous working state.

Situation 2. You Can't Boot Windows and See "Your PC did not start correctly"

After the error message appears, the PC may automatically restart and go to the "Your PC did not start correctly" screen, where you can choose to restart or access advanced options.

If you click "Restart", it's likely the computer will still show the same error screen. Instead, choose "Advanced options" and then select "Troubleshoot" followed by "Advanced options".

You will see options such as System Restore, System Image Recovery, Command Prompt, Startup Settings, and Go back to the previous build, which allow you to restore your system to a previous state or access advanced features. (Note: The exact options may vary depending on your Windows version)

If you've created a restore point, System Restore can revert your computer to that point, making it functional again. Otherwise, it's not helpful.
If you've created a system image, you can use System Image Recovery to restore your system to its previous state. However, if you haven't created a system image, this option is not available.
The computer had already tried a Startup Repair and it failed, so there's no need to try it again.
In Command Prompt, you can execute operations using command lines.
In Startup Settings, you can enter Safe Mode, disable automatic restart after failure, and more.
The "Go back to the previous build" feature will revert your computer's software to a previous version, essentially taking you back to an earlier build.

Method 1. Perform System Restore

If you have a system restore point available, you can restore your system to a previous state by following these steps:

Step 1. In the Windows Boot Options menu, select "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced Options" > "System Restore".

Step 2. Choose a previous working state (data) to restore your computer.

Step 3. Wait until Windows restores your system. Then restart the computer.

Method 2. Perform System Image Recovery

If you have created a system image before the issue arose, you can perform a system image recovery.

Step 1. Connect the external hard drive that contains the system image to your computer.

Step 2. In the Windows Boot Options menu, select "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced Options" > "System Image Recovery".

Step 3. Choose the system image you want to recover.

Step 4. In the Re-image your computer wizard, select the system image, and click "Next".

Step 5. Follow the wizard to format the disks and restore the system.

Step 6. Restart your computer.

Method 3. Restore Registry Configuration

If you don't have a restore point or system image, don't worry. Based on the details provided, I recommend selecting "Command Prompt" to restore the registry.

The Windows registry is a database that contains configuration data for the operating system and most applications. Changes to the registry can impact the functionality of your computer or programs, and accidental deletion of registry files can result in issues like "Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart". However, registry backup files can be used to revert changes made to the registry, and this can be done via Command Prompt.

Step 1. Choose "Command Prompt" among the options.

Step 2. Select the account and enter the password.

Step 3. In Command Prompt, enter the following command in order:

C:
CD Windows\System32
CD config
DIR
CD regback
DIR
CD ..
REN default default1
ren sam sam1
ren security security1
ren software software1
ren system to system1
CD regback
copy * c:\windows\system32\config

Step 4. Type exit. In the "Choose an option" screen, choose "Turn off your PC" and then start your computer.

The commands above replace the existing system32 config files, which may have been changed incorrectly, with the ones in the backup folder, serving as a solution to the "Your PC ran into a problem" error caused by registry changes.

If restoring the registry doesn't work, you can try Safe Mode to troubleshoot further.

Situation 3. You Are Stuck in the "Your PC ran into a problem" Loop

You're stuck in a loop with no options, just a repeated restart and error message. You can either try to recover data from the corrupted OS or use a Windows installation CD/DVD to fix the problem, creating a media if you don't have one. This will allow you to access the Advanced options and repair your computer.

To access the Advanced options via the Windows installation media, you can follow these steps: Boot your computer from the Windows installation media, which is typically a USB drive or CD/DVD. Once the installation process begins, you will see a screen with the option to select your language and other preferences, followed by a screen with the option to install Windows.

Step 1. Create a Windows installation media according to the official guide supplied by Microsoft.

Step 2. Connect the bootable media to your computer and boot your computer from the device.

Step 3. Wait for the installation files to load.

Step 4. In the Windows Setup window, choose "Next".

Step 5. Click "Repair your computer" in the Setup window and choose "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options".

In situation 2, I have explained what these Advanced options can do. To fix the "Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart" in Windows 10/11, you can apply the following solutions in order.

Method 1. Perform Startup Repair

Startup Repair is a feature that allows you to fix system problems that might prevent Windows from booting up, making it a good option when there's a boot failure on the computer.

Method 2. Perform System Recovery/System Image Recovery

Before attempting to use advanced repair options, ensure you have a restore point or system image available, as this will be the basis for recovery. If not, consider alternative methods for resolving the issue.

Method 3. Restore the Registry in Command Prompt

If you've recently made changes to the registry on your computer, you can revert it to an earlier working state by following the steps in situation 2 from within the Command Prompt.

Method 4. Enter Safe Mode

In Safe Mode, you can perform various troubleshooting steps, such as running system files and programs to identify and fix issues, running System File Checker (SFC) to scan and replace corrupted system files, running DISM to repair corrupted system files, and running System Restore to restore your system to a previous point. You can also use the Command Prompt to run various commands and utilities to troubleshoot and resolve issues. This mode allows you to isolate the problem and take corrective action, making it a useful tool for resolving system issues.

Uninstall incompatible software
Update driver
Remove virus/malware
Run System File Checker tool

To uninstall problematic software:

Step 1. Go to "Start" > "Settings" > "Apps" > "Apps & features".

Step 2. Click the target software and click "Uninstall".

Since your computer can't boot properly, you'll need to update the hard drive driver or motherboard using a CD or USB with the driver. You can download the driver from the manufacturer's website.

To remove the virus, run the anti-virus software or Windows Defender to complete the task. I can guide you on how to run Windows Defender.

Step 1. Go to "Settings" > "Update & Security" > "Windows Security".

Step 2. Click "Virus & threat protection".

Step 3. In the "Threat history" section, click "Scan now" to scan for viruses on your computer.

To run the System File Checker tool:

Missing or damaged system files can cause problems on a computer, ranging from minor issues to serious ones, and may even trigger a BSOD that forces the PC to restart. Fortunately, the Windows System File Checker tool can help resolve this issue by checking and repairing corrupted system files. To use this tool, simply open Command Prompt and type 'sfc /scannow' to initiate the repair process.

Extra Tip: Recover Data after Fixing "Your PC ran into a problem"

If you've lost files after trying to fix the 'Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart' error in Windows 10/11, you can try using a hard drive recovery software like Deep data recovery software to retrieve them. This software can recover files lost due to deletion, format, system crash, and other issues, so it's a good option to try if you need to rescue your files as soon as possible.

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Step 1. Launch Deep Data Recovery, you can see all supported file types listed. Uncheck unwanted file types and click "Next".

Step 2. hover on the partition which you want to recover data from, and click "Scan".

Step 3. Wait for the scan to complete. Then, select the files you'd like to recover.

Step 4. After selecting the files you want to recover, click on "Recover" and choose a location to save the recovered files. Be sure to save them to a different storage device than the one that caused the data loss.

Let's Move and Get Rid of the Problem

The "Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart" issue can be frustrating, but with the solutions provided, you can feel relieved knowing there are ways to rescue your computer. Understanding what caused the problem will help you solve it more directly, or if not, specifying your situation and trying the potential fixes can help remove the error.