Blue Screening during clean install setup

I was given a prebuilt gaming pc that was only a couple years old but anytime it turned on it would get a “critical process died” stop code. And I’ve made a lot of repair attempts already.

I first wiped everything on the ssd using command prompt and did a clean windows 10 install with a media creation tool. (It says the hardware won’t support windows 11). And that did allow me to start the windows setup process but the system always crashes before completion. Sometimes even saying “error installing windows” and wants to restart. But it’s now giving inconsistent stop codes.

I then replaced the ram, and did another clean install with no improvement.

I replaced the ssd after that and tried installing windows to it with the same issues. Bios says the cpu temp is normal as well as voltage. I also cleaned most of the dust.

Finally I tried installing Linux and besides two freezes that required a restart everything seems to be normal. I’m happy for something to work but I’d really like to have windows on it and I’m not sure where to go next in regards to installing a stable windows 10 on it. I’d really appreciate any potential solutions or ideas. I’m relatively new computer repair.

Hi, Ryan N_804

Welcome to Microsoft Community.

We understand that the blue screen problem you have encountered has always appeared during the new installation of Windows 10, and it still exists after replacing SSD and RAM. This may be caused by other hardware problems or BIOS settings. It is suggested that you can try the following schemes: 

I, check the hardware 

Check the power supply: 

Ensure that the power supply works normally and the output voltage is stable. If the power supply is unstable, it may lead to a blue screen during the installation of the system. 

Check the motherboard: 

Check the motherboard for damage or poor contact. In particular, whether the capacitor has liquid leakage or bulging phenomenon. 

  

II, reset the BIOS 

Reset BIOS to default settings: 

Enter the BIOS setup interface, select "Load Default Settings" or "Load Optimized Defaults", then save and restart. 

This can ensure that the BIOS settings are not misconfigured to cause installation problems. 

 

Disclaimer:  Microsoft provides no assurances and/or warranties, implied or otherwise, and  is not responsible for the information you receive from the third-party  linked sites or any support related to technology.  

If you are going to modify BIOS Settings, please  back up all your personal files first to ensure you do not lose data.  

 

  

III, check the hard disk and interface 

Confirm the hard disk interface mode: 

In BIOS, check whether SATA mode is set to AHCI, sometimes setting to IDE or RAID mode may cause problems. 

Try changing to another SATA port and data cable. 

  

IV, run the memory and hard disk test 

Memory test (MEMTEST): 

Start and run MemTest86 from the USB flash drive, and test the stability of the memory to ensure that there is no memory problem. 

Hard disk test: 

Use the diagnostic tools provided by the hard disk manufacturer to check the health of SSD. Even with a new SSD, there may be problems. 

  

V from the simple installation. 

Minimize hardware configuration: 

Configure the system to the minimum, only connect CPU, 1 RAM, SSD and graphics card, and unplug other unnecessary hardware. 

This can eliminate the interference of other hardware. 

  

VI. Installation in Safe Mode 

Enter safe mode for installation: 

Try to create a clean Windows 10 installation media, and then start the installation program again. 

During installation, press Shift+F10 to open a command prompt, and then enter the following command to start it in safe mode: 

  

bcdedit /set {default} safeboot minimal 

After completing the installation, enter the command prompt again and disable safe mode startup: 

  

bcdedit /deletevalue {default} safeboot 

  

VII, check the driver 

Update driver from BIOS: 

Make sure you are using the latest BIOS version. Visit the official website of the motherboard manufacturer to download and update the BIOS. 

Errors during installation are sometimes related to driver conflicts. Make sure all drivers are up to date. 

  

If the above steps can't solve the problem, you may need to further check the compatibility of the motherboard or other hardware (such as graphics card), or consider sending the computer to a professional maintenance point for detailed testing. 

I hope these methods can help you. I wish you a successful installation! 

Best Regards

Nicholas.Z - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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Last updated April 18, 2025 Views 68 Applies to: