The White Screen of Death, which is similar to the Blue Screen of Death, occurs when there is an error in your software’s hardware or software components. As the name suggests, once the error happens, all you can see is a blank, white screen. However, unlike the Blue Screen of Death, a White Screen of Death is not accompanied by an error code or anything that will help you know what went wrong. This makes troubleshooting difficult.
What causes the White Screen of Death error?
There is no one specific cause of the White Screen of Death error, and, as mentioned, it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact reason(s) why your screen suddenly turns blank. That said, some of the more common causes of the white screen error include:
- Malware
- Issues with your monitor or video settings
- Glitches in third-party applications
- One (or more) critical drivers are corrupted or outdated
- A background application is interfering with the system’s processes
- Critical file(s) are missing from your computer
- Bugs in a Windows update
How to fix the White Screen of Death
1. Force restart your computer
If you receive a white screen error while trying to boot your system and cannot see the Windows login page, you can try force restarting your computer. In most situations, a force restart fixes whatever app or glitch caused the problem. You can force a reboot by holding down the Power key of your device for a few seconds until it shuts down. Wait a few seconds before turning the power back on.
Afterwards, try to boot your Windows device again. If the error persists, it’s best to ask Windows customer support.
Additionally, keep in mind that while this solution is the simplest, it also does not prevent the White Screen of Death from reoccurring.
2. Remove USB accessories and other peripherals
If the white screen error occurs but you can still see the cursor, the problem is most likely caused by an external device. Immediately remove any USB accessories or peripherals, including your mouse and keyboard. Force restart your computer as instructed above.
If the Windows OS starts normally, connect each accessory one at a time, starting from devices you are most confident in being safe. If the error occurs again after you plug in a specific device, you will need to replace or repair the malfunctioning accessory.
3. Use safe mode
If the error occurs after login, it may be caused by a third-party app. In this case, IT experts recommend using Safe Mode to identify the problematic app and either repair or uninstall it.
After force restarting your computer, you can enter Safe Mode by:
- Pressing the Windows key + R
- In the run box, type “msconfig” and press “Enter”.
- Open the System Configuration window.
- Click on the Boot tab, and select “Safe Boot”.
- Click “ok”.
- Reboot your PC. You should now be in Safe Mode.
Similarly, you can enter Safe Mode while rebooting. Simply press F8 repeatedly before the Windows logo appears.
4. Update your graphic drivers
If the issue is an outdated graphics card driver, then you will need to update it. If this does not work, you can delete and reinstall it to see if that fixes the problem. Here’s how you can do this:
- Press the Windows key + X, and click “Device Manager”.
- Double-click the “Display Adapters” option to expand it. From there, right-click each driver and select “Update driver”.
- Sect the “Search automatically for drivers” option.
- If the system finds any available update, install it.
5. Update Windows
You may be running an outdated Windows operating system if the White Screen of Death error causes your computer to freeze and display a blank screen randomly. Make sure to check if you’re running the most recent version by going to “Settings” → “Update & Security” → “Check for Updates”. If there is a new update available, install it immediately.
6. Uninstall a Windows update
Conversely, you may need to roll back an update if you receive a white screen error after updating your Windows operating system. Consider this strategy if you start facing a problem immediately after installing an update.
To roll back an update, go to “Windows Settings” and choose “Update & Security.” In the following window, select “Windows Update” from the left panel and “View installed update history” on the right side. Click “Uninstall updates” and select the update you want to uninstall.
7. Use system restore point
You can also revert to a restore point when your Windows OS works properly. Remember that restoring to a previous point will delete all files created after this time. This method is only recommended if you previously made a system restore point to revert to. To revert your computer to a previous restore point:
- From the Start Menu, search and select “Create a restore point”.
- In the “System Protection” tab, select “System Restore…”
- Check or tick the option that says “Recommended restore” then select “Next”
8. Disable background applications
You may want to look into your background applications if you still can’t fix the White Screen of Death. One of them may be interfering with the system’s processes. There are many ways to resolve this issue, but the simplest one would be to think about the last application you opened before the error occurred. Try uninstalling the app and see if that fixed the error.
If you don’t know which app is problematic, try disabling any unnecessary or redundant third-party applications using the Task Manager.
9. Run the hardware and devices troubleshooter
Lastly, you can try to identify and fix any hardware problems by running the troubleshooter on Windows. To do this, search for the “Hardware and Devices” troubleshooter on your homepage. This utility scans the system for any hardware-related issues and recommends possible fixes. Apply all the fixes to hopefully solve the problem.
Preventing the White Screen of Death
Resolving the White Screen of Death can be frustrating because you do not have a baseline for where to start your troubleshooting. This also makes preventing it tricky; however, some best practices to consider are updating your endpoints, deploying automated patch management, and working with a trusted endpoint management company, especially if you’re an MSP.
NinjaOne is trusted by 17,000+ clients worldwide for its all-in-one endpoint management solution, which is proven to drive radical efficiency from day one and secure devices in a single pane of glass.
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