How to Fix the PNP_DETECTED_FATAL_ERROR in Windows 10

1. Update or Roll Back Drivers

One of the easiest ways to resolve a large number of blue screen errors is to make sure your computer has the latest drivers installed.

However, if Windows 10 has recently updated its driver and an error occurs immediately afterwards, it is better to revert to the previous version. You can easily manage the drivers using the device manager built into Windows.

How to Update a Driver

1. Press Windows Key + R to launch the Run application. Type in devmgmt.msc in the text box and hit Enter to open the Device Manager.
2. In the Device Manager, navigate to the desired device and expand the menu. Right-click on the driver and select Update Driver. Since we’re dealing with the PNP_DETECTED_FATAL_ERROR, it’s best to update drivers related to devices such as keyboards, mice, headphones, etc.
3. In the window that opens, click on Search automatically for updated driver software.
4. Windows will automatically download and install the latest drivers.
5. Reboot your computer.

How to Roll Back Drivers

1. Press Windows Key + R and type devmgmt.msc in the text box, then hit Enter.
2. In the Device Manager window, look for the required device and expand the menu.
3. Right-click on the desired driver and select Properties.
4. Under the Driver tab, click on Roll Back Driver.
5. After the driver has been installed, reboot your computer.

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2. Boot the Computer in Safe Mode

Many times, the PNP_DETECTED_FATAL_ERROR blue screen can be caused by a problematic third-party software or driver. To diagnose this problem, it is necessary to start the computer in safe mode.

In safe mode, only basic applications and services run when Windows starts. All third party software and drivers will be disabled.

How to Boot in Safe Mode

1. In the Start menu search bar, type sysconfig and click on System Configuration in the search results.
2. Under the Boot tab, check the Safe boot option and also select the Network sub-option under it.
3. Click OK and reboot your computer.

After booting into safe mode, wait a few minutes to see if the error reappears. If it is not, it may be caused by recently installed software or drivers. If you recently installed new drivers, now is the time to uninstall them using Device Manager.

How to Uninstall a Driver

1. Press Windows Key + R and type devmgmt.msc in the Run application. Press Enter.
2. In the Device Manager, navigate to the device type you (or Windows 10) recently installed a driver for, and expand the menu. Right-click on the specific device and click on Uninstall Device.
3. On the Uninstall Device prompt, check the Delete the driver software for this device box.
4. Click on OK and wait for Windows to uninstall the driver.
5. Reboot your computer.

3. Use Startup Repair

For users who cannot enter the lock screen interface, Startup Repair is the best option. To start the startup repair, follow these steps:

1. Start your computer by pressing the power button. When the motherboard manufacturer’s logo shows up, hold the power button until your computer switches off.
2. Repeat step one at least three times until you boot into Windows Recovery Environment. It’ll be a blue screen with Choose an option displayed at the top.
3. From the options given on the screen, click on Troubleshoot.
4. On the next screen, click on Advanced options and then click on Startup Repair.
5. Wait for Windows to detect and resolve the issue automatically.

After starting the repair, if the blue screen reappears, you should be able to start the computer and try other repairs.

4. Use SFC and DISM to Check for Corrupt System Files

DISM stands for Deployment Image Management and Service, and it helps detect and repair problems in system images. Whenever users encounter blue screen errors, they should use this utility. Here’s how to use the DISM command:

1. In the Start menu search bar, type cmd, and from the search results, right-click on Command Prompt > Run as administrator.
2. In the Command Prompt console, type DISM /Online /Cleanup-image /Scanhealth and press Enter.
3. Wait for the process to be over, then type DISM /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth and hit Enter.
4. Windows will repair any problems with the system image.

SFC is a utility built into Windows to check and repair damaged or missing system files. It can be used to resolve various common errors and blue screens in Windows. Besides, it is easy to use:

1. In the Start menu search bar, type cmd and right-click on Command Prompt > Run as administrator from the search results.
2. In the console, type sfc /scannow and hit Enter.
3. Wait for the procedure to be over, and close Command Prompt.
4. Reboot the computer.

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5. Run System Restore

Windows System Restore is a convenient application that allows users to restore their computers to a previous state when everything is running smoothly. Windows automatically creates a restore point every week and when you install new programs or drivers. But you can also create a restore point manually:

1. In the Start menu search bar, type System Restore.
2. In the search results, click on Create a system restore point.
3. On the next Window, click on Create. If the option is greyed out, click on a disk partition under Protection Settings > Configure > Turn on system protection. Click on OK.
4. Enter a name for the restore point and click on OK.

The Easy Way to Fix the PNP_DETECTED_FATAL_ERROR

Even novice users can easily fix the intimidating blue screen, such as PNP_DETECTED_FATAL_ERROR, by following the steps above.

It is always a good idea to make sure that your computer has the latest drivers installed. It is also recommended that users create a system restore point before trying high-tech solutions.