PNP_DETECTED_FATAL_ERROR: Fix the BSOD in 5 steps 🛠️💥

Let's talk about one of the fatal BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) errors in Windows that's affecting many users. In this article, we'll discuss PNP_DETECTED_FATAL_ERROR, an error that appears out of nowhere and causes the system to shut down after displaying the Blue Screen.

What is PNP_DETECTED_FATAL_ERROR in Windows?

Before explaining the actual cause of the error in Windows, it is important to know that this problem is usually accompanied by several other stop codes, such as 0x000000CA (0x01681690, 0xEA96A7BE, 0x938A81AD, 0xF8362881).

PNP FATAL ERROR DETECTED in Windows mainly occurs when the system fails to detect an appropriate driver for the connected Plug and Play devices.

For example, if you recently installed a plug-and-play hardware component on your PC and Windows can't detect its driver, you might experience a BSOD.

BSODs can also occur due to incompatible, outdated, or corrupted driver files. Therefore, this issue is primarily driver-related.

Since this BSOD error is primarily caused by drivers, we'll focus more on fixing driver-related issues. However, if repairing your drivers didn't help, you can try these options.

Reconnect the newly installed hardware.
Disable BIOS Memory Options.
Update all Device Drivers.
Run the Check Disk Utility.
Check and rule out hardware problems.
Perform a System Restore.
Update the Windows Operating System.

1. Remove Newly Installed Hardware

The newly installed hardware is a common cause of PNP_DETECTED_FATAL_ERROR in Windows. You may have encountered the error after installing new hardware.

The hardware could be anything, such as a webcam, microphone, mouse, keyboard, etc. Whatever the device, you should temporarily remove it to see if the error persists.

If the error is fixed and no longer appears, you have the culprit! 🎯

2. Update or Roll Back Device Drivers

If removing the hardware didn't help, you can try updating or rolling back device driver updates. Here's how to do it in Windows.

1. Press Windows key + R to open the RUN dialog box.

2. Write devmgmt.msc in the RUN dialog box and press Enter.

3. Now, right click on the drivers (keyboards, mice, headsets, etc.) and select Update Driver.

4. In the prompt, select Automatically search for drivers.

How to Roll Back Drivers?

If updating your drivers doesn't resolve the error in Windows, you'll need to roll back your device drivers. Here are the steps to follow.

1. Press Windows key + R to open the RUN dialog box.

2. Write devmgmt.msc in the RUN dialog box and press Enter.

3. Right click on the drivers (keyboards, mice, headsets, etc.) and select Properties.

4. In Properties, go to the tab Controller and click on Rollback Controller.

The operating system will now roll back the drivers you selected. Once the process is complete, restart your PC.

3. Check the Disk for Errors

Many Windows users have reported resolving the PnP Detected Fatal Error BSOD by running the Check Disk (ChkDSK) utility. Therefore, you can try this method to increase your chances of resolving the issue.

Open Windows File Explorer.
Right click on the system installation disk (C: Drive) and select Properties.
In the drive properties, go to the tab Tools.
Then click on the button Find out under Error Checking.
In the Error Checking prompt, click Scan drive.

The Check Disk utility will now launch. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the disk error checking process.

4. Uninstall the Security Program

Sometimes, security programs, especially Norton Antivirus, can trigger a PNP detectable fatal error on the Windows operating system.

Several users have reported that uninstalling security programs and other newly installed programs has helped them resolve the 0x000000CA error.

You need to open the Control Panel and uninstall all programs, including security tools, that you recently installed on your device.

Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard. This will open the RUN dialog box.
In the RUN dialog box, type appwiz.cpl and press Enter.
This will open the Control Panel.
Now, uninstall any recently installed security programs.
You should also uninstall any programs you have recently installed.
To uninstall, right-click on the program and select Uninstall.

5. Update your Windows Operating System

Some users have encountered the PNP Detected Fatal Error BSOD due to an outdated operating system version. If you're using Windows, it's best to keep your operating system up to date.

Keeping your operating system up to date has several advantages: you'll enjoy new features, receive security patches, and experience fewer bugs and crashes. ⚙️

If you haven't updated your operating system in a while, go to Settings > Windows Update and click the Check for updates button. Windows will automatically find and download any pending operating system and security updates.

6. Perform a System Restore

If you're still receiving the PNP Detected Fatal Error BSOD, it's time to perform a system restore.

System Restore will return your computer to its previous state, thus resolving the BSOD error. Here's how to perform a system restore.

1. Open Windows Search and type Recovery. From the list of results, click the Recovery app.

2. On the Recovery screen, select Open System Restore.

3. Now, choose the restore point you want to use and click the button Following.

4. Click the button Finish on the Confirm your restore point screen.

Now, Windows will automatically return your settings to the point you selected.

7. Restart your PC

If none of this has worked so far, you only have one option left: restart your computer.

A system reset will erase everything on your PC, including user-defined settings and personal files. So be sure to back up your important files before resetting your PC. 🗂️

Restart Windows 11:

Click the Windows Start button and select Settings.
Change to Windows Update in the left sidebar.
On the right side, click on Advanced options.
In the advanced options, click on Recovery.
On the recovery screen, click the button Reset PC.
You will now see a prompt with two options. Select Keep my files.
In the following prompt, select Cloud download.
Finally, click on the button Restore to reset your Windows 11 computer.

Restart Windows 10:

The steps to reset Windows 10 are different from Windows 11. We have shared a detailed guide on How to restart a Windows 10 computer.

In this guide, we share three ways to reset Windows 10 to its factory settings. If you're using Windows 10, check out that article and follow the steps.

8. Check for Hardware Problems

Hardware problems, such as a faulty hard drive or RAM module, can also cause this BSOD error.

If all else fails, there's a high probability that your device has underlying hardware issues. It could be a faulty RAM module or a failing hard drive.

Sometimes, incorrect BSOD settings can also trigger the error screen. So, if you're unsure, you can take your computer to a local service center and ask them to fix the problem. 🛠️

The PNP_DETECTED_FATAL_ERROR can be frustrating, but it can be easily fixed with the right approach. We have shared all the effective methods to resolve the BSOD errorIf this article helped you, share it with your friends! 📲