Wondering how to fix the grey screen on Windows 11? Due to an underlying hardware or operating system issue, the screen of the PC crashes and turns grey. In this case, updating the graphic drivers, ensuring sufficient power supply, and restarting the explorer.exe task may prove to be compelling fixes.

Key Takeaways

  • Sometimes, when the user is working on the system, out of nowhere, the screen turns grey. This system crash is known as the grey screen of death error.
  • The potential causes behind the GSOD error can be several, including issues in the operating system, defective graphics cards, damage in the cable, or the monitor malfunctioning.
  • Some compelling fixes are updating the graphic drivers, ensuring sufficient power supply, and restarting the explorer.exe task.

Methods Difficulty Rating

Restart Explorer
Rated: 6/10

Scan The System
Rated: 4/10

Run Troubleshooter
Rated: 4/10

Reset PC
Rated: 5/10

Tip: Upon encountering the grey screen error, the primary fixes that you must go through are restarting the system, updating the driver, checking the power cord for damage and ensuring that sufficient power is provided to the PC.

Restart Explorer

In case of the grey screen glitch appearing in Windows 11, restarting the explorer.exe task may become an effective fix. While I was researching the topic, I found that people on Microsoft’s official forum suffering from similar glitches found this method quite beneficial in removing the annoying grey screen on their systems. The steps to do so are:

  1. Execute Run New Task Function: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to access the Task Manager > Hit the Run new task option available in the top section.
    Access the Task Manager and hit it the Run new task option available in the top section.
    Run New Task Function -(Image By Tech4Gamers)
  2. Create New Task: Create a new task dialog box will appear on the screen > Type explorer.exe > Hit the OK button.
    Create a new task dialog box will appear on the screen. Type explorer.exe.
    Create New Task -(Image By Tech4Gamers)
  3. Restart Windows Explorer: Click on Windows Explorer > Opt for the Restart option > Restart the system > Check if your error resolves.
    Click on Windows Explorer and go for the Restart button.
    Restart Windows Explorer -(Image By Tech4Gamers)

Scan The System

Sometimes, if the system files are corrupted, they can also become the causing factor behind the error. In this case, Windows 11 users can utilize the SFC and DISM scanning tools to effectively diagnose and eliminate the faulty system file issue from the system.

In my case, running the utility allowed the system to detect and repair the files with corruption and resolve the issue. Many users on online forums have affirmed how this method has helped them solve problems with system files, which could very well be a reason for the grey screen on Windows 11. Run the following commands:

  1. Launch Command Prompt: Press the shortcut keys Windows + S > Type CMD to view the Command Prompt
  2. Run The Commands: Enter each command and press the Enter key > SFC /scannow > DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth > DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth > DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth > Restart system.
Run the scan to check for any corruption of system files.
SFC Scan -(Image By Tech4Gamers)

Run Troubleshooter

The grey screen error sometimes pops up on the PC screen due to a hardware malfunction, as reported by numerous users worldwide. To resolve such bugs, Windows 11 comes prepared with a built-in facility called the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter.

Per my personal experience, running this troubleshooter often effectively fixes many system issues arising from problematic hardware, including the GSOD error. Here’s how you can execute the function:

  1. Run The Troubleshooter: Access the Settings App > Go to Update & Security section > Hit the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter > Restart your PC.
Go to Update & Security section and hit the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter.
Hardware And Devices Troubleshooter -(Image By Tech4Gamers)

Reset PC

Resetting a Windows PC restores your PC to a clean, original state by eliminating the bugs that might be causing technical errors and hindering performance as solved by another user. If you cannot work around the GSOD error through other fixes, then a Windows reset may be an effective issue resolution.

WARNING: Back up important data before resetting the PC because all the files and programs will be wiped off the system. 

Final Verdict

When I encountered this error, I researched and found that several users on the global forums, such as Tech Support Guy, reported this sudden window crash with a grey screen appearance.

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Uzair Shabir
Uzair Shabir
[How-To Guides Expert] Laiba, our tech guru at HI Digital, simplifies and crafts How-To Guides with a Google IT Support Certificate. Beyond tech, she captures the city's aesthetics through her lens. Join her journey where tech meets creativity! Get In Touch: Laiba@hidgt.com Google IT Certificate Shehryar Khan
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