The bug check error can also be caused by:

faulty hardwareincorrect system settingsa bad driverinstalling an important update

However, most error messages will often have a description of what the problem may be. Below are some tried and tested solutions to help you fix a Bad System Config Info error in Windows 10 and 11.

1. Try Restarting Your Computer

There’s a reason that many IT people jokingly ask, “Have you tried turning it off and on again?” It’s because, in many cases, a simple restart can clear the issues your PC is having. Before you try anything else, give this suggestion a try. Ideally, you should do a “hard restart” by going to “Start -> Power -> Shut Down,” then waiting a few minutes before turning the computer back on. This gives the system time to power down completely before rebooting.

2. Roll Back Windows Update

If this error started occurring soon after a Windows update, then that probably is where your problem lies, and the solution should be simple: roll back the Windows update! Off the back of seemingly endless Windows update problems reported by users, Microsoft integrated a well-advised “uninstall updates” feature into Windows 10.

3. Check your RAM and Hard Drive

For some, it may seem daunting to look inside your PC and start twiddling around with the physical components. However, the health and fitting of your RAM and hard drive can be the cause of the bad system config info error. If you’re comfortable with opening up your PC, you can take a look inside to make sure that your RAM is correctly fitted into the slots and that your hard drive SATA cables are properly connected too. These checks shouldn’t take more than a couple of minutes. If you have more than one RAM stick, you could even remove the excess sticks so that only one is left, and see if the error goes away. If the error only appears when certain RAM sticks are slotted in, then it’s likely those sticks are causing the error, in which case you may need to run your PC on less RAM (and, down the line, look into buying new RAM). Assuming your RAM and hard drive are properly fitted, you should then check on the health of your RAM and health of your hard drive, both of which we have guides for here on the site. If you get back bad results on either front, this could be causing the errors, and it may be time to look into replacing the relevant components.

4. Update or Reinstall Drivers

Incompatible or outdated drivers are a source of several issues. The worst thing bad drivers can do is bring up BSoD errors, such as the Bad System Config Info. To resolve this, followo the instructions below:

5. bcdedit Command

Quite often the Bad System Config Info error can appear when system configuration is incorrect or not configured properly. Additionally, the error will also appear if the memory and processors in the configuration file have the wrong value, preventing access to Windows 10 and Windows 11. To resolve this, you’ll need to go to the Advanced Startup menu:

6. Fix BCD file

If your BCD file is corrupt or damaged, the Bad System Config Info error may appear and deny you access to Safe Mode and Windows altogether. To resolve this, you need your bootable USB flash drive with Windows or the installation DVD. You can also use the Media Creation Tool if you don’t have a bootable USB drive. Here’s what to do next: Note: the last command you enter will delete, then recreate Master Boot Records. Be careful using it.

7. Fix the Registry

There are specific registry issues that can bring up the error, but you can repair the registry to resolve it by following these steps: Note: the folders of each of these commands are renamed as you press Enter, and once this is done, Windows won’t use them again. They can be deleted, but you’re better off renaming in case you need to do a system restore much later. 4. Enter the lines below into Command Prompt: This process copies the registry’s backup and replaces old files. Close Command Prompt and restart your PC.

8. System Restore

If the other methods don’t help, this may be one of your last two solutions to try. Note that you will not be able to use this method if you don’t have saved restore points to pull from. However, the system will let you know if you don’t. To perform a system restore, follow the steps below.

9. Reset Windows 10/Windows 11

This is the last solution to try if none of the others worked. Before resetting, create a backup, as once you reset Windows, all files will be deleted from the C partition. The reset should fix the problem if it was related to your PC’s software. Image credit: Pexels Screencaps taken by Megan Glosson