PNP_detected_fatal_error Windows Fix

Welcome to our guide on how to find the cause behind the PNP_detected_fatal_error and fix the issue, so your Windows PC does not experience any more BSOD crashes.

If your machine suddenly freezes and seconds later you are greeted with the infamous Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) with the message PNP_detected_fatal_error, there are a couple of possible reasons why this is happening. Figuring out the exact cause of the system crash is the first thing that you need to do. The abbreviation PNP stands for plug-and-play. This is an integrated function that allows Windows to automatically connect with and operate external devices such as a keyboard, a mouse or a USB device. You have probably noticed how the first time when you plug in a newly bought device, your machine needs some time to recognize it. This is the moment where the plug-and-play function allows the OS to automatically install the device and allow you to use it, instead of you having to install it manually. This suggests that if the message on your BSOD screen is PNP_detected_fatal_error, then there is either a problem with a new device that you have recently bought or the driver that is used to operate it.

PNP_detected_fatal_error Windows Fix

Fix 1: Re-installing the device or using another port (for USB devices)

Usually, re-installing and updating the device from your Device Manager should do the trick just fine. In order to do that, follow these instructions.

1. In the Windows search box from your Start Menu type Device Manager and select the first entry in the result list.
2. Find and right-click on the device that you think might be causing the BSOD crashes.
3. Select Uninstall and shut down your PC.
   
4. Unplug the device from your machine.
5. Start your computer and plug back in the problematic device.
6. Wait for it to automatically install and open the Device Manager.
7. Find the device, right-click on it and select Update Driver Software.
   
8. Select Search automatically for updated driver software and click on next. Follow the prompts until your device has been updated.
   

If the error persists, you might try plugging the device in a different USB port. Sometimes using another port will not cause the system to crash and this might also be the case with your PC.

Fix 2: Updating faulty drivers

Maybe the problem is not coming from an external device, but from a driver for an internal one. A recent upgrade to your PC hardware might require an update to your drivers. If the ones responsible for the functioning of the recently upgraded/replaced part are outdated, then this might be the reason for the PNP_detected_fatal_error. The first thing you need to do is figure out if and what driver is causing the problem. The following short guide will show you how to do it:

1. Open the Start Menu and type verifier.
2. Click on the first result to open it.
3. From the presented options choose the first one (Create standard settings) and continue.
   
4. On the next page check the Automatically select all drivers installed on this computer option and click on Finish.                             
5. If your machine does not restart automatically, do this manually. Now windows will check for any faulty drivers and if such are found, you’d be notified.

After the verification has finished, look at the results. If there is a driver/s that are detected as faulty, go back to the Device Manager and re-install them the same way you re-installed the external device drivers in the previous guide. Problematic drivers usually have a yellow exclamation mark in the Device Manager, making them easier to see.

Bonus tip:

Sometimes the problem might not be with your software drivers, but with the device itself. It might be a component that is not fitting tightly in its place or a cable that has come loose and is not firmly connected. Sometimes RAM sticks are not properly placed and need to be fitted manually. If the PNP_detected_fatal_error persists after you’ve updated all drivers, it might be worth taking a look at the inside of your machine by opening its case. It is also a good idea to test your RAM. To do this, use the free software tool called memtest86. To use it, you’d need to burn it on a DVD/USB device. If you do not know how to make bootable DVD/USB’s, check out this guide.