‘Microsoft Game Input’ Causing Blue Screen of Death on Windows 11

Resolve BSOD errors caused by Microsoft Game Input on Windows 11 with this step-by-step guide. Learn how to update software, check for driver conflicts, and perform system diagnostics.

Bertie Atkinson

Microsoft Game Input is a service designed to enhance gaming experiences by providing low-latency input for controllers and other gaming peripherals. However, outdated or corrupted versions of this service can conflict with system drivers, leading to BSOD errors. These errors typically display a stop code such as DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL or SYSTEM_THREAD_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED, indicating a problem with system drivers or software.

To identify whether Microsoft Game Input is the root cause, you can check the error logs in the Windows Event Viewer or use third-party diagnostic tools.

Step 1: Update Microsoft Game Input

Outdated software is a common cause of BSOD errors. To ensure Microsoft Game Input is up to date:

  • Open the Microsoft Store and search for ‘Microsoft Game Input.’
  • If an update is available, click Update to install the latest version.
  • Restart your computer to apply the changes.

If the issue persists, proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Check for Driver Conflicts

Driver conflicts are a leading cause of BSOD errors. To identify and resolve these conflicts:

  • Open Device Manager by pressing Win + X and selecting it from the menu.
  • Look for any devices with a yellow exclamation mark, indicating a driver issue.
  • Right-click the device and select Update Driver.
  • If updating the driver doesn’t resolve the issue, consider uninstalling and reinstalling the driver.

Additionally, ensure your graphics and audio drivers are up to date, as these are often linked to gaming-related software.

Step 3: Perform System Diagnostics

System diagnostics can help identify underlying issues that may not be immediately apparent. Windows 11 includes built-in tools for this purpose:

  • Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool to check for RAM issues.
  • Use the System File Checker (SFC) tool to scan and repair corrupted system files. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and type sfc /scannow.
  • Perform a Disk Check to identify and fix hard drive errors. Open Command Prompt and type chkdsk /f /r.

These tools can help pinpoint and resolve issues that may be contributing to BSOD errors.

Step 4: Disable or Uninstall Microsoft Game Input

If the above steps do not resolve the issue, consider disabling or uninstalling Microsoft Game Input:

  • Open Settings and navigate to Apps > Installed Apps.
  • Search for ‘Microsoft Game Input’ and click the three-dot menu next to it.
  • Select Uninstall to remove the application.
  • Restart your computer to complete the process.

If you still experience BSOD errors after uninstallation, the issue may be related to residual files or registry entries. In such cases, using a third-party uninstaller tool may be necessary.

Step 5: Monitor System Stability

After resolving the issue, it’s important to monitor your system’s stability to ensure the problem does not recur. Use tools like Reliability Monitor to track system performance and identify any recurring issues. Additionally, keep your system and drivers updated to prevent future conflicts.

By following these steps, you can effectively resolve BSOD errors caused by Microsoft Game Input on Windows 11 and restore your system’s stability.

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