Encountering the “Video_DXGKRNL_FATAL_ERROR” on your Windows system can be alarming, especially if it leads to frequent crashes or system instability. This Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) error typically indicates a problem with the DirectX graphics kernel subsystem. Fortunately, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to diagnose and fix this issue, restoring stability to your system.
Update Graphics Drivers
Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers are a common cause of the Video_DXGKRNL_FATAL_ERROR. To update your graphics drivers, right-click on the Start menu and select “Device Manager.” Expand the “Display adapters” category, right-click on your graphics card, and choose “Update driver.” Follow the on-screen instructions to search for and install the latest driver updates. Alternatively, you can visit the website of your graphics card manufacturer (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) to download and install the drivers manually.
Rollback Graphics Drivers
If you recently updated your graphics drivers and started experiencing the Video_DXGKRNL_FATAL_ERROR, it’s possible that the new drivers are incompatible or buggy. In such cases, rolling back to the previous driver version can resolve the issue. Follow the same steps as above to access the “Update driver” option in Device Manager, but this time choose “Rollback driver” instead. Restart your computer after rolling back the driver and monitor the system for stability.
Check for Windows Updates
Microsoft regularly releases updates to address bugs, security vulnerabilities, and compatibility issues in Windows. It’s important to ensure that your operating system is up to date. Open the Settings app, go to “Update & Security,” and click on “Check for updates.” If any updates are available, download and install them. After updating, restart your computer and check if the Video_DXGKRNL_FATAL_ERROR persists.
Run DirectX Diagnostic Tool
The DirectX Diagnostic Tool (dxdiag) can help diagnose DirectX-related issues on your system. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog, type “dxdiag,” and press Enter. In the DirectX Diagnostic Tool window, navigate to the “Display” tab to view information about your graphics hardware and drivers. If any problems are detected, follow the recommendations provided by the tool to troubleshoot and fix them.
Perform System File Checker (SFC) Scan
Corrupted system files can cause various errors, including the Video_DXGKRNL_FATAL_ERROR. Windows includes a built-in tool called System File Checker (SFC) that can scan for and repair corrupted system files. Open Command Prompt as an administrator by searching for “cmd” in the Start menu, right-clicking on “Command Prompt,” and selecting “Run as administrator.” Then, type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter. Allow the scan to complete, and follow any instructions provided.
Check for Overclocking Issues
If you’ve overclocked your CPU or GPU, it’s possible that instability caused by overclocking is triggering the Video_DXGKRNL_FATAL_ERROR. Reverting to default clock speeds in your system’s BIOS or through overclocking software can help determine if overclocking is the culprit. Monitor your system after reverting to default settings to see if the error persists.
The Video_DXGKRNL_FATAL_ERROR in Windows can be a frustrating issue, but with the troubleshooting steps outlined above, you should be able to identify and resolve the underlying cause. Whether it’s updating drivers, installing Windows updates, or performing system diagnostics, taking proactive measures can help ensure the stability and reliability of your system. If the problem persists despite your efforts, consider seeking assistance from Microsoft support forums or consulting with a professional technician. By addressing the issue promptly, you can minimize downtime and get back to using your Windows system without the fear of encountering the dreaded BSoD.