Fix VIDEO_DXGKRNL_FATAL_ERROR (8 Solutions to apply)
This error usually occurs when your PC is using outdated graphics drivers, can be resolved by updating drivers, checking for hardware issues, and ensuring that your system files and software are up to date.
The Video DXGKRNL Fatal Error (often displayed as VIDEO_DXGKRNL_FATAL_ERROR on a Blue Screen of Death) is a Windows stop error related to the DirectX Graphics Kernel Subsystem. This issue commonly occurs due to problems with your graphics card or video driver, and it prevents your system from functioning properly. You may usually experience this BSOD error after a Windows update, driver update, or while playing high-definition games or performing GPU-intensive tasks. This article explores the most common reason behind this and solutions to fix Video_Dxgkrnl_Fatal_Error on Windows 11/10.
How To Fix Video_Dxgkrnl_Fatal_Error on Windows
The video DXGKRNL fatal error is typically associated with graphics-intensive tasks like gaming or multimedia applications. Most of the time, outdated or incompatible graphics drivers, corrupt system files, conflicts between hardware components, faulty graphics cards, or issues with DirectX cause such errors.
Here are the Common Causes of the Video DXGKRNL Fatal Error:
- Outdated or corrupted graphics card drivers.
- Incompatible or buggy Windows updates.
- Malfunctioning hardware (GPU) or overheating issues.
- DirectX problems caused by outdated or corrupted components.
- Faulty system files or registry issues.
Update or Reinstall Graphics Card Drivers
Corrupted or outdated video drivers are the most common cause of the Video DXGKRNL Fatal Error. Whenever you experience this Blue Screen of Death, you should update or reinstall the graphics driver.
Update Drivers:
- Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand the Display Adapters section.
- Right-click on your graphics card (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) and select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for drivers and allow Windows to find the latest driver.
- Restart your PC after the update.
Updating your drivers ensures your system is using the latest software to communicate with your GPU.
Note: If the error occurred after a recent driver update, rolling back the driver might fix it.
Reinstall Drivers:
If updating the drivers doesn’t resolve the issue, reinstall them. Reinstalling removes any corrupted files, giving you a fresh start.
- Go to Device Manager and expand the Display adapters.
- Right-click on your graphics card and select Uninstall device.
- Check the box that says Delete the driver software for this device, then click Uninstall.
- Restart your PC. Windows will automatically install default drivers.
- Alternatively, you can visit the manufacturer’s website (Intel, AMD, and Nvidia) to download and install the latest driver manually.
Perform a System File Check (SFC) and DISM Scan
Again Corrupted system files can lead to video driver-related issues. Running SFC and DISM commands scans and repairs these files that might be causing the issue.
Run SFC:
- Press Windows + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
- Type the command sfc /scannow and press Enter:
- Wait for the scan to complete and follow the on-screen instructions to fix any issues.
Run DISM:
If SFC doesn’t fix the problem, Run the following DISM command:
- DISM /Online /Cleanup–Image /RestoreHealth
SFC checks for system file corruption, while DISM fixes deeper Windows issues, providing a healthy system environment for video processing. Restart your computer after the scanning complete 100% and check if this helps fix the blue screen of death error.
Perform a Clean Boot
A clean boot allows you to start Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This can help you identify if any third-party programs or services are conflicting with the system and causing the VIDEO_DXGKRNL_FATAL_ERROR.
A clean boot disables all non-essential services and programs, allowing you to pinpoint and eliminate the source of the conflict.
- Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
- In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab.
- Check Hide all Microsoft services and click Disable all.
- Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
- Disable all startup programs and restart your computer.
If the error doesn’t occur after the clean boot, a background service or program may be causing the problem. You can enable them one by one to identify the culprit.
Update Windows
Sometimes the Video DXGKRNL Fatal Error occurs due to a buggy Windows update or a missing critical patch. Checking for and installing the latest Windows updates could resolve the problem.
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Go to Windows Update and click Check for updates.
- Install any available updates and restart your PC.
Updating ensures that your system has the latest patches and performance enhancements.
Reinstall DirectX
If for some reason DirectX files are corrupted, it can trigger video-related BSOD errors like Video DXGKRNL Fatal Error. Reinstalling DirectX restores the vital components needed to run graphical tasks, ensuring a smoother interaction between the software and hardware.
- Press Windows + R, type dxdiag, and press Enter.
- Check your DirectX Version at the bottom of the System tab.
- If DirectX is outdated or corrupted, download the latest version of DirectX from the official Microsoft website and install it.
Clean Dust from GPU and Ensure Proper Cooling
Overheating can cause your GPU to malfunction, leading to the Video DXGKRNL Fatal Error. Cleaning dust from your GPU and improving airflow in your case can reduce overheating and prevent crashes.
- Turn off your computer and unplug it.
- Open the case and carefully clean the dust from your GPU and other components using compressed air.
- Ensure that all fans are working properly and that airflow is adequate inside the case.
Overheating can damage components and lead to frequent errors. Cleaning dust ensures your hardware runs at safe temperatures.
Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool
Memory issues could also trigger the VIDEO_DXGKRNL_FATAL_ERROR. If you still encounter this error, run the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool to check for any memory problems.
- Press Windows + R, type mdsched.exe, and press Enter.
- Choose Restart now and check for problems.
- Your system will restart, and the tool will scan your memory for any issues.
- After the test is completed, review the results for any detected problems.
The tool scans your RAM for errors, ensuring that memory problems aren’t causing the crash. Fixing RAM issues can restore system stability.
Perform a System Restore
If you recently made changes to your system (like installing a new driver or software) and started seeing the error, performing a System Restore can revert your system to a previous state:
- Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and press Enter.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to select a restore point created before the error appeared.
- Allow the system to restore and restart your PC.
A system restore reverts your PC to a previous state, eliminating any recent changes that might have caused the error, without affecting personal files.
If the problem persists, you may need to consult a professional to inspect your GPU or perform more in-depth troubleshooting.