Fix the "Thread Stuck in Device Driver" Error windows 11/10

The "Thread Stuck in Device Driver" error is a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) stop code that occurs when a device driver is unable to perform its tasks and gets stuck, causing system instability and crashes. This error can be caused by outdated or corrupt drivers, hardware issues, or conflicts between software and drivers. Here’s a comprehensive guide to troubleshoot and fix the "Thread Stuck in Device Driver" error. 

Understanding the "Thread Stuck in Device Driver" Error

The "Thread Stuck in Device Driver" error typically points to issues with the drivers associated with your hardware components. It can be caused by:

• Outdated or Corrupt Device Drivers: Drivers that are not up to date or are corrupted can lead to this error.
• Hardware Conflicts: Conflicts between different hardware components or drivers.
• Incompatible or Faulty Hardware: Problems with hardware components can trigger this error.
• System File Corruption: Corrupt system files can interfere with driver operations.

1. Update Device Drivers

Updating drivers can resolve issues caused by outdated or corrupt driver files.

1. Open Device Manager:

   • Right-click on the Start menu and select “Device Manager.”

2. Update Drivers:

   • Expand the categories and locate the device drivers (e.g., graphics card, network adapter) associated with the error.
   • Right-click on each device and select “Update driver.”
   • Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software” and follow the prompts.

3. Restart Your Computer:

   • After updating drivers, restart your computer to apply the changes.

2. Uninstall and Reinstall Device Drivers

Reinstalling the drivers can help resolve issues caused by corrupted files.

1. Open Device Manager:

   • Right-click on the Start menu and select “Device Manager.”

2. Uninstall Drivers:

   • Locate the device drivers associated with the error, right-click on them, and select “Uninstall device.”
   • Check the option to delete the driver software if available and click “Uninstall.”

3. Restart Your Computer:

   • Restart your computer. Windows will automatically reinstall the drivers.

4. Check Device Status:

   • After the restart, verify that the devices are functioning correctly and check if the error persists.

3. Check for Hardware Issues

Faulty hardware components can cause the "Thread Stuck in Device Driver" error.

1. Inspect Hardware Components:

   • Check all internal and external hardware components for physical damage or loose connections.

2. Test Hardware Components:

   • Test your hardware components, such as RAM, graphics card, and hard drive, for faults using diagnostic tools or by substituting with known-good components.

3. Replace Faulty Hardware:

   • If any components are found to be faulty, consider replacing them.

4. Run Windows Memory Diagnostic

Memory issues can sometimes cause driver errors.

1. Open Windows Memory Diagnostic:

   • Type “Windows Memory Diagnostic” in the Start menu search bar and select it.

2. Run Diagnostic:

   • Choose “Restart now and check for problems” to initiate the memory test.

3. Wait for Results:

   • The test will run during the restart process. Review the results once your computer restarts.

5. Check for Windows Updates

Ensuring that your Windows operating system is up to date can help resolve compatibility issues.

1. Open Settings:

   • Press Win + I to open the Settings app.

2. Go to Update & Security:

   • Select “Update & Security” and click on “Check for updates.”

3. Install Updates:

   • Allow Windows to download and install any available updates. Restart your computer if required.

6. Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

Corrupted system files may contribute to driver issues.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:

   • Search for “Command Prompt” in the Start menu, right-click, and select “Run as administrator.”

2. Run SFC Scan:

   • Type the following command and press Enter:

     sfc /scannow
     

   • Wait for the scan to complete and follow any on-screen instructions to repair corrupted files.

3. Run DISM Tool:

   • If SFC finds and repairs issues, restart your computer. If the problem persists, open Command Prompt as Administrator again.

   • Type the following command and press Enter:

     DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
     

   • Allow the process to complete, then restart your computer.

7. Disable Fast Startup

Fast Startup can sometimes cause issues with device drivers.

1. Open Power Options:

   • Type “Power Options” in the Start menu search bar and select it.

2. Change Plan Settings:

   • Click on “Choose what the power buttons do” on the left side.

3. Change Settings:

   • Click on “Change settings that are currently unavailable” to enable the greyed-out options.

4. Disable Fast Startup:

   • Uncheck the box labeled “Turn on fast startup (recommended).”
   • Click “Save changes” and restart your computer.

8. Perform a System Restore

If the error started recently, a system restore can revert your system to a previous state.

1. Open System Restore:

   • Type “System Restore” in the Start menu search bar and select “Create a restore point.”

2. Start System Restore:

   • Click the “System Restore” button, follow the prompts, and select a restore point from before the issue began.

3. Complete the Restore:

   • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the restore process and restart your computer.

Conclusion

The "Thread Stuck in Device Driver" error is typically caused by issues with drivers, hardware conflicts, or system file corruption. By following these troubleshooting steps—updating or reinstalling drivers, checking hardware, running memory diagnostics, checking for Windows updates, running SFC and DISM, disabling fast startup, or performing a system restore—you can effectively address and resolve the issue. If the problem persists, consider seeking additional support from Microsoft or a professional technician for further diagnosis.