How to Fix the VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE Blue Screen Error in Windows PC

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The VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error typically occurs on Windows when there is an issue with your graphics driver or the GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). "TDR" stands for Timeout, Detection, and Recovery, and when this mechanism fails, Windows throws a VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE error, leading to a system crash.

This guide outlines various steps to troubleshoot and fix the VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE error.

VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE igdkmd64.sys or nvlddmkm.sys blue Screen Error

1. Understand the Common Causes

Before diving into solutions, it’s important to understand what might cause the VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE error:

  • Outdated or Corrupted Graphics Drivers: The most common cause.
  • Overheating GPU: If your GPU is running too hot, it can cause this error.
  • Overclocking: Running your GPU beyond its intended speed can cause instability.
  • Faulty Hardware: In some cases, the GPU itself might be defective.
  • Software Conflicts: Certain programs might conflict with the graphics driver.

2. Identify the Specific Cause

When this error occurs, the BSOD screen typically displays which file caused the problem, such as:

  • atikmpag.sys: Related to AMD graphics drivers.
  • nvlddmkm.sys: Related to NVIDIA graphics drivers.
  • igdkmd64.sys: Related to Intel integrated graphics drivers.

Knowing which file caused the error can help you narrow down the specific driver or component that needs attention.

3. Update or Roll Back Graphics Drivers

The first step in fixing this error is to update your graphics drivers. If you’ve recently updated your drivers and started experiencing the issue, rolling back to a previous version might be the solution.

Update Your Graphics Drivers

  1. Open Device Manager:
    • Press Windows + X and select "Device Manager."
  2. Expand Display Adapters:
    • Locate your graphics card under the "Display adapters" section.
  3. Update Driver:
    • Right-click on your graphics card and select "Update driver."
    • Choose "Search automatically for updated driver software" and let Windows find and install the latest driver.

Roll Back Graphics Drivers

If the error started after a recent driver update:

  1. Open Device Manager:
    • Follow the steps above to access Device Manager.
  2. Roll Back Driver:
    • Right-click your graphics card, select "Properties," go to the "Driver" tab, and click "Roll Back Driver."
    • Follow the prompts to revert to the previous driver version.

4. Check for Overheating Issues

Overheating can cause the GPU to malfunction, leading to the VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE error. Here’s how to check for and address overheating:

  1. Monitor GPU Temperature:
    • Use software like MSI Afterburner, HWMonitor, or GPU-Z to monitor your GPU's temperature. Ideal temperatures vary by GPU, but generally, they should be below 85°C under load.
  2. Clean Dust from Your System:
    • Dust buildup can cause overheating. Ensure that your PC’s vents, fans, and heat sinks are clean.
  3. Improve Airflow:
    • Make sure your system is well-ventilated. Consider adding more fans or repositioning your PC to improve airflow.
  4. Check Cooling Systems:
    • Ensure that the GPU’s cooling fans are working properly. If they are not spinning or are too noisy, they may need to be replaced.

5. Disable Overclocking

If you’ve overclocked your GPU, this might be causing instability leading to the VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE error. Disabling overclocking can stabilize the system.

  1. Open Your Overclocking Software:
    • Open the software you used to overclock your GPU (e.g., MSI Afterburner, EVGA Precision X1).
  2. Reset to Default Settings:
    • Look for a “Reset” or “Default” option in the software to return your GPU to its factory settings.

6. Check for Faulty Hardware

If the error persists, the GPU or another hardware component might be failing.

  1. Test the GPU in Another System:
    • If possible, test your GPU in a different computer to see if the issue occurs there. This can help determine if the GPU is faulty.
  2. Run Hardware Diagnostics:
    • Use built-in Windows tools or third-party software to run diagnostics on your system hardware.
    • Memory Diagnostic Tool: Run Windows Memory Diagnostic to check for RAM issues.
    • CHKDSK: Run chkdsk /f from Command Prompt to check your hard drive for errors.
  3. Consider Replacing the GPU:
    • If your GPU is confirmed to be faulty and under warranty, contact the manufacturer for a replacement. If it's out of warranty, you may need to purchase a new one.

7. Check for Software Conflicts

Sometimes, certain software conflicts with the graphics driver, leading to a VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE error.

  1. Uninstall Recently Installed Software:
    • If the error started after installing new software, try uninstalling it to see if the issue resolves.
  2. Run System Restore:
    • If the problem started recently and you’re unsure of the cause, use System Restore to revert your system to a previous state before the error occurred.
    • To do this, search for "System Restore" in the Start menu and follow the prompts.

8. Increase TDR Timeout Value

Windows has a built-in Timeout Detection and Recovery (TDR) feature that resets the graphics driver if the GPU takes too long to respond. Increasing the TDR timeout value can prevent the system from resetting the driver prematurely, thus avoiding the error.

  1. Open Registry Editor:
    • Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to the TDR Key:
    • Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\GraphicsDrivers.
  3. Create a New DWORD:
    • Right-click on the right pane, select "New" > "DWORD (32-bit) Value," and name it TdrDelay.
  4. Set TdrDelay Value:
    • Double-click TdrDelay, set the value to 8, and click "OK."
  5. Restart Your Computer: Reboot your system for the changes to take effect.

Conclusion

The VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE error can be caused by a variety of issues related to your graphics card, drivers, or even hardware conflicts. By following the steps in this guide, you should be able to identify the root cause and implement a solution. If the problem persists after trying all these solutions, it might be time to seek professional help or consider hardware replacement.

 

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