How to Fix VIDEO_DXGKRNL_FATAL_ERROR in Windows 11

If you’re encountering the VIDEO_DXGKRNL_FATAL_ERROR on your Windows 11 PC, you’re not alone. This Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error is often caused by faulty graphics drivers, hardware conflicts, or corrupted system files. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to fix this issue.

Follow these steps in order to troubleshoot and resolve the error:

1. Run the Hardware Troubleshooter

Start by checking for hardware-related issues:

• Right-click the Start button > Run
• Paste the command from Microsoft’s support documentation or video description
• Click OK
• In the troubleshooter, click Advanced > Next
• Choose: “I don’t see my device listed”
• Let the scan complete, then restart your computer

2. Update Windows 11

Sometimes the error is resolved by system updates:

• Go to Settings > Windows Update
• Click Check for Updates
• Install any available updates and restart your PC

3. Reinstall Your Graphics Driver

Corrupted display drivers are a common cause:

• Right-click Start > Device Manager
• Expand Display adapters
• Right-click your graphics card (e.g., Intel, NVIDIA) > Uninstall device
• Leave “Delete driver software” unchecked > Click Uninstall
• Restart your computer
  (Windows will reinstall the driver automatically)

4. Manually Install the Latest NVIDIA Driver (if applicable)

If you use an NVIDIA GPU:

• Visit the official NVIDIA Driver Download
• Select:
  • Product Type: GeForce
  • Operating System: Windows 11 64-bit
• Use System Information (type in Start) to identify your GPU model
• Download and install the correct driver
• Restart your PC

5. Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

Corrupted system files may cause BSOD errors:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
2. Run:

   sfc /scannow
   

3. After it completes, run the following DISM commands one at a time:

   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth  
   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth  
   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
   

4. Close the terminal and restart your PC

6. Disable Fast Startup

Sometimes Fast Startup interferes with driver loading:

• Open Control Panel > Power Options
• Click Choose what the power buttons do
• Click Change settings that are currently unavailable
• Uncheck Turn on fast startup
• Click Save changes and restart

7. Run Windows Memory Diagnostic

A faulty RAM module can cause persistent errors:

• Type Windows Memory Diagnostic in Start > select it
• Choose Restart now and check for problems
• After reboot, review the log in System Tray or Event Viewer

8. Scan for Malware

Malware can cause instability:

• Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security
• Click Virus & Threat Protection
• Select Scan Options > Choose Full Scan
• Click Scan Now and follow instructions if malware is found

9. Perform a System Restore

If the issue began recently:

• Search Create a Restore Point in Start > click System Restore
• Choose a restore point from before the issue occurred
• Follow the prompts to restore your system

Wrapping Up

The VIDEO_DXGKRNL_FATAL_ERROR is frustrating, but usually fixable. Start with Windows updates and driver reinstalls, then progress through deeper system checks as needed. If nothing else works, a system restore is a reliable last resort.

 

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