VIDEO DXGKRNL FATAL ERROR in Windows 11/10

Why Does the Video DXGKRNL Fatal Error Happen?

The Video DXGKRNL Fatal Error is a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) caused by a problem with your PC’s DirectX Graphics Kernel Subsystem. If that sounds like gibberish, try to think of it as a core Windows component that helps your graphics card communicate with the system. When this process runs into issues, your PC crashes to prevent further damage.

Here are the most common reasons this error occurs:

• 🖥️ Outdated or Corrupt Graphics Drivers: Your GPU driver acts as a translator between Windows and your graphics card. If it’s broken or outdated, crashes like this can happen.
• 🔄 Windows Update Problems: Some Windows updates cause breaks in compatibility with older drivers, leading to BSOD errors.
• 🎮 DirectX Installation Issues: DirectX is responsible for running graphics-intensive applications (like your favorite video games). If it’s corrupted, it can cause crashes.
• 📂 Faulty or Missing System Files: Important Windows files that manage hardware might be damaged or missing from your PC.
• 🔥 Overheating or Overclocking GPU: If your graphics card is running too hot because that latest racing game pushes it beyond its limits, it can cause system instability.
• 🦠 Malware or Virus Infection: Some malware targets your system files, including those handling graphics, thus causing BSOD errors.
• 💾 Faulty or Failing Hardware: A damaged GPU or RAM on your system can also trigger this error.

If we can zero in on the cause of your problem, you’ll know where to start fixing it. Let’s go over how to resolve this error step by step. But before we begin, have a look at this handy table to figure out which fix might work best for you.

Now, let’s move on to the actual fixes!

Step-by-Step Solutions for VIDEO DXGKRNL FATAL ERROR

1. Run the Hardware Troubleshooter
If hardware issues are causing the VIDEO DXGKRNL FATAL ERROR, Windows has a built-in troubleshooter to diagnose and attempt to fix them. Follow these steps.

a) Press Windows+R, type msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic, and hit Enter.

b) The Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter will open. Click Next.
c) Wait for Windows to scan your system for issues. If it detects a problem, follow what it suggests to resolve the issue.
d) Restart your PC and check if the error is resolved.

If hardware issues persist, you might have to check your RAM, GPU, or other components manually (or visit a trusted Data Recovery Service like Stellar ).

2. Update Windows 11

Outdated system files or bugs in your current Windows version could be the reason for this error. Keeping Windows up to date ensures that your system runs smoothly. Here’s how to update it.

a) Open Settings (Windows+I) and go to Windows Update.
b) Click Windows Update, then select Check for updates.
c) If updates are available, install them and restart your PC.

3. Uninstall and Reinstall the Graphics Drivers

Corrupt or outdated graphics drivers can also cause BSOD errors like this one. Reinstalling them ensures your system runs with a fresh, stable version. Let’s see how to do it.

a) Press Windows+X and select Device Manager.
b) Expand Display Adapters, right-click your graphics card, and select Uninstall device.

c) Restart your PC: Windows will automatically reinstall the default driver for you. If this doesn’t work, you can try visiting your GPU manufacturer’s website (Intel, NVIDIA, AMD, etc.) and downloading the latest driver manually.

4. Perform a Clean Boot

Some third-party applications or startup programs might be conflicting with your system, which can lead to the VIDEO DXGKRNL FATAL ERROR. A clean boot can help you find the culprit.

a) Press Windows+R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
b) In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab and check Hide all Microsoft services.
c) Click Disable all to turn off third-party services.
d) Switch to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
e) Start disabling all startup programs one by one, then close the Task Manager.
f)Click OK in the System Configuration window and restart your PC.

[Note: This is a trial-and-error method, so if your problem disappears, re-enable the services one by one until you find the problematic one.]

5. Run the System File Checker (SFC)

Corrupt system files can cause BSOD errors, so you can use Windows’ built-in System File Checker (SFC) to scan and repair these files automatically.

a) Type cmd in the Windows search bar. Then, right-click the Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.

b) In the command window, type sfc/scannow
c) Press Enter and wait for the scan to complete.
d) If SFC has found the issues and repaired the corrupt files, restart your PC.

6. Run the DISM Tool

If SFC doesn’t fix the issue, Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) might be able to repair deeper system corruption.

a) Open Command Prompt as administrator again.
b) Type the following command and press Enter: DISM/Online/Cleanup-Image/RestoreHealth
c) Wait for the process to complete (it took a few minutes for us).
d) Restart your PC and check if the error persists.

7. Turn Off Fast Startup

Windows’ Fast Startup feature helps your system boot faster, but it can also cause compatibility issues with drivers, leading to the video_dxgkrnl_fatal_error. You can turn it off like this.

a) Press Windows+R, type powercfg.cpl, and hit Enter.
b) Click Choose what the power buttons do from the panel on the left.

c) Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.
d) Uncheck Turn on fast startup (recommended).
e) Finally, click Save changes and restart your PC.

8. Run the Memory Diagnostic Tool

Faulty RAM can trigger BSOD errors, and the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool can help you check for memory issues.

a) Press Windows+R, type mdsched.exe, and hit Enter.
b) Select Restart now and check for problems (recommended).
c) Your PC will reboot and run a memory test. Once it finishes, Windows will show the test results after restarting.
If errors are detected, you may need to replace your RAM. We recommend contacting the experts at Stellar Data Recovery for further advice.

9. Scan for Malware

Malware infections can also corrupt your system files and interfere with graphics drivers, causing the error. Running a full system scan can help, and here’s how to go about it.

a) Type Windows Security in the Start menu and open it.

b) Click Virus & threat protection.
c) Select Scan options and choose Full scan.
d) Click Scan now and wait for the process to complete (it may take a while).

e) If threats are found, follow the recommended actions.

If malware was the issue causing the BSOD error, your system should now run smoothly!

However, if the Video DXGKRNL Fatal Error continues to persist even after you’ve remove the malware, the issue might be caused by corrupt system files or a failing storage drive. In that case, Stellar Windows Data Recovery can help you recover your lost or inaccessible data if your system crashes unexpectedly.

10. Perform a System Restore

If your error started after a recent update or software installation, you can try rolling back your system to a previous restore point. This may or may not work, but it’s worth a shot.

[⚠️ Note: While System Restore does not delete personal files, it will remove any recently installed programs and updates. Be sure to back up any important data.]

a) Press Windows+R, type rstrui, and hit Enter.
b) Click Next and select a restore point from before the error appeared.
c) Click Next, then Finish to start the restoration.
d) Wait for the process to complete, and your system will restart automatically.

Lost Files After a Crash? Recover Them with Stellar Data Recovery?

If you’ve lost important data after the crash or during any of these troubleshooting tips, Stellar Data Recovery Software can help you restore them quickly. Simply download and run the app, and with the help of its intuitive interface, you can easily select the affected drive, run scans, and preview and recover your lost documents, photos, or system files.

How to Prevent the Video DXGKRNL Fatal Error in Windows 11/10?

Given how taxing all this troubleshooting can be, it’s fair to say that preventing this error is easier than fixing it. So let’s look at some steps you can take to keep your system stable.

• 📅 Keep Windows Updated: Install all the latest Windows updates to ensure your system is stable and secure.
• 🎮 Update Graphics Drivers Regularly: Outdated drivers are a common cause of BSODs.
• 🔒 Download Software from Trusted Sources: Avoid third-party sites that can distribute corrupt or incompatible software. Download only from legitimate websites with an SSL certificate.
• 🛠️ Maintain System Health: Run disk cleanup regularly and free up space on your PC to prevent system crashes.
• 🚀 Don’t Overclock Your GPU: Overclocking to get those couple extra frames can be enticing, but it’s a surefire way to cause system instability and hardware failures in the long term.
• 🦠 Use Reliable Antivirus Software: Protect your PC from malware and viruses by using a reputable antivirus software.

Follow these simple precautions and you will significantly reduce the chances of encountering the frustrating blue screen of death!

Conclusion

A BSOD error with the Video DXGKRNL Fatal Error message is concerning, but not unfixable. You can test out the solutions we’ve listed above, and in most cases, it will get resolved. In case it doesn’t, you should head to a professional service to get it checked out.

FAQs

1. How do I fix the Video DXGKRNL Fatal Error on a Dell laptop?

The Video DXGKRNL fatal error is often caused by corrupt graphics drivers. Try updating or reinstalling them. If the problem still continues, boot into Safe Mode and use the System Restore feature to revert your system to a previous working state.

2. What does Dxgkrnl.sys do?

Dxgkrnl.sys is a Windows system file that controls DirectX graphics rendering. If it gets corrupted, it can cause BSODs like VIDEO_DXGKRNL_FATAL_ERROR.

3. What are some common variations of the Video DXGKRNL Fatal Error that users get?

Users have reported this error on many different devices and software. Some specific cases include:

• NVIDIA Video DXGKRNL Fatal Error in Windows 11: Often related to outdated or incompatible GPU drivers
• Video DXGKRNL Fatal Error in Windows 11 on HP: HP users report this issue after Windows updates or BIOS changes
• Acer Video DXGKRNL Fatal Error in Windows 11: Likely caused by GPU overclocking or driver conflicts
• Lenovo Video DXGKRNL Fatal Error in Windows 11: Can be linked to power management settings or incompatible display drivers
• Video DXGKRNL Fatal Error in Windows 11 on ASUS: Frequently occurs after a graphics driver update
• Dell Video DXGKRNL Fatal Error in Windows 11: Commonly seen after firmware updates or hardware changes
• Video DXGKRNL Fatal Error in Windows 11 AutoCAD: This error appears when users run high-performance applications like AutoCAD, often due to DirectX issues

4. How Do I Fix Error Code 0x00000113?

If you see the number 0x00000113 as part of the error code, it usually relates to a system crash related to DirectX and GPU drivers. This guide covers all the necessary fixes, so follow the methods we have outlined above to resolve the issue.

5. What should I do if the error keeps coming back?

If none of the solutions we listed above work and the error keeps occurring, consider doing a clean install of Windows 11. And obviously, before proceeding with this, back up your important files.

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About The Author

Nandini Sharma

Nandini is a skilled technical writer. With a wealth of experience in technical writing, she brings valuable insights and practical tips to the tech community. Be sure to explore the content and stay tuned for more informative posts!