Summary: The nvlddmkm.sys blue screen error on Windows is an NVIDIA GPU-related issue that crashes the computer and displays a BSoD screen. It can be resolved by giving full permissions to the nvlddmkm.sys file or updating the graphics drivers. If this BSoD has made your computer unbootable, use a professional data recovery software and recover your data in a few clicks.
Nvlddmkm.sys is a type of error message that occurs in the form of a blue screen error. This error message is encountered unexpectedly by NVIDIA GPU users while trying to run a game or a graphics-intensive application. Some users have even come across this strange BSoD while booting up or shutting down their computers.
The end result is an unexpected system crash, followed by a BSoD displaying nvlddmkm.sys error with an error message like VIDEO_TDR_TIMEOUT_DETECTED or VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE and bug check value like 0X116 or 0x117.
But what is nvlddkm.sys?
The nvlddmkm.sys stands for NVIDIA Windows Longhorn Display Driver Model Kernel Mode. It is a driver file for Windows computers responsible for communication between NVIDIA GPU and Windows OS. This file is a vital component of Windows OS that automatically appears when you install Windows OS. However, in some cases, this system file runs into issues, causing system crashes and BSoDs.
What Exactly is Causing the Nvlddmkm.sys Blue Screen Error?
It is clear that the nvlddmkm.sys blue screen error is a graphics-related problem and a type of TDR issue popping up due to a problem with the display driver or GPU driver.
The nvlddmkm.sys BSoD is plaguing many computers and there is no common reason behind it. For each case, a different reason is there. Listed below are some of the most common causes of nvlddmkm.sys BSoD error on Windows PCs –
- Incompatible/missing/corrupt/damaged GPU/display drivers
- Hardware issues
- Overclocking
- Incompatible hardware components
- Insufficient PSU in comparison to the TDP of the system
However, you should not worry as using appropriate methods you can easily fix the nvlddmkm.sys blue screen error.
What are the Methods to Resolve the Nvlddmkm.sys Blue Screen Error?
With newfound clarity about the issue, let’s discuss some effective ways to fix the nvlddmkm.sys blue screen error on a Windows PC.
Pre activity –
Before, proceeding with the elaborate methods, let’s perform some initial tests.
- Perform a stress test for the CPU using OOCT, MemTest86 for testing RAM, and running a game/ GPU-intensive application for testing the GPU.
- Remove/disable custom fan/RGB controller software.
Once you are done with the above activity and still see the nvlddmkm.sys blue screen error popping up on the screen, proceed further with the methods explained below.
Method 1: Disable Windows Update Hardware Driver
If your computer is trying to install the latest device updates or incompatible drivers, they can crash your computer, resulting in the nvlddmkm.sys blue screen of death to appear. You can fix this by turning off the Windows Update Hardware Driver installation. To do this –
- Press WINDOWS + S and search for the Control Panel. Launch it.
- Go to System > Advanced system settings.
- In the System Properties window, click on the Hardware tab and then on Device Installation Settings.
- Choose No and click Save Changes.
Method 2: Disable Fast Startup
Fast startup is a built-in feature of Windows OS that saves the system information on a file and uses it to boot to the saved settings. While this saves time, it prevents the computer from shutting down completely. This can cause issues while installing updates, leading to problems like the nvlddmkm.sys BSoD screen. You can prevent this by disabling the fast startup –
- Open the Control Panel and click on Power Options.
- Click on Choose what the power buttons do.
- On the next screen, click on the Change settings that are currently unavailable option.
- Locate Shutdown settings and uncheck the Turn on fast startup (recommended) option.
- Click on Save changes and restart the PC.
Method 3: Give Full Permissions to the Nvlddmkm.sys File
The nvlddmkm.sys is a vital system file required by the GPU to communicate with the OS. If it has insufficient permissions or is on Read-only status, it won’t be able to work properly, leading to crashes & errors, such as the nvlddmkm.sys blue screen errors. Follow the steps to do this –
- Go to C:\Windows\System32 and search for nvlddmkm.sys file.
- Open the file location and select the file.
- Right-click on it and click on Properties.
- Click on the Security tab and select the user to whom you want to give Full control.
- Click on Edit.
- In the next window, click on the checkmark against the Full control box.
- Click on Apply and OK.
- Restart the PC and then launch the application. This should fix the issue.
Method 4: Update GPU/Display Adapter Driver
Running outdated drivers can generate errors like the nvlddmkm.sys blue screen on your PC. Outdated graphics drivers can cause dependent applications to malfunction or crash. You can fix this by updating the GPU drivers via NVIDIA GeForce Experience. As for the display adapter, you can update it by going into Device Manager.
Method 5: Reinstall the GPU driver
If updating the GPU driver didn’t help you fix the nvlddmkm.sys blue screen error, you can try reinstalling the GPU driver. For doing this, you will first need to wipe GPU drivers and traces using a specialized tool like DDU and then reinstall the latest one. Carefully follow the steps here –
- Download DDU from its official website.
- Now, reboot your computer into safe mode (without networking).
- Once your PC is booted in safe mode, extract DDU and install it.
- Launch DDU and select the type of device and GPU brand.
- Click on the Clean and restart option to completely wipe GPU drivers.
Once the process is complete, it will restart the PC. Now, install the latest GPU drivers by either going to the official NVIDIA website or using the NVIDIA GeForce Experience application.
Method 6: Undo Overclocking
Using high-end hardware allows users to overclock them to maximize performance and drastically improve the experience. Components such as GPU, CPU, and RAM can be overclocked to gain a significant increase in FPS, performance, and more.
However, overclocking not only requires a lot of power but also leads to other issues like overheating, instability, and more. Such issues could make your system work more than its limits, causing it to crash and generate BSoDs like nvlddmkm.sys. If you have any overclocked components, revert to factory settings to see if this eliminates this issue.
Method 7: Check for Insufficient PSU and Cooling
Every component installed inside a computer has a rated TDP or Thermal Design Power (W), which is power consumption. Overclocking or having them installed requires you to have a PSU with equal or higher power output installed.
If you have a PSU rated at an output rating lower than the combined power demand of all your components, you should change your PSU. Otherwise, your PSU could fail, and you’ll have to replace it anyway.
Also, if there is a lack of ventilation inside the CPU cabinet due to dust, insufficient number of cooling fans, or space, it can overheat your computer, leading to damaged parts. You can avoid this by cleaning the dust or adding more fans.
Why is my System Still Crashing?
The methods explained above should help you fix the nvlddmkm.sys blue screen error. However, if you are still facing frequent BSoDs, or your computer has become unbootable, you can take help of a professional data recovery software to recover your data from an unbootable computer.
Once you have retrieved your files and data, you can swap the GPU or use your computer without one. However, if swapping or removing the GPU doesn’t work, perform a clean installation of Windows 10 or Windows 11. Also, if your GPU is in a warranty period, get it replaced.
Nvlddmkm.sys Blue Screen Error Solved
The Nvlddmkm.sys blue screen indicates a critical failure or issue with either the GPU or its drivers. This troublesome issue unexpectedly crashes the computer at any time. We understand it seems insolvable, but you can easily fix this issue using the methods discussed above.
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FAQs
Q. What is VIDEO_TDR_TIMEOUT_DETECTED?
A. VIDEO_TDR_TIMEOUT_DETECTED is a GPU-related error that is displayed when the system encounters an issue with the display drivers or a hardware issue. It creates a dump value of 0x00000117 or 0x117.
Q. How to fix GPU errors?
A. You can fix GPU errors by installing driver updates, disabling overclocking, cleaning the dust off the GPU, and checking its cables.
Q. What causes a GPU failure?
A. Several factors like dust, debris, overheating, improper seating, damaged PCIe x4 slot or a power surge can fail a GPU.
