How to Fix the VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE BSOD in Windows 10

The Video TDR Failure error often relates to your graphics card or display drivers, but it isn’t difficult to fix.

The VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE error signifies that your graphics card is faulty or the display drivers may be outdated/malfunctioning. But there could be other reasons, such as overheating components or corrupt system files. TDR is short for Timeout, Detection, and Recovery, a method used by Windows to identify and fix malfunctioning software components.

If you’re encountering this error, fear not because the following methods will fix the VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE error faster than you’d expect.

1. Update and Reinstall Display Drivers

As mentioned above, the error is usually the result of malfunctioning or outdated display drivers. Thus, you should update your graphics card drivers. If that doesn’t fix it, reinstall them. Depending on your graphics card, you may encounter different filenames pertaining to the error.

1. For Nvidia users, it is nvlddmkm.sys. If you happen to be an Nvidia user, here are 5 easy ways to fix the error.
2. For AMD users, the error shows up as atikmpag.sys.
3. For Intel HD users, the error is igdmkd64.sys.

How to Update the Display Drivers

1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run command. Type in devmgmt.msc and press Enter.
2. In the Device Manager window, navigate to Display adapters and expand it.
3. Right-click your display adapter, then select Update driver.
4. Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
5. Windows will automatically search the web and download the required drivers. Please ensure you have an active internet connection while doing so.

How to Reinstall the Display Drivers

If the video tdr failure BSOD persists after updating display drivers, it’s best to reinstall these drivers. It’s advisable to do so while Windows is booted into safe mode. But before doing that, you should head to your graphics card manufacturer’s website and download the latest version of the graphics drivers.

The most common manufactures are Nvidia, AMD, and Intel.

To boot into safe mode, follow these steps:

1. Press Windows Key + R, and in the Run dialog box, type msconfig, and press Enter.
2. In the System Configuration window, click on the Boot tab.
3. Now tick the Safe Mode checkbox located towards the bottom.
4. Apply the settings and Restart your computer.

After booting into safe mode, it’s time to reinstall the display drivers.

1. In the Start menu search bar, type Device Manager and open it.
2. Look for Display adapters and expand the menu.
3. Right-click on your GPU and click on Uninstall device.
4. In the uninstall wizard, be sure to check the Delete the driver software for this device box.
5. Wait for Windows to uninstall the device and restart your computer.
6. Now, reinstall the graphics drivers you downloaded previously.

Related: How to Find & Replace Outdated Windows Drivers

2. Use SFC to Scan and Fix System Files

SFC is an in-built Windows utility that can be used to scan and fix corrupt system files. In the case of a BSOD, it’s highly likely that some system files are corrupt so running this utility is imperative. It’s only one of the several useful utilities available at a Windows user’s disposal.

To run SFC, just follow these steps:

1. In the Start menu search bar, type cmd.
2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.
3. In the console, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
4. After the scan and repair process is complete, reboot your computer.

3. Run Startup Repair

For users who get the error as soon as they boot Windows 10 or shortly after signing in, Startup repair is a godsend. This Windows feature checks for anomalies during startup and immediately fixes them.

Since this section is aimed at users whose computers have been rendered unusable due to the error, i.e., they cannot open Settings, they’ll have to hard reboot to enter the Windows Recovery Environment (winRE).

Follow these steps to boot into the Windows Recovery Environment:

1. Press and hold the Power button until your PC shuts off.
2. Press the Power button again to boot your PC.
3. Repeat the first and second steps until the PC boots into Recovery mode. It will be a blue screen.
4. On the Recovery screen, click on See advanced repair options.
5. On the next screen, click on Troubleshoot
6. Click on Advanced Options
7. Click on Startup Repair and enter your credentials when prompted.

4. Change Your Power Management Settings

Windows power management settings are usually well optimized, but sometimes they may interfere with how your computer handles graphics. This is especially true when the computer has a discreet GPU. Optimal settings to avoid getting the VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE BSOD are given below:

1. In the Start menu search bar, type Control Panel and open it.
2. In the Control Panel search bar, enter “power options” and press Enter.
3. Click on Power Options, and next to the power plan you’re using, click on Change plan settings.
4. Click on Change advanced power settings.
5. Look for PCI Express and expand it.
6. Turn the Link State Power Management setting to Off.
7. Save changes and reboot your computer.

5. Clean Out Your Computer

Overheating is never a good thing, and usually, the reason behind it is dust buildup. It’s recommended that users clean out their PC components from any dust every month. But be careful. It should be done gently.

Make sure to clean the tops of your graphics card, CPU fan, power supply unit, and cabinet fans. All in all, be sure to avoid maintenance mistakes that could damage the expensive components.

6. Check Hardware Components

If the error still appears after trying everything listed above, there may be a fault in the hardware itself. Users who have a dedicated graphics card should remove it and boot the computer. If the error is resolved, then it’s a hardware fault in the GPU itself. You could attempt to contact the manufacturer and try to get your unit replaced.

Related: How to Test Your PC for Failing Hardware: Tips and Tools to Know

When using onboard graphics, try disabling them and booting. To disable them, follow these steps:

1. Press Windows Key +R, type devmgmt.msc in the Run text box, and press Enter.
2. In Device Manager, look for Display adapters and expand the menu.
3. Right-click on your onboard GPU and click on Disable device.
4. Reboot the computer and check whether the error is resolved.

Error “Video TDR Failure” Resolved Successfully

For most users, a simple update or reinstall of their display drivers will fix the issue. But if bad comes to worse, you may have to reset your PC or replace some hardware.

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