Windows is a user-friendly operating system, but it has its share of problems, perhaps none scarier than BSOD errors. A blue screen of death (BSOD) error can disrupt your work and cause you to lose any unsaved data.
Nvlddmkm Sys BSOD Windows 10 error
Here we help you to solve this BSOD error. The VIDEO_TDR_Failure (nvlddmkm.sys) error is associated with NVIDIA graphics card. You can resolve it using any of these solutions:
- Reinstall NVIDIA graphics card
- Programs or Drivers conflict check
- Run chkdsk and memtest tests
Since it’s impossible to tell beforehand which one of these will work you, we recommend you try the solutions in the order they appear below.
However, first we will explain what this error is all about.
What’s Video_TDR_Failure?
TDE denotes three Windows components: Timeout, Detection, and Recovery.
It resets the GPU or driver in case of a long delay to help prevent BSODs. In case the issue repeats itself several times in a succession, a BSOD occurs.
Solution 1 – Reinstall NVIDIA graphics card
First, boot into safe mode—a diagnostic mode of Windows that helps us troubleshoot problems with drivers and programs.
To enter safe mode in Windows 10, perform the following steps:
- Press the Windows key and I key at the same time
- Click Update & Security
- Now select Recovery | Advanced startup | Restart
- In the Choose an option screen, click Troubleshoot
- Next click Advanced Options and then select Startup Settings. Finally click Restart
- Select F4 or 4 to reboot in Safe Mode
Once you’re in Safe Mode, perform the following steps to reinstall NVIDIA graphics card
- Press the Windows key + R key at the same time
- In the run dialog box, type devmgmt.msc and then click the OK button
- In the Device Manager window, click and expand Display adapters. Your NVIDIA graphics card will be present here. Right-click it and uninstall the graphics card. (Ensure you select “Delete the driver software for this device” option as well)
- After completing the un-installation process, go to NVIDIA website and download and install the NVIDIA graphics card. Make sure the card you select is compatible with your version of Windows
- After successfully installing the graphics card, reboot Windows.
Check if your PC has recovered from the BSOD error. If not, perform these additional steps.
- Open File Explorer from the taskbar. Go to Local Disk: (C)
- Now locate the file nvlddmkm.sys in System32Drivers and rename it to nvlddmkm.sys.old
- Now browse to NVIDIA directory (the usual path is C: drvganVidia or C: Nvidia). Next locate the file nvlddmkm.sys_ and then copy it and paste it to the Desktop directory
- Press the Windows key + R key at the same time
- Enter expand.exe nvlddmkm.sy_ nvlddmkm.sys and then hit the Enter key
- Again browse to C:drive. Copy the nvlddmkm.sys file you recently created
- Now go to C: WindowsSystem32Drivers and paste this file there
- Reboot Windows
Does reinstalling NVIDIA graphics card fixes the BSOD error? If yes, the next thing you must ensure is that you keep your graphic card driver up-to-date all the time.
How can you keep drivers updated?
There are two ways to update drivers, manually and automatically. The latter is not only more convenient, it also doesn’t require any sort of technical knowledge. However, we’ve listed both methods below, so you can decide which way you want to go.
Updating NVIDIA Graphics Driver Manually
Go to NVIDIA’s website and download the latest driver available for your graphics card. In case you’re not sure which NVIDIA Graphics car you’re using, perform these steps:
- In the Start Search box, type run to launch the run dialog box
- Now type dxdiag and press the OK button
- Click the Display tab in the DirectX Diagnostic Tool
- You can see the information related to your graphics card in the Device section
Once you’ve found the latest driver for your graphics card, download it and save the driver file in a suitable location. Next, double-click the driver file—the one with .exe extension—and follow the onscreen instructions to complete installation. Finally, reboot Windows.
Updating NVIDIA Graphics Driver Automatically
Automatic driver update tools offer many benefits, the most important ones being:
- You can update device drivers automatically
- The software scans and updates all outdated or missing drivers at one go
- The tool picks the right drivers for your device and operating system, so you won’t have to worry about installing an incorrect driver by mistake
- Automatic driver updates are 100% safe
Driver Updater is one of the best driver update tools out there. Outbyte Driver Updater will give you access to a database of over 1 million drivers. It will regularly scan your PC, suggesting new driver versions to install. Driver Updater contains drivers for a variety of Windows devices. With just one click, you can update drivers in your system.
Step 1
Click here to Install and launch the app
Step 2
Scan all devices
Step 3
Install or update drivers automatically
Solution 2 – Programs or drivers conflict check
It is possible that a recently-installed program or driver might be conflicting with your NVIDIA graphics card and causing the said error. Therefore, uninstall any such programs or drivers and check if that fixes the problem.
Some users have reported that a driver conflict with a webcam, especially Logitech webcam, triggers this error. Therefore, it’s worth removing the external webcam, if you’re using one, and uninstalling its drivers. If the problem persists, reinstall the webcam and its drivers and move on to the next solution.
Solution 3 – Run chkdsk and memtest Tests
BSOD errors often occur because of a faulty or corrupted RAM or hard drive. Consider running these two tests to check whether RAM or hard disk is in good condition.
The first test you need to run is for the disk. If there are any errors on the disk, this test will identify and fix them.
Launch command prompt, and then click the YES button in the next screen. Now in the command prompt window, type chkdsk /f c: and press Enter.
Next type Y to restart Windows.
Your hard drive will be checked for errors upon restart.
If the error persists, we recommend you check RAM for errors. Open the run dialog box and type “mdsched.exe” and press the OK button. You’ll be presented with two options, select either.
Solution 4 – Exclude nvlddmkm.sys from scans
When an antivirus program includes this file in its scans, it is possible that Windows may stop working when a scan is running because of BSOD issue. That’s why, we recommend you don’t include the said file in antivirus scans.
Let’s take a look at how to do this.
We’ll discuss the steps for Windows Defender. If you use any third-party protection software, the actual steps may differ.
- Click the Start menu. Next, type Windows Defender in the start search box
- Right-click Windows Defender, and then select the option Run as Administrator
- Click Yes
- In the top right-hand corner, click the Settings icon
- Now select Add an exclusion and then click Exclude a file
- Open the drivers folder (located at C:\Windows\System32\drivers
- Select nvlddmkm.sys and click the Exclude this file button
- Reboot Windows
The error should be fixed now. If it isn’t, try the next solution.
Solution 5 – Check Windows Update
Windows release updates on a regular interval. You may be putting your Windows system at a risk by not installing these updates. Security patches released by Microsoft help keep malware at bay and your data, software, or system safe.
We recommend you to run automatic update as this will minimize issues with your Windows computer. If you use a Microsoft driver for the graphic card, it’s worth checking if a new update has been released for the latter.
Here’s how you can check for update in Windows 10.
- Open Window Settings and then click Update & Security
- Click Windows Update
- Click Check for updates
- If you see a new update for your graphic card, install it
- Reboot Windows
Solution 6 – Change Windows theme
Some users have reported that they were able to solve the issue by Changing Windows theme, so give this a try.
Here’s how you can put on a new theme.
- Right-click anywhere on Desktop
- Select Properties
- Select Windows 7 Basic (under Basic and High Contrast Themes)
- Restart Windows
Solution 7 – Uninstall Intel Dynamic Platform and Thermal Framework
This software helps you control fan speed and CPU performance to achieve better consistency during gaming. However, sometimes uninstalling the software solves the problem.
Here’s how you can uninstall Intel Dynamic Platform and Thermal Framework.
- In the start search box type run
- In the run dialog box type appwiz.cpl and then press Enter
- In the list of programs, locate and right-click Intel Dynamic Platform & Thermal Framework and then select Uninstall
- Windows will now remove this program. Wait for uninstallation to complete
- Reboot Windows
Solution 8 – Disable Windows 10 Fast Startup
You have a new option in Windows—Fast Startup. It helps your computer start up faster after a shutdown.
Some users have reported that they were able to fix the problem by disabling Fast Startup. You should also give it a go. Here are the steps.
- In the start search box type run and press Enter
- In the run dialog box type control panel and press the OK button
- Use the drop-down menu next to View by and select Category
- Click Hardware and Sound
- Click Power Options
- Select Choose what the power buttons do
- Click Change settings that are currently unavailable
- Unselect Turn on fast startup (recommended)
- Click the Save changes button
- Reboot Windows
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