How To Fix Nvlddmkm.Sys Failed Error?

BSOD errors are common for Windows users. You mostly encounter nvlddmkm.sys failed BSOD error if you are using an NVIDIA GPU.

When you get this error, you are stuck with a Blue Screen of Death with ‘Stop Code: VIDEO TDR FAILURE.’

The exact cause of the error differs from system to system but here are some common causes that can trigger this issue and working solutions to fix it.

What Is TDR Failure?

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TDR refers to Timeout Detection Recovery. This Windows Component helps to check if your operative system is nonresponsive and subject to crashes.

When you get such an error, it means there is some problem related to your graphics driver.

Here are the causes that can lead to the nvlddmkm.sys failed BSOD error.

What Triggers Nvlddmkm.Sys Blue Screen Error?

The reasons for which you can get video TDR failure nvlddmkm.sys error is:

Outdated or Incompatible graphics drivers
Overloaded GPU
Overclocking your OS

How To Prevent nvlddmkm.Sys Failed BSOD Error?

Here are some tested solutions to prevent the nvlddmkm.sys failed BSOD error. But before you can perform any troubleshooting steps, enter Safe Mode.

1) Startup Repair

To get rid of the BSOD errors, Startup repair can do the trick. So, before you try anything else, run a Startup Repair and see if this can fix the problem.

Follow these steps to run a Startup Repair:

Boot your PC using some bootable device. When you see the Windows Logo, choose the Repair your Computer option.
This will open the Advanced Startup Recovery menu.
Choose the Troubleshoot option.

Next, select Advanced Options > Startup Repair.

Windows will initiate the repair process now. Once done, restart your device.

If the PC gets stuck with the BSOD error again, and the Startup repair could not fix the problem, enter Safe Mode and perform the rest of the solutions.

2) Enter Safe Mode

When you are stuck with a blue screen of death and cannot boot into Windows normally, enter Safe Mode.

Safe Mode shall provide you with minimal functionalities and helps to detect the root cause of the problem specifically. Here is how to enter Safe Mode:

Safe Mode starts Windows in the basic state with minimal functionalities.

When you cannot boot into Windows normally, enter safe Mode. Besides, safe Mode helps to detect the actual problem.

Follow the steps to enter Safe Mode:

Choose Advanced options following the above spmethod. Then select Startup Settings > Restart.
Next, hit the F5 key on your keyboard to enter Safe Mode with the networking option.

Once you are in Windows Safe Mode, continue with the next solutions.

3) Update The Graphics Drivers

As discussed before, due to an outdated graphics driver, you can get nvlddmkm.sys blue screen error.

So, update the graphics drivers and see if this can fix it. Here is how to update the graphics driver:

Right-click in the Windows search menu and select Device Manager.
Go to the Display Adapters section and double-click to expand it.
Right-click on your graphics driver and click on the Update driver option.

Install GeForce Experience from Nvidia’s website for Nvidia graphics card.
If you already have that installed, run it. From the Drivers tab, download & install the latest updates.

The same process applies to AMD graphics card users, but you should run the Radeon software to update drivers.

Restart your PC once done. Now see if this could fix the error. If not, go to Safe Mode again and reinstall the graphics drivers.

4) Reinstall The Graphics Drivers

Here are the steps to reinstall graphics drivers:

From Device Manager, expand the Display Adapters section.
Right-click on your Graphics driver.
Click on Uninstall Device option and follow the steps given onscreen.

Once you have uninstalled the latest graphics drivers, install them.
install and run the GeForce Experience for NVIDIA graphics drivers and the Radeon app for AMD graphics drivers.
Then run the apps, and this will automatically install the latest graphics drivers. Once the drivers are installed, restart your computer.

If you again encounter the BSOD error, change the PhysX settings.

5) Tweak The PhysX Settings

Changing the PhysX Settings from Nvidia’s Control panel has helped many users facing VIDEO TDR FAILURE errors.

So, you can try it following the steps given below and see if this helps you to fix the problem:

Right-click on a blank space on the Windows desktop. Select Control Panel.
After opening the Nvidia Control Panel, from the left side, select Configure Surround, PhysX.

Expand the Processor drop-down menu. Now from the PhysX Settings menu, choose your GPU.
Once done, save the changes made.

6) Change The TDR Value In The Registry

Modifying the TDR value in the registry can fix but changing the registry can be risky, so be cautious and follow exactly what is instructed.

Here are the steps to change the TDR value in the Registry:

Type Run in the Windows search menu and press Enter.
When the Run command box opens, type regedit and press Enter.

Click Yes on the UAC prompt.
Navigate to the following location in the registry editor:

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\GraphicsDrivers

Find TdrDelay and TdrDdiDelay DWORDs from the right pane.
If you can’t find them, right-click on the blank space on the right pane and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.