Blue Screen VIDEO DXGKRNL FATAL ERROR — How to Fix It?

Encountering a blue screen of death (BSOD) with the error VIDEO DXGKRNL FATAL ERROR means your computer is experiencing issues related to the graphics driver. This error is often triggered by problems with your video card or its drivers, conflicts with Windows updates, or incompatible software. In this guide, we’ll go through the steps to resolve this problem.

What Does VIDEO DXGKRNL FATAL ERROR Mean?

The VIDEO DXGKRNL FATAL ERROR message indicates a failure in the graphics subsystem, specifically within the DirectX Graphics Kernel. This is usually caused by a malfunctioning video card driver that fails to process system requests correctly. Common causes include outdated drivers, conflicts with Windows updates, or hardware issues with the graphics card.

Common Causes of the Error

  • Outdated or incompatible video card drivers: Windows updates often change how the graphics subsystem works, causing issues with older drivers.
  • DirectX failures: Problems with the DirectX library can lead to graphics subsystem crashes.
  • Overheating of the video card: High temperatures can negatively impact the GPU’s performance.
  • Software conflicts: Antivirus programs or third-party overclocking software may conflict with the graphics drivers.

How to Fix VIDEO DXGKRNL FATAL ERROR

1. Update Your Video Card Drivers

The first step is to check for updates for your video card drivers. You can download the latest drivers from the official websites of the manufacturers:

You can also update the drivers through the Device Manager:

  1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Display Adapters section and right-click on your video card.
  3. Select Update driver and follow the instructions.

2. Check for Windows Updates

The error may be caused by conflicts with recent Windows updates. To check for updates:

  1. Open Settings by pressing Win + I.
  2. Go to Update & Security.
  3. Click Check for updates and install any available updates.

Restart your computer after installing updates.

3. Run System File Checker (SFC)

Corrupted system files can cause the VIDEO DXGKRNL FATAL ERROR. Use the sfc /scannow command to check system files:

  1. Press Win + S and type cmd.
  2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
  3. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.

Wait for the process to finish and restart your computer.

4. Disable GPU Overclocking

If you’re using overclocking software like MSI Afterburner or ASUS GPU Tweak, try disabling the overclocking and revert to default settings. High clock speeds can often lead to system instability and errors.

5. Check for GPU Overheating

Overheating can be a major cause of this error. Monitor your GPU temperature using tools like GPU-Z or HWMonitor. If the temperature exceeds 85°C, consider cleaning the cooling system or replacing the thermal paste.

6. Roll Back the Graphics Driver

If the error started occurring after a recent driver update, try rolling back to a previous version:

  1. Open Device Manager (Win + X → Device Manager).
  2. Right-click on your video card and select Properties.
  3. Go to the Driver tab and click Roll Back Driver.