Using Driver Verifier to Identify Faulty Drivers in Windows

System crashes and the dreaded Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) are often caused by driver issues, so having a reliable way to diagnose them is essential. Windows’ built-in Driver Verifier is a powerful tool designed to detect unstable or faulty drivers, enabling you to troubleshoot issues that may disrupt your computer's stability. In this guide, we’ll walk through using Driver Verifier to diagnose driver-related issues in Windows.

What is Driver Verifier?

Driver Verifier is a utility integrated into Windows, created to test driver performance and stability in real-time. It detects potential faults by examining memory usage, monitoring for lockups, and finding operational violations in drivers, making it an essential tool for identifying driver issues that can lead to system crashes.

When Should You Use Driver Verifier?

It’s recommended to run Driver Verifier in the following scenarios:

  • Frequent blue screens (BSoD) without an apparent cause;
  • System instability following the installation of new drivers;
  • System freezes or reboots without a clear reason.

However, keep in mind that Driver Verifier demands additional resources, so it’s best not to leave it running continuously. It’s intended for diagnostic purposes and should be disabled after identifying the problem.

How to Run Driver Verifier

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box, type verifier, and press Enter.
  2. In the Driver Verifier Manager window, select “Create custom settings (for code developers)” and click “Next.”
  3. Choose the verification types. Starting with “Standard settings” is recommended.
  4. Select the drivers to verify. You can choose all drivers or non-Microsoft signed drivers, which allows you to focus on third-party drivers.
  5. Click “Finish” and restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

How to Interpret Driver Verifier Results

After restarting, Driver Verifier will monitor the drivers in real-time. If errors are detected, Windows may show a blue screen with details on the faulty driver. Be sure to record the error code and driver name displayed on the screen for further analysis.

To analyze errors in more detail, you can use tools like BlueScreenView or the built-in Event Viewer in Windows, which helps identify the driver causing the problem.

How to Disable Driver Verifier

Once you’ve completed diagnostics, disable Driver Verifier to avoid potential system slowdowns:

  1. Open the Run dialog with Win + R, type verifier /reset, and press Enter.
  2. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Tips for Using Driver Verifier

  • Create a restore point before using Driver Verifier, as incorrect settings could cause system issues.
  • Only use Driver Verifier for diagnostics; avoid enabling it on a primary system during regular use.
  • Always record any error messages to simplify problem-solving in the future.