The nvlddmkm.sys blue screen error (also known as the video TDR failure error) plagues many Windows users, many of whom also happen to be using an Nvidia GPU. While the exact cause of the error is different for everyone, there are some fixes that you can try to get rid of it.
Here are five ways you can fix the nvlddmkm.sys error in Windows 10.
1. Reboot Your Windows
It's been said to death, but it's a fact that the trite method of rebooting often solves many problems on Windows computers. In brief, it clears your system memory, resets your system settings, and fixes unexpected hardware problems that sometimes creep up on your PC.
So, give your computer a quick reboot and see if it fixes the vlddmkm.sys error on your Windows.
2. Update the Graphics Card Drivers
More often than not, outdated GPU drivers cause a lot of errors on Windows. That's why the first logical step to take when tackling this issue is to update your graphics drivers. This can be done in two ways: via the Device Manager or via Nvidia GeForce Experience.
Updating Graphics Drivers Using Device Manager
The Windows Device Manager is a handy interface you can use to check all of your hardware. Here are the steps to follow to update your graphics drivers using it:
- Launch the run command using Win + R, input devmgmt.msc, and select the Best Match. Alternatively, users can also type device manager in the Start menu search bar.
- In the window that opens, look for Display Adapters and expand the menu.
- Right-click on your Nvidia GPU and click on Update driver.
- In the subsequent window, click on Search automatically for drivers.
- After this, Windows will automatically find the latest drivers on the web and install them.
- Restart your PC.
Updating Graphics Drivers Using Nvidia GeForce Experience
The Nvidia GeForce Experience is a companion app to all of Nvidia's GPUs, and it's likely that you already have it installed. If you don't have the app, you can grab it from the download section of Nvidia GeForce Experience.
Here's how you can use the Nvidia GeForce Experience to update your display drivers:
- Open Nvidia GeForce Experience. It is usually found on the desktop or the taskbar bar in Windows 10.
- Login to the Nvidia GeForce Experience, click on Drivers, situated in the top left corner.
- You will see a list of the latest Nvidia GameReady drivers. Click on Download, and the app will automatically download and install the latest drivers for you.
3. Update Windows to the Latest Version
Sometimes, old versions of Windows trigger the nvlddmkm.sys BSOD. If you are running an older version, then there is a chance the issue is rising due to compatibility problems. If this is the case, it's best to upgrade it using the available system updates.
To do so, follow these steps:
- Press Windows Key + I, then head to Update & Security.
- This will automatically display whether there are any updates available. Click on Download or Install now if they are available, wait for Windows to finish installing them, and restart if required.
4. Underclock the GPU
This may sound odd, but some users have fixed the nvlddmkm.sys error by underclocking their GPU. While this may result in a minor performance loss, it's worth it if it gets rid of the error. The easiest utility for doing this is MSI Afterburner, which you can download from the official Afterburner download section of MSI.
After downloading and installing MSI Afterburner, follow these steps to underclock your GPU:
- Launch the MSI Afterburner utility and look for a slider that reads Core Clock.
- Adjust the slider and move it towards the left until it's at -50 or so.
- Apply the settings and restart your computer.
Users should note that underclocking the GPU will also reduce temperatures and decrease the voltage as well.
5. Run a Disk and Memory Check on the Computer
Another reason for this error could be faulty memory or problems with your storage device. It's best to rule out these by running their respective checks.
Run a Disk Check Using CHKDSK
CHKDSK is an in-built Windows utility that automatically checks and repairs your hard drive.
To launch it, follow these steps:
- Search for cmd in the search bar and select Run as administrator.
- In the console, type chkdsk /f c: and press enter.
- There will be a prompt that asks you whether you want to run CHKDSK at the next boot. Type Y and press Enter.
- Close Command Prompt and reboot your computer.
When your PC reboots, the utility will automatically check your disk for any errors. In case the utility does not work, head over to our guide about fixes to try when CHKDSK won't work to help the tool get up and running.
Run a Memory Check Using the Windows Memory Diagnostic
The Windows Memory Diagnostic tool, in addition to being fairly easy to use, also resolves most memory-related problems in Windows. In this case, it's your best bet to look for any problems.
To do this, follow these steps:
- Press Windows Key + R to open the Run command window.
- Type mfsched.exe in the text box and hit Enter. Alternatively, you can also launch the Memory Diagnostic Tool using the Settings app.
- In the window that opens, it's your choice whether you want to restart your computer immediately and check for problems or wait until you do it manually. As you're attempting to fix the nvlddmkm.sys error, it's best to reboot immediately.
- Wait until the process is over and check if the issue is now fixed.
6. Completely Remove and Re-Install Graphics Card Drivers
You should only reach for this option after trying everything else. Also, be sure to create a system restore point just in case anything goes South. Here's a great guide on how to use system restore.
To re-install your GPU drivers, follow these steps:
Please note that this fix doesn't always work. You can always head back to the first section of the article for tips on reinstalling your graphics card drivers.
- On the search bar, type in Device Manager and open it.
- Look for Display adapters and expand the section using the drop-down arrow.
- Right-click on your GPU and click on Uninstall device.
- In the confirmation window, be sure to tick the Delete the driver software for this device checkbox, then click OK.
- After uninstall is complete, download the latest Nvidia drivers for your GPU from the Nvidia driver downloads section. Install these drivers and reboot the computer.
- When your computer boots, navigate to C:\Windows\System32\Drivers and rename the nvlddmkm.sys file to nvlddmkm.sys.old
- After this, open the Nvidia directory, usually found at C:\ProgramFiles\Nvidia, and look for a file named nvlddmkm.sys_ and copy it to the System32 folder.
- Now open the Command Prompt as administrator and type in the following: EXPAND.exe nvlddmkm.sy_ nvlddmkm.sys
- After the expansion is complete, copy and paste the newly created nvlddmkm.sys file to the C:\Windows\System32\Drivers folder.
Easily Fixable Common BSOD
Using the methods above, users can easily fix the 'Video TDR failure' nvlddmkm.sys error without having to resort to replacing their GPU. This error is only one of the several most common errors faced by Windows users. To steer clear of such issues in the future, make sure you keep your graphics drivers updated at all times.
