How To Fix Video_Dxgkrnl_Fatal_Error on All Versions of Windows?

The "VIDEO DXGKRNL FATAL ERROR” is a type of Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error that mainly occurs on Windows operating systems. This error mainly indicates a problem such as corruption with the Graphics Driver, especially the DirectX Graphics Kernel (dxgkrnl.sys files). 

Note: The “dxgkrnl.sys files” is responsible for rendering graphics and managing the graphic card hardware.

Apart from outdated Graphics Drivers and corrupt DirectX Files, other reasons like Hardware issues, Conflicts among the different third-party software, and File system corruption due to incomplete updates, power surges or power cuts, etc.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore various solutions any Windows user can try to resolve the "VIDEO DXGKRNL FATAL ERROR" effectively. 

The “Video_dxgkml_fatal_error” mainly points to underlying system issues compared to corrupt video files. However, there’s always a high probability that this error can indirectly corrupt or damage your video files. The graphics driver and system files are essential for playing your video files. So, any damage to these files might potentially distort or severely damage your video files during playback or processing. 

Suppose your video files have gotten corrupt after encountering the dxgkrnl sys blue screen of death video error. Then, we have a perfect solution to help you fix your video files.

Use Remo Video Repair Software, a specialized video repair tool, to help Windows users fix any issues with their video files. 

How To Fix Video Dxgkrnl Fatal Error on Windows?

I am sure you know all the possible reasons behind the video dxgkrnl fatal error on Windows 10 and other versions. Therefore, you can try the following solutions to fix the video dxgkrnl fatal error.

Since the video_dxgkrnl_fatal_error is a type of BSOD error, you might be unable to access and run your Windows system as usual. Therefore, you need to boot your Windows system in safe mode. 

Booting the Windows system in the Safe Mode can effectively resolve the “video_dxgkrnl_fatal_error.”

Part 1: Boot Windows in Safe Mode

Booting the Windows system in Safe Mode can effectively resolve the “video_dxgkrnl_fatal_error.” The safe mode can load only the basic drivers and services necessary for performing the basic functions. The Safe Mode temporarily disables the conflicting third-party tools and drivers and the startup problems triggering the error. 

Booting into the Safe Mode, you can easily identify the issue and determine if it is related to a particular driver, software, or any other reason. 

How To Boot Windows System in Safe Mode?

1. Restart your computer as your system starts rebooting. Hit and hold the Shift key while you select the Power button > Restart.
2. Once the PC restarts and loads the option screen, select the Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup settings > Restart.
3.  A list of options will be displayed on your screen. Hit the F4 button to start the system in the Safe Mode. Or if you are required to use the Internet, you need to press the F5 key to boot into Safe Mode with Networking.

You can try the following solutions once your system is booted into Safe Mode.

Part 2: Troubleshooting the Video Dxgkrnl Fatal Error on Windows

Solution 1: Unplug All the Connected Hardware and other Peripherals

Even though removing all the connected devices and peripherals might not directly resolve the “dxgkrnl.sys error”. However, it can be a helpful troubleshooting solution to eliminate any potential hardware conflict triggering this error. 

Temporarily unplugging external devices, such as scanners, printers, connected storage devices, etc. It can isolate the issue and help you determine if a faulty or conflicting hardware device caused the issue. 

If the issue persists, it might be due to outdated Graphics Drivers, conflict among various software, etc. Then, you can try the following solutions.

Solution 2: Update Graphics Drivers To Fix The VIDEO DXGKRNL FATAL ERROR

Using outdated or incompatible graphics drivers is one of the most common reasons behind the “VIDEO DXGKRNL FATAL ERROR.” The Graphics drivers need to be updated regularly to ensure they are updated and compatible with the latest version of the Windows operating system and other third-party applications.  

Follow the steps to uninstall the Graphics Driver or Display Drivers on your Windows systems.

1: Press the Windows and X keys simultaneously.

2: From the list of options displayed on your screen, click on the Device Manager.

3: Click on the Display Adapters from the list, and the installed Display Driver will appear on your screen.

4: Right-click on the displayed driver and click the “Update Driver” option. 

5: From the next screen, click on the Search automatically for drivers. The Windows OS will search for the pending updates and install the latest available driver.

Solution 3: Software Conflicts

Conflicts or clashes between recently installed software or hardware and the Graphics Driver might also lead to the “Video DXGKRNL FATAL ERROR.” 

So, we recommend uninstalling or downgrading any recently installed applications or hardware.

Solution 4: Run Hardware Troubleshooter

The Hardware Troubleshooter is an in-built tool in Windows systems. That is built to help you find and fix any hardware-related issues, including the "VIDEO DXGKRNL FATAL ERROR." 

How To Run The Hardware Troubleshooter on Windows?

1. Hit the Windows + R Key to open the Run Command window.
2. Enter the msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic command and click on the OK button.
3. This will open the Hardware and Devices window. Click on the Next option. The troubleshooter will start scanning and fixing the hardware issue that might have caused the blue screen video_dxgkrnl_fatal_error.

Solution 5:  Run Antivirus Scan

Even though the "VIDEO DXGKRNL FATAL ERROR" is mainly caused by issues with the graphics driver or other hardware, one should not ignore that a malware infection or a virus attack can also cause the error. A virus infection can sometimes interfere with the graphics driver card and affect the system stability, resulting in the Operating system displaying errors like Video dxgkrnl fatal error on Windows.  

Therefore, I recommend running an Antivirus scan to eliminate any unwanted or unnecessary viruses and other malware on your system or the storage devices.

Solution 6: Disable Fast Startup To Resolve The video dxgkrnl fatal error

Fast Startup is a standard feature in the Windows system that allows the system to start up faster after being shut down.  When the Fast Startup option is enabled, the Windows OS saves an image of the loaded Windows kernel and drivers into a file called hiberfile, also known as hiberfil.sys, before the user shuts down the system.  

So, when you start up your Windows system, the OS loads the hiberfile instead of reloading all of the drivers and the kernel, thus saving time and resources. 

Fast Startup can also be why some users encounter incomplete updates or issues while booting the system, especially if you have installed dual operating systems, hardware issues, etc.

These issues can be resolved by disabling the Fast Startup option. Here’s how you can do it.

Follow the below steps to disable the Fast Startup feature:

1: Navigate to the Control Panel of your Windows system.

2: Click on the “System and Security” option and click on the Power Option.

3: Select the Choose what the power button does option. 

4: Click the Change Settings option that is currently unavailable. Switch off the “Turn on fast startup (recommended) option, " and click the Save Changes button.

5: Restart your system to apply the changes.  

Solution 7: Run SFC Command Using the System File Checker Tool To Resolve The Video DXGKRNL Blue Screen Error

The System File Checker Utility, popularly known as SFC scan, can help Windows users resolve the Video dxgkrnl fatal error by scanning and fixing the corrupt or damaged system files. If none of the above solutions could fix the issue, then your system files might have become corrupt. 

SFC Scan is a proven solution to help Windows users fix corrupt or damaged system files.

How To Run SFC Scan To Resolve the Video dxgkrnl sys bluescreen Error?

1. Launch and Run the Command Prompt application as an administrator.
2. Type in the sfc / scannow command and hit the Enter key.
3. The SFC scan will start to find and scan your system files for any corruption and repair any damage or issues it finds with the files. 

Solution 8: Restore Your System To A Previous Point To Fix The video dxgkrnl fatal error

The System Restore is an in-built Windows feature allowing users to revert to a previous state when the system works perfectly. The System Restore can be extremely helpful in resolving any software-related issues, including the "VIDEO DXGKRNL FATAL ERROR."

Suppose you have encountered the "VIDEO DXGKRNL FATAL ERROR" after making recent changes to your Windows system, such as upgrading drivers, installing a new software or application, upgrading or downgrading Windows OS, etc. Then, you can restore your system to undo the changes and fix the issue of the dxgkrnl blue screen in Windows 10 and other versions. 

Note: It’s important to remember that the System Restore won’t affect your personal files and data. It only reverts system files, settings, and other applications.

How To Perform System Restore on Windows To Resolve the DXGKRNL FATAL ERROR?

1. Open the Start menu, and search for System Restore in the Windows search bar.
2. Click on the “Create a restore point” option. 
3. In the System Protection windows, click on the “System Restore” button,
4. In the System Restore window, click on the “Next” option.
5. Select the restore point to which you want to revert your system and click on the Next button.
6. Click on the Finish button to begin the system restoration process.
7. Your computer will be restarted after the process is complete. Check if this solution has resolved the video dxgkrnl bsod error.

Suppose you have lost your vital files and other data after encountering the video dxgkrnl fatal error Windows 10 on other versions of Windows OS. Then, follow the next section to learn about a solution that is tried and tested under 1000+ real-time data loss scenarios to recover data lost for any reason.

Recover Data Lost After Encountering The Video DXGKRNL FATAL ERROR

Use Remo File Recovery Software to recover files from the Windows system lost after encountering the dxgkrnl sys failed error or after trying to fix the dxgkrnl sys bsod error.

Conclusion

We agree the "VIDEO DXGKRNL FATAL ERROR" is frustrating and stressful. This issue can disrupt and stop you from your computing experience.  The factors that might be causing this issue can be anything from Outdated Graphics Drivers, Corrupt DirectX files, Hardware problems, and issues and Conflicts among various software, to name a few. Fortunately, you can try various solutions, running the Antivirus Scan, updating the Drivers, running the SFC scan, running the hardware troubleshooter, disabling the Fast Startup option, etc., to resolve the dxgkrnl.sys bsod error.  

I am sure you have safely fixed the error after trying the solutions mentioned in this article. 

About the Author: John Harris

With a decade of experience in data recovery, John Harris, Senior Editor at Remo Software, is your go-to specialist. His focus includes partition management, Windows solutions, and data troubleshooting, delivering insightful content that serves both users and search engines. John's expertise shines through in illuminating blog posts, untangling data loss intricacies across diverse storage platforms.…