How To Fix: Display Driver Stopped Responding And Has Recovered

There are many Windows users who are constantly getting the error message: “Display driver stopped responding and has recovered”. Besides this, your system can freeze every now and then. If you are dealing with the same problem, then you can easily fix this by applying some basic steps.

Before going to the fixes, we like to mention the reasons behind the occurrence of this issue. Probable causes behind the issue are running of several background programs, overheating of Graphics Processing Unit(GPU), or GPU timeout issues.

Technical Solutions to Fix “Display Driver Stopped Responding and Has Recovered” Issue: 

The error comes with this additional message: “Display driver nvlddmkm stopped and has successfully recovered”. So, if you are suffering from this issue, then this guide is worth your searching. Here we have gathered some tried and tested solutions to fix this issue at the earliest. 

Fix 1: Uninstall the Graphic Driver

Uninstall the Graphic Driver

This fix should be your first choice when it comes to this issue. Follow these simple steps to get over the issue.

  • Press Windows + R keys from the keyboard to open a Run dialog box. Fill it with ‘devmgmt.msc’ and press Enter.
  • Once the Device Manager opens, expand the Display Adapters option from the left pane.
  • Right-click on the Display Adapters option. Choose the Uninstall option from the drop-down menu.

After the uninstallation has completed, reboot your Windows PC and check if the error has resolved.

Fix 2: Adjust the Timeout Detection

Adjust the Timeout Detection

If the first fix was of no use, then you can use the following steps. Here you have to alter some settings of the Registry. Be careful while you are modifying any value related to Registries. If you do any wrong modification, a Registry error can occur anytime.

It is advised to follow the steps as they are mentioned below.

  1. Press and hold the Windows and R keys from the keyboard, at the same time. This will open the Run dialog box.
  2. Once the Run dialog box has opened, type ‘regedit’ there. Then, click the Ok button. 
  3. As soon as you apply this step, the Registry Editor will open. 
  4. You have to locate the following key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\GraphicsDrivers. Click on this same registry key.
  5. You can notice an Edit menu at the right pane of the window. Right-click on the blank space at the right pane. Choose the option named New. Then you have to opt for the registry value according to the architecture of your Windows PC.
    • If you own a 32-bit Windows operating system, you have to choose the DWORD (32-bit) Value option. Next, you need to type the Name as TdrDelay. Press Enter. Double-click on the TdrDelay option and set the value 8 as the Value Data. Lastly, click on the OK button.
    • If you own a 64-bit Windows operating system, then you have to opt for QWORD
      (64-bit) Value option. Set the Name as TdrDelay. Hit Enter. You need to double-click on the TdrDelay option and set the value 8 as the Value Data. Finish the task by clicking the Ok button.

When you are done, you can now reboot your computer and check if the error persists still now. Well, if you can notice any Registry error, then you can overcome the error. Just delete the file named TdrDelay. Restart your computer to see if the problem has gone.

Fix 3: Close Some Running Applications

Close Some Running Applications

If you are still facing the ‘Display driver stopped responding and has recovered’ error, then it’s better to look at which applications are creating the mess. You can try closing all the background applications running on your computer. 

Moreover, you can alter the visual effects to get rid of the menace. Use the following guidelines to ensure the better performance of your computer.

  • Expand the Start menu. Just go to the Windows logo at the bottom-left corner of the screen and click on it.
  • Choose the Control Panel option. Expand the Control Panel.
  • Go to the Search bar of the Control Panel window. Search for the ‘Performance Information and Tools’ feature.
  • When the Performance Information and Tools option shows up on the screen, click on it. 
  • Then, you can adjust the visual effects. Press the Ok button when you are done.

Now, look out if you can notice the driver error, anymore.

Fix 4: Update the Graphics Driver

Update the Graphics Driver

If none of the above solutions is not working for your computer, it’s better to opt for the graphics driver update. You can manually locate the graphics drivers on your PC. Then detect which drivers are outdated. Update those graphics drivers so that if this is the driver issue, then it can easily get resolved.

Fix 5: Use the Newest Version of Microsoft DirectX

If you use the Microsoft DirectX application, then make sure that you have the latest version of the application. In case the application is outdated, then there are higher chances that you can face such an issue.

Go to the official website of Microsoft. Check out if they have any latest version of Microsoft DirectX. If Yes, then download and install the latest Microsoft DirectX on your computer.

Fix 6: Clean GPU Radiator

The error is usual if the GPU gets overheated. If the radiator gets dusty, it is very easy for the GPU to overheat. You should clean the GPU radiator. 

Check if this fix works out in the case of “Display driver stopped responding and has recovered.”

Final Words

Hopefully, the guide was helpful enough in dealing with the “display driver stopped responding and has recovered” issue. If you are still stuck with the error, check if any hardware mishap has occurred.

Maria Colombo
Maria Colombo
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