Fix: Video TDR Failure (nvlddmkm.sys) Error on Windows 11

The Windows stop code, VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE error, usually occurs when the graphics card or its driver stops responding within a predetermined time frame. Well, if you are getting BSOD “Video TDR Failure (nvlddmkm.sys)”, it usually means Windows detected a problem with your Nvidia graphics card driver, which failed to recover on its own. The TDR stands for Timeout, Detection, and Recovery, a Windows feature that helps your GPU recover from unresponsive states. However, when it fails, Windows displays this Blue Screen of Death error pointing to nvlddmkm.sys, a critical NVIDIA system file. Many things could trigger this error, including driver issues, hardware problems, overheating, or other software conflicts. Here are eight effective solutions you can apply to fix the nvlddmkm.sys error in Windows 11.

How to Fix Video TDR Failure (NVLDDMKM.SYS) on PC

The “video tdr failure” error is commonly associated with the display driver and trigger during graphics-intensive tasks like gaming or video playback. Issues with your graphics card or its drivers is the most common reason behind this. It can also result from software conflicts, corrupt system files, too many background processes, or improper power settings.

• Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers: This is one of the most frequent causes, as old or corrupted drivers can’t handle new tasks or are incompatible with other software.
• Hardware issues: Problems with the graphics card itself, component compatibility issues, or a faulty power supply can trigger the error.
• System overheating: Components getting too hot can cause system crashes, including TDR failures.
• Corrupt system files: Corrupted or missing system files can also trigger the error.
• Software conflicts: Too many applications running at once, or conflicts with other third-party drivers, can overload the graphics processing unit (GPU)

Disconnect External Devices and Reboot Your PC

External devices such as USB drives, printers, or external GPUs can sometimes conflict with system drivers and trigger blue screen errors. Removing them ensures only essential drivers load during startup.

• Disconnect all external devices (except keyboard and mouse).
• Restart your computer.
• Check if the error disappears.
• If it does, reconnect devices one by one to identify the culprit.

Boot Windows 11 in Safe Mode

Safe Mode loads only the essential system files and drivers. It helps you troubleshoot BSOD errors without interference from third-party software or broken drivers.

• Press Shift + Restart → choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings.
• Click Restart, then press 4 to boot into Safe Mode.
• From Safe Mode, proceed to uninstall or reinstall your NVIDIA graphics driver.

Note: If due to this BSOD error, Windows won’t start normally:

• Turn off your computer 3 times in a row to trigger Advanced Troubleshooting
• Once you see the options screen, navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings

• Click Restart from the bottom right and press 4 to boot into Safe Mode.

Reinstall the NVIDIA Graphics Driver

Outdated or corrupt drivers are one of the most common reasons behind blue screen errors in Windows 11. The nvlddmkm.sys file specifically relates to NVIDIA GPU drivers. Reinstalling the driver ensures compatibility and replaces any damaged driver files.

• Press Windows key + X, then select Device Manager.
• Expand Display adapters, right-click your NVIDIA GPU, and select Uninstall device.
• Check, delete the driver software for this device → click Uninstall.
• Restart your PC. Now visit the NVIDIA Driver Download page.
• Download and install the latest driver version for your GPU model.

You can also use NVIDIA GeForce Experience to automatically update your graphics drivers.

Perform a Clean Driver Installation:

Use Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) in Safe Mode to completely remove existing GPU drivers. Reinstall the latest or a stable version of the driver.

Rename the nvlddmkm.sys File

If the nvlddmkm.sys file becomes corrupted, Windows may repeatedly crash during startup. Renaming and regenerating this file creates a clean, working version.

• Open File Explorer → Go to C:\Windows\System32\drivers.
• Find nvlddmkm.sys, right-click it, and rename it to nvlddmkm.sys.old.
• Navigate to your driver extraction path (usually C:\NVIDIA\DisplayDriver\<version>\Display.Driver\).
• Locate nvlddmkm.sy_ and copy it to your desktop.
• Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run: expand.exe nvlddmkm.sy_ nvlddmkm.sys
• Copy the new nvlddmkm.sys file back to the System32\drivers folder.
• Restart your PC normally and check if the error is gone.

Update Windows 11 to the Latest Version

Microsoft frequently releases patches that improve driver compatibility and system stability. Updating Windows ensures your graphics driver works smoothly with the latest OS version.

• Press Windows + I to open Settings.
• Go to Windows Update > Check for updates.
• Install all available updates.
• Restart your PC to apply changes.

Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

Corrupted system files can interfere with driver functionality. SFC and DISM are built-in tools that scan and repair damaged system components.

• Press Windows key + S, type cmd, and Open Command Prompt as administrator.
• Run the system file checker command sfc /scannow
• This scans all protected Windows system files and repairs any corruption by replacing the files with cached versions from the system image.
• Next run DISM restore Health command DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
• This command repairs corrupted Windows system files by checking the local Windows image for damage and then replacing those files with good copies from Windows Update or a specified source.

Let the scanning complete 100% restart your PC, and check if the issue is resolved.

Check for GPU Overheating or Hardware Problems

Excessive heat or faulty graphics cards can lead to GPU driver crashes. Monitoring and maintaining optimal GPU temperature prevents system instability.

• Clean dust from GPU fans and vents using compressed air.
• Ensure proper airflow inside your case.
• Monitor GPU temperature using tools like HWMonitor or MSI Afterburner.
• If you’ve overclocked your GPU, reset it to default settings.
• Try reseating the graphics card if you’re using a desktop PC.

If you’ve overclocked your GPU, CPU, or RAM, revert all settings to manufacturer defaults.

Adjust TDR Timeout in Registry

In addition few users report, adjusting the TDR Timeout in the Registry helps them fix the stop code video tdr failure error.

• Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
• Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\GraphicsDrivers.
• Create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value named TdrDelay and set its value to 10.
• Restart your computer and check if this helps.

Still need help, It may be your Graphics card is faulty. Disable the dedicated GPU in Device Manager and use the integrated graphics to check for stability. If the issue resolves, the dedicated GPU may be faulty.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the nvlddmkm.sys file?
The nvlddmkm.sys file is part of the NVIDIA graphics driver. It helps Windows communicate with your GPU. If this file becomes corrupt or outdated, it can cause blue screen crashes.

2. Is Video TDR Failure caused by hardware issues?
Not always. Most cases are due to driver corruption or software conflicts, but in rare cases, a failing or overheating GPU can trigger the error.

3. Can reinstalling Windows 11 fix nvlddmkm.sys errors?
Yes, a clean Windows installation can fix persistent nvlddmkm.sys errors — but it should be your last option after trying all other methods.

4. How do I stop my GPU from overheating?
Clean the GPU fans, ensure proper ventilation, and avoid overclocking. Also, monitor temperatures during gaming or rendering tasks.

5. Is nvlddmkm.sys a virus?
No. It’s a legitimate NVIDIA system file. However, malware can disguise itself with similar names, so it’s good practice to run a virus scan if you’re unsure.