How To Fix ‘Video TDR Failure’ in Windows 10

Video TDR Failure error has been faced by almost all OS users. VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE error frequently occurs in the computers that contain NVIDIA graphic cards and graphic drivers.

If you are also facing the Error Video TDR Failure and worrying about it what it is, why this error occurred, and what is the way to fix it. Then here we have all the answers to your tension.

The TDR mentioned in error means Timeout, Detection, and Recovery components in Windows. The error occurs mostly due to some problems in the graphics card or graphic card driver.

Windows 10 users might occasionally encounter a daunting error: “Video TDR Failure”. This error, accompanied by the infamous blue screen of death, can be perplexing. In this article, we’ll demystify Video TDR, delve into the causes of its failures, and present actionable solutions.

What is Video TDR?

TDR stands for Timeout, Detection, and Recovery. It’s a component of Windows that monitors the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) and ensures that it responds to display graphics within a certain period.

If the GPU fails to respond in time, TDR attempts to reset the GPU, averting a system crash. If unsuccessful, the system restarts, and the user encounters the “Video TDR Failure” message.

Causes of Video TDR Failure in Windows 10

• Outdated Graphics Drivers: One of the most common reasons for this error is having outdated or incompatible graphics drivers.
• Software Conflicts: Third-party software, especially those that manipulate screen graphics, can interfere with GPU performance.
• Faulty Graphics Card: A physically damaged graphics card can lead to TDR failures.
• Overheating: GPUs are susceptible to heat. Insufficient cooling can cause the GPU to overheat, resulting in TDR failures.

How to Fix Video TDR Failure (Nvlddmkm.sys) in Windows 10

Here the 3 methods to fix Video TDR Failure error. Let’s have a look at them.

Method 1 – Check Windows Update

Windows releases the latest patches and updates every second or fourth Tuesday of each month. For the smooth running of all programs, it is essential that you should update your Windows from time to time and install all necessary security patches.

If you do not update Windows timely malware, bugs and virus can corrupt files of your operating system. If you use Microsoft graphic driver chances are it may be outdated and due to this, you are facing the problem.

In that case, you should do check if there is a Windows update available. Running the automatic update is generally best for resolving the Video TDR Failure problem. To check the Windows updates, follow the procedure given.

It is prescribed for Windows 10 for other systems; the procedure is more or less similar.

Step 1: Go to the Control Panel. There find an Update and Security. Or you can press the Windows + I button to open the Windows setting. Then click on Update & Security.

Step 2: Now, select the Windows Update tab and click on Check for updates. A list of updates (if any available) should appear now. Next, install the available updates. Restart the Windows.

Step 3: After the restart, check if the Video TDR Failure error persists or not.

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Method 2 – Reinstall Graphics Card Driver

Step 1: Before we proceed to reinstall the graphics card driver, we need to enter Safe Mode to avoid any other issues. In this step, I’ll explain how to do that.

Step 2: After you have turned ON your system, press the power button to turn off the computer and hold the power button until the PC shuts down automatically. Repeat this process for 2-3 times until you see Preparing Automatic Repair under the Windows Logo.

Step 3: Next, click on the Advanced Options button, and from the next screen, which is the Choose an Option screen, select Troubleshoot.

Step 4: Now, again select Advanced Options and then click on Startup Settings. Next, click on Restart, and now click on F4 if you want to enter into safe mode without Networking, or F5 if you want to enter with Networking feature.

Now, the System has booted into Safe Mode. Proceed to Step 5.

Step 5: Now press the Windows key + X at the same time, and click on Device Manager. 

Step 6: Expand the Display Adapters option and right-click on your Nvidia Graphics Driver, then click Uninstall. 

Step 7: Download and Install the latest version of the NVIDIA graphics driver from the official support website.

Step 8: Go to the following path: C:WindowsSystem32Drivers and locate nvlddmkm.sys and right-click on it to rename it as nvlddmkm.sys.old.

Step 9: Go to your Nvidia Directory in C drive, and find nvlddmkm.sy_. Once located, Copy and Paste this file to your Desktop directory.

Step 10: Now open Command Prompt (Admin) by pressing Windows Key + X on your keyboard.

Step 11: In the command prompt, type in the following command and press Enter.

expand.exe nvlddmkm.sy_ nvlddmkm.sys 

Step 12: Go to the C drive again, and copy the new nvlddmkm.sys file.

Paste it in the C: WindowsSystem32Drivers folder.

Step 13: Finally, restart your computer.

This solution is a bit tricky but solves the problem without any issues. Are you still facing the issue? Try out our next Method.

Method 3 – Change the Graphic Card

If above all mentioned Solutions did not work for you, then the last option is to change the graphic card. It might be possible that the graphic card is not compatible with the Windows version. You can buy a graphics card from NVIDIA or AMD.

While purchasing a graphics card, keep care of the graphics card, which you choose should be compatible with your motherboard and with your operating system.

Why Does Video TDR Fail Every Time?

Persistent TDR failures can be attributed to:

• Chronic GPU Overheating: Continued exposure to high temperatures can cause irreversible GPU damage, leading to persistent TDR errors.
• Corrupted System Files: If key system files linked to GPU performance get corrupted, TDR failures might become recurrent.
• Hardware Incompatibility: Sometimes, newly installed hardware might not be fully compatible with the system or GPU, leading to continuous TDR issues.

How Do I Update My Video Driver?

1. Press Win + X and choose ‘Device Manager’.
2. Expand ‘Display adapters’ and right-click on your GPU.
3. Choose ‘Update driver’.
4. Select ‘Search automatically for updated driver software’.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Alternatively, you can visit the GPU manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers.

Should I Disable TDR?

Disabling TDR is not generally recommended. It’s a safety mechanism to prevent system crashes. Disabling it can lead to complete system freezes, requiring manual restarts. However, if you’re troubleshooting or testing, temporary disabling can be done, but ensure to re-enable it afterward.

How Can I Increase My TDR Value?

Increasing the TDR value gives your GPU more time to respond:

1. Press Win + R and type ‘regedit’.
2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\GraphicsDrivers.
3. Right-click on the right pane and select ‘New > DWORD (32-bit) Value’.
4. Name it ‘TdrDelay’ and set a value (in seconds) you want as the delay.
5. Restart your computer.

Is Video TDR Failure Bad?

While the Video TDR failure itself isn’t detrimental, frequent occurrences can be a sign of underlying GPU or system issues. Over time, these can escalate, causing permanent hardware damage or persistent software issues.

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Conclusion

These were the well-known Solutions to fix the error BSOD Video TDR Failure (nvlddmkm.sys). Hope by trying these Solutions, you get fixed the error and enjoy watching videos smoothly.