Blog

How to Fix Display Driver Crashes on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

Display driver crashes on Windows 11 can disrupt your work and cause frustration. These crashes often result in your screen flickering, freezing, or going black temporarily. Fortunately, there are simple solutions you can try to fix this issue.

This guide will walk you through easy, step-by-step methods to resolve display driver problems. Even if you are not very tech-savvy, these steps are explained clearly so you can follow along without confusion.

By addressing common causes of driver crashes, you can improve your system’s stability and enjoy a smoother Windows experience. Let’s get started with some quick checks.

These fixes apply to most display adapters and graphics cards on Windows 11.

Quick Note: What to Check Before You Begin

Before diving into troubleshooting, make sure of the following:

  • Windows is up to date: Sometimes, Microsoft releases fixes that improve driver stability.
  • Your graphics driver is installed: You should have a driver installed for your display adapter.
  • Note your graphics card model: Knowing whether you have an Intel, NVIDIA, or AMD card helps when searching for updates.
  • Save your work: Crashes can cause your system to restart or freeze, so save all important files.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

It might sound simple, but many display driver issues are temporary glitches that a restart can fix. Restarting clears any temporary files or bugs that may cause the driver to crash.

To restart, click the Start menu, select the power icon, and choose Restart. After your PC boots up again, check if the problem persists.

Step 2: Update Windows 11

Keeping Windows updated ensures you have the latest fixes and improvements. Microsoft often releases patches that can resolve driver conflicts.

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Click on Windows Update on the left panel.
  3. Click Check for updates and install any available updates.
  4. Restart your computer if prompted.

This step is important because outdated system files can cause incompatibility with display drivers.

Step 3: Update Your Display Driver

Display drivers control how your graphics card communicates with Windows. An outdated or corrupted driver often causes crashes.

How to Update Using Device Manager

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Display adapters section.
  3. Right-click your graphics device and choose Update driver.
  4. Select Search automatically for drivers.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to install any found updates.
  6. Restart your computer.

If no updates are found or problems persist, try downloading the latest driver directly from your graphics card manufacturer’s website (Intel, NVIDIA, or AMD). This ensures you get the newest and most compatible driver version.

Step 4: Roll Back Display Driver (If Crashes Started After Update)

If the crashes began after a recent driver update, rolling back to a previous driver version might help.

  1. Open Device Manager.
  2. Expand Display adapters and right-click your device.
  3. Select Properties.
  4. Go to the Driver tab and click Roll Back Driver if available.
  5. Follow the prompts and then restart your PC.

This step reverses any recent changes that may have introduced instability.

Step 5: Adjust Graphics Settings

Sometimes, the graphics settings may be too demanding or incompatible, causing the driver to crash.

  • Lower your screen resolution or refresh rate temporarily to see if stability improves.
  • Disable hardware acceleration in applications if crashes happen during specific programs.
  • Close unnecessary background apps that may interfere with graphics performance.

These adjustments reduce the load on your graphics card and can prevent crashes.

Step 6: Run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter

Windows includes a tool that can detect and fix common hardware issues.

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic and press Enter.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to scan and fix problems.

This tool can help identify if hardware or driver conflicts are causing the crashes.

Step 7: Reinstall the Display Driver

If updating or rolling back doesn’t work, reinstalling the driver can fix corrupted files.

  1. Open Device Manager.
  2. Right-click your display adapter and choose Uninstall device.
  3. Check Delete the driver software for this device if available.
  4. Click Uninstall.
  5. Restart your computer. Windows will attempt to reinstall the driver automatically.

If Windows does not reinstall the driver, download and install the latest driver from your manufacturer’s website manually.

Alternative Method: Use Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU)

For stubborn driver issues, a clean uninstall using third-party tools like Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) can help. This tool removes all traces of old drivers before you reinstall fresh ones.

Note: Use DDU with caution and follow detailed instructions from trusted sources because improper use can cause system instability.

FAQs

Why do display drivers keep crashing on Windows 11?

Common reasons include outdated or corrupted drivers, incompatible updates, hardware issues, or software conflicts.

How often should I update my display driver?

It’s good practice to check for updates every few months or when you experience problems.

Can a system restore fix display driver crashes?

Yes, restoring your system to a previous stable state can undo problematic driver or system changes.

Is overheating related to display driver crashes?

Overheating can cause hardware to malfunction, leading to crashes, so keep your PC cool and dust-free.

What if I have multiple graphics cards?

Ensure both drivers are updated and configured correctly. Sometimes disabling one temporarily helps isolate the problem.

When Nothing Works

If after trying all the above steps the display driver continues to crash, consider these final options:

  • Contact your PC or graphics card manufacturer’s support: They may provide specialized tools or advice.
  • Use Windows System Restore: Roll back to a point before the crashes began.
  • Reset Windows 11: As a last resort, resetting Windows can fix deep system issues. Be sure to back up your data first.
  • Visit the official Microsoft support page: https://support.microsoft.com/windows

Conclusion

Display driver crashes on Windows 11 can be frustrating but are usually fixable with some patience and the right steps. Start with simple solutions like restarting and updating Windows, then move on to updating or reinstalling your graphics drivers.

Adjusting settings and using built-in troubleshooters can also help resolve common issues. If problems persist, advanced tools or professional support may be necessary.

By following this guide, you can restore your system’s stability and enjoy a smooth, crash-free display experience.

Leave a Reply