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How to Fix NVLDDMKM Event ID 14 Error on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

If you are encountering the NVLDDMKM Event ID 14 error on your Windows 11 system, it can disrupt your computer’s performance and cause frustration. This error often relates to your graphics card driver or system conflicts. Fixing it is possible by following some straightforward steps.

In this guide, we will walk you through simple and detailed solutions to resolve this problem effectively. You don’t need to be a tech expert to follow along. Each step is explained clearly to help you understand the process.

Before diving into complex fixes, it’s best to start with the easiest methods to save time and effort. More advanced solutions are provided if the initial ones don’t work.

By the end, you will have a good understanding of how to troubleshoot and fix this error on Windows 11.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Checks Before Starting

  • Make sure your Windows 11 system is up to date. Updates can fix many bugs automatically.
  • Check your graphics card model (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) to download the correct drivers.
  • Have a stable internet connection ready to download drivers or tools if needed.
  • Close all running programs before making system changes to avoid conflicts.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

Sometimes, simple issues can be resolved by restarting your computer. This clears temporary files and resets hardware connections.

Why this is important: A fresh restart often fixes minor glitches that cause driver errors like NVLDDMKM Event ID 14.

How to restart:

  1. Click the Start menu.
  2. Select the Power button.
  3. Choose “Restart”.

After the system restarts, check if the error still appears.

Step 2: Update Your Graphics Card Driver

The NVLDDMKM error is commonly related to outdated or corrupted graphics drivers. Updating them ensures compatibility and stability.

How to update your driver:

  1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Display adapters section.
  3. Right-click on your graphics card and select Update driver.
  4. Choose Search automatically for drivers.
  5. Wait while Windows searches and installs any available updates.
  6. Restart your computer once the update completes.

If Windows does not find a new driver, visit the official website of your graphics card manufacturer (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) to download the latest driver manually.

Why manual updates can help:

Manufacturer websites often have the newest drivers before Windows Update does. Installing these can fix bugs and improve performance.

Step 3: Perform a Clean Installation of Graphics Drivers

If updating the driver does not fix the error, a clean driver installation can help by removing any corrupted files.

How to perform a clean install:

  1. Download the latest graphics driver from the manufacturer’s website.
  2. Download and install Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU). This tool removes all existing driver files safely.
  3. Run DDU in Safe Mode (Windows will prompt how to enter Safe Mode).
  4. Use DDU to uninstall the current graphics driver completely.
  5. Restart your computer normally.
  6. Install the driver you downloaded in step 1.
  7. Restart again to apply changes.

Why a clean install matters: It removes driver conflicts and corrupted files that simple updates might not fix.

Step 4: Check for Overheating and Hardware Issues

Hardware problems, especially overheating, can cause the NVLDDMKM error to appear. Your graphics card might be getting too hot or not seated properly.

How to check:

  • Make sure your PC is clean and free of dust inside, especially around fans and vents.
  • Monitor your GPU temperature using free tools like HWMonitor.
  • If temperatures are very high (above 85°C), try improving airflow or clean your PC.
  • Ensure the graphics card is securely connected to the motherboard.

Why this is important: Overheating can cause hardware to malfunction and trigger driver errors.

Step 5: Adjust Power Settings

Sometimes, power management settings can interfere with your graphics card operation. Changing these can help prevent the error.

How to change power settings:

  1. Open Control Panel by searching in the Start menu.
  2. Go to Hardware and Sound > Power Options.
  3. Click on Change plan settings next to your active power plan.
  4. Select Change advanced power settings.
  5. Expand PCI Express, then Link State Power Management.
  6. Set it to Off for both battery and plugged in.
  7. Click OK and restart your computer.

Why disable this: It stops the system from powering down your GPU aggressively, which can cause driver errors.

Alternative and Advanced Solutions

If the above steps do not resolve the issue, consider these options:

  • Roll back your graphics driver: If the problem started after a recent update, try reverting to an older driver version via Device Manager.
  • Update DirectX: Download and install the latest DirectX version from Microsoft’s official website.
  • Run System File Checker: Open Command Prompt as administrator and type sfc /scannow to fix corrupted Windows files.
  • Check Windows Event Viewer: Look for related errors to get more clues on the cause.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the NVLDDMKM Event ID 14 error?

This error typically relates to a problem with the NVIDIA graphics driver, causing your system to crash or display errors. It can also appear with other GPU brands but is most common with NVIDIA.

Can this error cause blue screens or crashes?

Yes, NVLDDMKM errors can cause system instability, including blue screens (BSOD) or freezes, especially during gaming or heavy graphics use.

Is updating Windows enough to fix this error?

Sometimes, yes. Windows updates include driver updates and bug fixes. However, specific driver issues often require manual updates or clean installs.

Should I uninstall and reinstall the graphics driver every time?

Not always. Start with updating drivers. If problems persist, a clean reinstall is recommended to remove corrupted files completely.

Can hardware failure cause this error?

Yes. Faulty or overheating GPUs can cause the NVLDDMKM error. If software fixes don’t help, hardware inspection is necessary.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the steps and the NVLDDMKM Event ID 14 error continues, consider these final options:

  • Contact your PC or GPU manufacturer’s support. They may provide specific diagnostics or warranty service.
  • Visit official forums and Microsoft support pages: Sometimes, others have similar issues with solutions posted.
  • Consider hardware replacement: If your graphics card is old or damaged, replacing it might be the only solution.
  • Reset Windows 11: As a last resort, resetting your OS can fix deep software conflicts but backup your data first.

Conclusion

The NVLDDMKM Event ID 14 error on Windows 11 can be frustrating, but it is often fixable by updating or reinstalling your graphics drivers and checking your hardware. Starting with simple steps like restarting your PC and updating drivers helps avoid unnecessary complications.

Performing a clean driver installation and checking for overheating are effective next steps if the problem persists. Adjusting power settings can also prevent driver conflicts.

Remember, advanced methods like system scans or rolling back drivers are helpful when basic solutions fail. If all else fails, professional support or hardware replacement may be necessary.

By following this guide patiently, you can restore your system’s stability and enjoy smooth performance once again.

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