How to Fix Nvlddmkm.sys Blue Screen Error on Windows 10 & 11

The notorious nvlddmkm.sys blue screen error is a common issue for Windows 10 and Windows 11 users, particularly for those with NVIDIA graphics cards. This error often disrupts your system by triggering the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), displaying a message like “VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE (nvlddmkm.sys).” It’s typically caused by problems related to video drivers, system files, or hardware conflicts. However, with careful troubleshooting, this issue can be resolved effectively.

TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)

If you’re facing the nvlddmkm.sys blue screen error, it’s usually related to NVIDIA graphics drivers or system conflicts. Start by updating or reinstalling your GPU drivers, check for overheating, and run diagnostics on your RAM and hard disk. Disabling Fast Startup and adjusting system-level power settings can also help. Follow the detailed steps below to fully resolve the issue and maintain system stability.

What is Nvlddmkm.sys?

The nvlddmkm.sys file is associated with NVIDIA graphics drivers on Windows systems. It stands for NVIDIA Windows Longhorn Display Driver Model Kernel Mode and plays a crucial role in the communication between your graphics hardware and the Windows OS. If this file becomes corrupted or incompatible, your system may be unable to handle graphics processes properly, causing a BSOD.

Common Causes of the Nvlddmkm.sys Error

Understanding what triggers this BSOD error can help you apply the appropriate fix. Here are the main causes:

• Outdated or corrupted NVIDIA drivers
• Conflicts between drivers or third-party software
• System overheating
• Bad memory (RAM) or drive sectors
• Incorrect power settings or Fast Startup features

Fixes for Nvlddmkm.sys Blue Screen Error

Follow these solutions step-by-step. You may not need to try all of them—simply work your way down until the error is resolved.

1. Update or Reinstall NVIDIA Graphics Drivers

This file is part of the NVIDIA driver package, and a fresh install often fixes corruption or compatibility issues.

1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Display adapters section.
3. Right-click your NVIDIA device and select Uninstall device.
4. Check the box that says Delete the driver software for this device and click Uninstall.
5. Restart your PC.
6. Visit the official NVIDIA Drivers page to download and install the latest driver for your GPU.

2. Perform a Clean GPU Driver Installation

Sometimes the normal uninstall process doesn’t clean up all traces of the previous driver, so a clean installation is recommended.

1. Download Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU).
2. Boot your PC into Safe Mode.
3. Run DDU and remove all NVIDIA drivers.
4. Reboot into normal mode and install the latest driver downloaded from NVIDIA’s website.

This process removes residual files that may be causing conflicts with the new drivers.

3. Disable Fast Startup

Fast Startup is a Windows feature designed to boot your computer quickly, but it can interfere with graphics drivers.

1. Go to Control Panel > Power Options.
2. Click Choose what the power buttons do.
3. Select Change settings that are currently unavailable.
4. Uncheck Turn on fast startup and click Save changes.

4. Check for Overheating and Clean Hardware

Overheating can cause the GPU driver to malfunction, triggering the nvlddmkm.sys error. Make sure your PC is well-ventilated and clean.

• Use software like HWMonitor or MSI Afterburner to monitor GPU and CPU temperatures.
• Check for dust buildup in fans and vents.
• Ensure the thermal paste on your CPU and GPU is still effective if you’ve had the system for a few years.

5. Change Power Settings

Power-saving modes can affect your GPU’s performance and cause instability. Try this fix:

1. Open Control Panel > Power Options.
2. Set the plan to High Performance.
3. Click Change plan settings > Change advanced power settings.
4. Expand PCI Express and turn off the Link State Power Management.

6. Run Memory and Hard Disk Diagnostics

Faulty hardware, especially memory and storage devices, could be behind this BSOD.

• Memory Test: Press Win + R and type mdsched.exe, then choose Restart now and check for problems.
• Hard Drive Check: Open Command Prompt as Admin and type chkdsk /f /r, then reboot.

7. Rename or Rebuild the Nvlddmkm.sys File

This advanced fix manually replaces the possibly corrupted nvlddmkm.sys file.

1. Boot into Safe Mode.
2. Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers.
3. Find nvlddmkm.sys and rename it to nvlddmkm.sys.old.
4. Copy nvlddmkm.sy_ from the NVIDIA install directory (e.g., C:\NVIDIA\DisplayDriver\[version]\... ) to your desktop.
5. Open a Command Prompt as Administrator and enter:
   expand.exe nvlddmkm.sy_ nvlddmkm.sys
6. Copy the new nvlddmkm.sys file into C:\Windows\System32\drivers.

Restart your computer and see if the blue screen issue has been resolved.

8. Update Your BIOS and Windows

Outdated BIOS versions or unpatched Windows components may not handle new hardware and drivers properly.

• BIOS: Visit your motherboard manufacturer’s website and download the latest BIOS update. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations carefully when updating BIOS.
• Windows: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and make sure your system is fully updated.

When to Consider Professional Help

If you’ve tried all the above methods and are still facing the nvlddmkm.sys error, deeper hardware failures may be at fault. It could be failing GPU, motherboard, or system memory. In this case, consult a certified technician for a full diagnostic.

Prevention Tips

Once resolved, follow these tips to avoid encountering the issue in the future:

• Keep both graphics drivers and Windows updated regularly.
• Monitor system temperature and perform regular hardware maintenance.
• Avoid overclocking if not strictly necessary.
• Run antivirus and malware scans to eliminate software conflicts.

Conclusion

The nvlddmkm.sys blue screen error may seem daunting, but it’s usually fixable through careful troubleshooting. By updating your GPU drivers, adjusting power settings, and checking for hardware issues, you can bring your system back to stability. Following these steps will not only resolve the BSOD but also improve your PC’s overall reliability going forward.