VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE is a Windows Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error associated primarily with the computer's graphics subsystem.

Its official Windows bug check code is:

0x00000116

or:

VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE (116)

Microsoft defines this bug check as a situation where Windows attempted to reset the display driver and recover from a graphics-processing timeout, but the recovery attempt failed.

Modern Windows versions use a mechanism called Timeout Detection and Recovery (TDR).

TDR monitors the graphics processing unit (GPU). If Windows detects that the GPU or graphics driver has stopped responding for too long, Windows attempts to reset the graphics subsystem instead of immediately crashing the entire operating system.

When that recovery succeeds, the user may only experience a temporary black screen, screen flicker, or display-driver recovery.

When recovery fails, Windows may stop with:

VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE

Microsoft documents the default TDR timeout threshold as 2 seconds. The precise behavior involves the Windows GPU scheduler, display miniport driver, and Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM).

Common VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE Messages

Depending on the GPU installed in the computer, the blue screen may display different driver filenames.

Common examples include:

VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE (nvlddmkm.sys)
Usually associated with NVIDIA graphics.

VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE (amdkmdag.sys)
Commonly associated with AMD Radeon graphics.

VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE (atikmpag.sys)
Can occur with some AMD/ATI graphics drivers.

VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE (igdkmd64.sys)
Commonly associated with Intel graphics.

The driver filename is an important troubleshooting clue, but it does not automatically prove that the GPU itself is defective.

A driver may fail because of software corruption, incompatible updates, overheating, unstable hardware, RAM errors, power problems, or an actual GPU fault.

What Happens During a TDR Failure?

A simplified sequence looks like this:

Application → Graphics API → Windows Graphics Subsystem → Display Driver → GPU

Suppose a game, browser, CAD application, video editor, or another GPU-accelerated program sends work to the graphics card.

Windows expects the GPU to process that work within a reasonable period.

If the GPU stops responding:

1. Windows detects that graphics processing appears to be stuck.
2. The TDR mechanism is triggered.
3. Windows attempts to reset the graphics driver/GPU.
4. Applications using the GPU may temporarily freeze.
5. The screen may become black or flicker.
6. Windows attempts to restore normal graphics operation.
7. If recovery succeeds, Windows continues operating.
8. If recovery fails, Windows can generate Bug Check 0x116 – VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE.

Repeated GPU timeouts can also eventually cause a system crash.

Common Symptoms

A computer experiencing TDR problems may show symptoms even before the blue screen occurs.

You may notice:

• Screen suddenly becomes black.
• Monitor loses signal temporarily.
• Display freezes for several seconds.
• Screen flickers and recovers.
• Game suddenly crashes.
• Browser becomes unresponsive while playing video.
• Computer freezes during GPU-intensive tasks.
• Windows restarts unexpectedly.
• GPU driver repeatedly crashes.
• BSOD appears while gaming.
• BSOD occurs after waking from sleep.
• Error begins after updating the graphics driver.
• Error begins after a Windows update.
• Problems appear when connecting an external monitor.
• System crashes when GPU usage reaches a high level.
• Artifacts, lines, dots, unusual colors, or corrupted graphics appear.
• Fans suddenly run at high speed.
• Laptop crashes while switching between integrated and dedicated graphics.

These symptoms help determine whether the problem is primarily driver-related or may involve GPU hardware.

Major Causes of VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE

1. Corrupted Graphics Driver

A corrupted NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel graphics driver is one of the first possibilities to investigate.

Driver corruption can occur after:

• Windows updates
• Interrupted driver installation
• GPU driver upgrade
• System crash
• Improper shutdown
• Driver downgrade
• Switching graphics cards
• Installation of conflicting GPU utilities

A normal driver update may not always remove all components of the previous driver installation.

2. Incompatible Graphics Driver

Sometimes the newest driver is not necessarily the best driver for a particular computer.

This is particularly important with laptops.

Laptop manufacturers such as Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, Acer, MSI, etc. may provide customized graphics drivers designed to work with:

• Hybrid graphics
• Power management
• BIOS
• Chipset
• Integrated GPU
• Dedicated GPU
• Display switching

If VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE started immediately after installing a new driver, consider rolling back to the previously stable driver.

3. GPU Overheating

An overheating graphics processor may become unstable under load.

Check for:

• Blocked ventilation
• Dust accumulation
• Failed GPU fan
• Poor airflow
• Old thermal paste
• High ambient temperature
• Laptop cooling problems

A machine that works normally during light use but crashes during gaming, rendering, AI processing, or video editing should be checked carefully for temperature-related problems.

4. GPU Overclocking or Undervolting

GPU overclocking changes operating parameters beyond normal manufacturer settings.

Utilities such as GPU tuning software can modify:

• GPU core clock
• Memory clock
• Voltage
• Power limit
• Temperature limit

An unstable overclock can cause TDR errors.

Undervolting can also cause instability if voltage is reduced excessively.

For troubleshooting, restore the graphics card to its default factory settings.

Also temporarily disable CPU and RAM overclocking/XMP/EXPO if the system remains unstable.

5. Insufficient or Unstable Power Supply

Desktop graphics cards can consume significant power.

An inadequate, deteriorating, or unstable PSU may cause the GPU to stop responding when power demand increases.

Check:

• PSU wattage
• PSU condition
• PCIe power connectors
• 6-pin/8-pin GPU connections
• 12VHPWR/12V-2x6 connection where applicable
• Loose connectors
• Damaged cables

Avoid improperly connecting high-power GPUs.

6. Faulty Graphics Card

If driver troubleshooting fails and the computer continues crashing, the GPU itself may be defective.

Possible GPU hardware faults include:

• Defective VRAM
• GPU silicon failure
• Damaged PCB
• Power-delivery problem
• Failed cooling system
• Thermal damage
• Physical PCIe connection problem

Hardware becomes more suspicious if crashes occur across multiple clean driver installations or operating-system installations.

7. RAM Problems

Although VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE appears graphics-related, unstable system memory can corrupt data used by graphics drivers.

Run:

Windows Memory Diagnostic

Press:

Windows + R

Enter:

mdsched.exe

Select:

Restart now and check for problems

For intermittent systems, more extensive memory testing may be required.

8. Windows System File Corruption

Corrupted Windows components can also contribute to driver instability.

Open Command Prompt or Terminal as Administrator and run:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

After DISM finishes, run:

sfc /scannow

Restart the computer afterward.

DISM repairs the Windows component store, while SFC verifies and repairs protected Windows system files where possible.

9. BIOS or Chipset Problems

GPU stability also depends on the motherboard platform.

Check the computer or motherboard manufacturer's support page for:

• BIOS/UEFI updates
• Chipset drivers
• Intel Management Engine components where applicable
• AMD chipset drivers
• Firmware updates

This is especially important after installing a new GPU or when troubleshooting hybrid-graphics laptops.

Important: BIOS updates must not be interrupted. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

10. Hardware Acceleration Problems

Browsers and other applications can use the GPU for hardware acceleration.

Examples include:

• Google Chrome
• Microsoft Edge
• Firefox
• Microsoft Teams
• Discord
• Video-editing applications
• Media players
• Office applications
• CAD software

If VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE happens consistently while using one particular application, temporarily disable hardware acceleration in that application and test again.

This is primarily a diagnostic step rather than a universal permanent fix.

How to Fix VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE – Recommended Troubleshooting Order

Instead of applying random registry modifications, use a structured troubleshooting process.

Step 1 – Identify the Driver Named on the Blue Screen

Check whether the BSOD identifies a .sys file.

Typical examples:

nvlddmkm.sys

amdkmdag.sys

atikmpag.sys

igdkmd64.sys

This helps identify the graphics-driver family involved.

Step 2 – Check Device Manager

Press:

Windows + X → Device Manager

Expand:

Display adapters

Identify the installed GPU.

For example:

• NVIDIA GeForce
• AMD Radeon
• Intel UHD Graphics
• Intel Iris Xe Graphics

Right-click the GPU and select:

Properties → Driver

Check:

• Driver Provider
• Driver Date
• Driver Version

If the problem started after a recent driver update, consider using:

Roll Back Driver

if the option is available.

Step 3 – Update the Graphics Driver

Obtain the correct driver from the GPU manufacturer or, particularly for laptops, the computer manufacturer's support site.

Avoid random third-party driver-download websites.

Before downloading, identify the exact:

• GPU model
• Windows version
• Windows architecture
• Laptop/desktop model

Restart Windows after installing the driver.

Step 4 – Perform a Clean Graphics Driver Reinstallation

If simply updating the driver does not help, perform a clean driver installation.

General procedure:

1. Download the correct graphics driver first.
2. Disconnect unnecessary external devices.
3. Remove the existing graphics driver.
4. Restart Windows.
5. Install the correct driver.
6. Restart again.
7. Test the computer.

Advanced technicians sometimes use specialized display-driver cleanup tools when standard uninstall/reinstall procedures fail.

Create a restore point or backup before performing advanced driver cleanup.

Step 5 – Roll Back the Driver

If the error began immediately after a GPU driver update:

Device Manager → Display adapters → GPU → Properties → Driver → Roll Back Driver

Test the system using the older known-working driver.

This is especially useful when:

Old Driver = Stable

but:

New Driver = VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE

Step 6 – Install Windows Updates

Open:

Settings → Windows Update

Install applicable Windows updates and restart the computer.

However, if the problem began immediately after a specific Windows or driver update, investigate that update rather than repeatedly reinstalling it.

Step 7 – Repair Windows System Files

Open an elevated Command Prompt and run:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Then:

sfc /scannow

Restart Windows.

Step 8 – Reset GPU Tuning to Default

If MSI Afterburner, AMD Adrenalin tuning, ASUS GPU Tweak or another tuning utility is installed, restore GPU settings to defaults.

Remove custom:

• Core overclock
• VRAM overclock
• Undervolt
• Power-limit modifications

Test at stock settings.

Step 9 – Check GPU Temperature

Monitor GPU temperature under both idle and load conditions.

A GPU that crashes only after becoming hot may have a cooling problem.

Inspect:

• GPU fan
• Case airflow
• Laptop ventilation
• Dust
• Heatsink
• Thermal interface
• Ambient temperature

Do not assume a particular temperature is safe for every GPU; thermal limits vary by GPU and manufacturer.

Step 10 – Check Event Viewer

Press:

Windows + R

Enter:

eventvwr.msc

Navigate to:

Windows Logs → System

Look for errors occurring immediately before the crash.

Search particularly for entries related to:

• Display
• NVIDIA
• AMD
• Intel graphics
• WHEA
• Kernel-Power
• Hardware errors

Event Viewer may reveal whether the graphics driver repeatedly stopped responding before the BSOD.

Step 11 – Check Reliability Monitor

Press Windows + R and enter:

perfmon /rel

Reliability Monitor provides a timeline of:

• Windows failures
• Application crashes
• Hardware errors
• Driver failures
• Unexpected shutdowns

Look for events occurring at the same time as VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE.

Possible related entries may include hardware-error or LiveKernelEvent reports.

Step 12 – Test Windows in Safe Mode

Safe Mode loads Windows with a minimal set of drivers and services.

If the computer remains stable in Safe Mode but crashes during normal startup, investigate:

• Graphics driver
• Startup software
• GPU tuning software
• Third-party services
• Conflicting applications

Safe Mode stability does not automatically prove the GPU is healthy, because Safe Mode normally places much less demand on graphics hardware.

Step 13 – Test System RAM

Run:

mdsched.exe

Select:

Restart now and check for problems

If memory errors are detected, investigate RAM before continuing GPU troubleshooting.

On desktop systems, technicians can also test individual memory modules where appropriate.

Step 14 – Check Power Supply and GPU Connections

For desktops, shut the computer down and disconnect AC power before physically inspecting internal hardware.

Check:

• GPU correctly seated in PCIe slot
• PCIe power cables correctly connected
• No burnt connectors
• PSU has sufficient capacity
• No loose GPU power connector

High-power graphics cards require particular attention to power connectors and cabling.

Step 15 – Test the GPU Under Load

If the computer crashes primarily under GPU load, controlled hardware testing can help reproduce the fault.

Monitor:

• GPU temperature
• GPU utilization
• GPU clock
• VRAM utilization
• Power consumption

If the machine repeatedly crashes almost immediately under GPU load despite clean drivers and normal temperatures, hardware or power problems become more likely.

Avoid prolonged stress testing if the GPU is overheating or displaying obvious hardware-failure symptoms.

Step 16 – Check Minidump Files

Windows may create crash dumps under:

C:\Windows\Minidump

and potentially:

C:\Windows\MEMORY.DMP

Crash dumps can provide significantly more information than the blue-screen message alone.

Microsoft WinDbg can be used for detailed analysis.

A common starting command after loading a dump is:

!analyze -v

For Bug Check 0x116, analysis may identify the display-driver module involved.

However, seeing a driver module such as nvlddmkm.sys does not necessarily mean that the driver file itself is the ultimate root cause. Hardware instability can cause a graphics driver to fail as well.

VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE with nvlddmkm.sys

If the BSOD shows:

nvlddmkm.sys

the NVIDIA kernel-mode display driver is involved.

Recommended troubleshooting:

1. Remove unstable GPU tuning.
2. Update or clean-install the NVIDIA driver.
3. If the problem began after updating, test an earlier stable driver.
4. Update Windows.
5. Check GPU temperature.
6. Check PSU and GPU power connections.
7. Test RAM.
8. Check crash dumps.
9. Test the GPU in another compatible system if hardware failure is suspected.

Do not immediately replace the NVIDIA GPU simply because nvlddmkm.sys appears on the BSOD.

VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE with amdkmdag.sys

If the error identifies:

amdkmdag.sys

the AMD graphics-driver stack is involved.

Recommended actions include:

• Clean reinstall AMD graphics drivers.
• Remove GPU overclock/undervolt.
• Install appropriate AMD chipset drivers.
• Check temperatures.
• Update BIOS if appropriate.
• Check power supply.
• Test system RAM.
• Roll back a recently installed driver if the problem began after an update.

VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE with igdkmd64.sys

If the BSOD shows:

igdkmd64.sys

investigate Intel graphics.

Try:

• Update Intel graphics driver.
• Check the computer manufacturer's driver first on laptops.
• Update chipset components.
• Update BIOS/UEFI if appropriate.
• Test with hardware acceleration disabled in the problematic application.
• Check system RAM.
• Investigate hybrid Intel + NVIDIA/AMD graphics configurations.

Laptop systems frequently use both integrated and discrete graphics, so both graphics-driver packages may need to be compatible.

Should You Change TdrDelay in the Registry?

Many internet guides recommend creating or changing:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\GraphicsDrivers

and increasing values such as:

TdrDelay

This can make Windows wait longer before declaring that the GPU has timed out.

However, this should not be treated as a standard repair for VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE.

Microsoft specifically documents the TDR registry keys as settings for testing and debugging during driver development and states that end users should not manipulate these keys.

Increasing a timeout can also hide or delay symptoms without fixing the underlying problem, such as:

• Defective GPU
• Driver corruption
• Overheating
• Power instability
• Unstable overclocking

Therefore, diagnose the actual cause instead of immediately modifying TDR registry values.

How to Determine Whether It Is Software or Hardware

More likely software-related

• Problem started after a graphics-driver update.
• Rolling back fixes the issue.
• Clean driver installation fixes the issue.
• Problem occurs only in one application.
• Safe Mode is stable.
• Disabling application hardware acceleration stops the crash.
• Windows reinstall resolves the problem.

More likely hardware-related

• Multiple driver versions produce the same crash.
• Fresh Windows installation has the same problem.
• GPU artifacts appear on screen.
• System crashes heavily under GPU load.
• GPU overheats.
• GPU fans malfunction.
• GPU fails in another computer.
• Another GPU works correctly in the same computer.
• Power instability occurs under graphics load.
• Hardware diagnostic tools detect errors.

This distinction can save considerable troubleshooting time.

Recommended Troubleshooting Flow

Use this order:

VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE

↓

Identify GPU and .sys driver

↓

Check when the problem started

↓

Update or roll back GPU driver

↓

Clean reinstall graphics driver

↓

Install Windows/chipset updates

↓

DISM + SFC

↓

Disable GPU overclock/undervolt

↓

Check temperature

↓

Check RAM

↓

Check PSU/GPU power

↓

Review Event Viewer and Reliability Monitor

↓

Analyze minidump

↓

Test GPU hardware

This approach is preferable to immediately reinstalling Windows or replacing the graphics card.

FAQ – VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE

1. What does VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE mean?

It means Windows detected that the graphics subsystem stopped responding and its attempt to reset the display driver/GPU and recover from the timeout failed.

2. What is the VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE bug check code?

The bug check is:

0x00000116

It is also called:

Bug Check 0x116

3. What does TDR stand for?

TDR stands for:

Timeout Detection and Recovery

It is part of Windows graphics-driver recovery behavior.

4. What is nvlddmkm.sys?

nvlddmkm.sys is associated with NVIDIA's Windows kernel-mode graphics driver.

If it appears in VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE, investigate the NVIDIA driver, GPU stability, temperatures, power delivery, and hardware.

5. What is amdkmdag.sys?

amdkmdag.sys is associated with AMD graphics drivers.

Its appearance in a crash does not automatically prove that the AMD GPU is physically defective.

6. What is igdkmd64.sys?

igdkmd64.sys is associated with Intel graphics.

Update the appropriate Intel/OEM graphics driver and investigate system stability.

7. Can outdated graphics drivers cause VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE?

Yes.

Outdated, corrupted, or incompatible display drivers can contribute to GPU timeout and recovery failures.

8. Can the latest graphics driver cause VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE?

Yes.

A newer driver can introduce compatibility problems on a particular hardware/software configuration.

If the problem started immediately after a driver update, testing the previous stable version is reasonable.

9. Can overheating cause VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE?

Yes.

Thermal instability can cause a GPU to stop responding under load.

Check temperatures, fans, ventilation, dust, and cooling.

10. Can RAM cause VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE?

Yes.

Faulty or unstable RAM can corrupt data used by drivers and cause apparently graphics-related crashes.

11. Can a bad PSU cause VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE?

Yes.

A graphics card may become unstable when the PSU cannot provide clean and sufficient power, particularly under heavy load.

12. Why does VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE happen only while gaming?

Games place significantly more load on the GPU than ordinary desktop applications.

This can expose:

• GPU overheating
• Driver instability
• GPU overclock problems
• VRAM problems
• Power-supply limitations
• Hardware faults

13. Why does the screen turn black before the BSOD?

Windows may be attempting to reset and recover the graphics subsystem.

The display can temporarily disappear during this process.

14. Can browser hardware acceleration cause this problem?

GPU-accelerated applications can trigger an existing graphics-driver or hardware instability.

Temporarily disabling browser hardware acceleration can help determine whether GPU acceleration is involved.

15. Should I increase TdrDelay?

It is generally not recommended as a routine end-user fix.

Microsoft documents TDR registry keys for driver-development testing/debugging and advises that end users should not manipulate them.

Find and repair the actual driver, thermal, power, or hardware problem instead.

16. Will reinstalling Windows fix VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE?

It can fix software-related corruption, but it will not repair defective GPU hardware, overheating, unstable RAM, or an inadequate PSU.

Reinstalling Windows should normally come after reasonable driver and hardware diagnostics.

17. How can I tell whether my GPU is faulty?

Hardware failure becomes more likely when:

• Multiple clean driver versions fail.
• A clean Windows installation still crashes.
• Graphics artifacts appear.
• GPU fails under load.
• GPU fails in another compatible computer.
• Another known-good GPU works correctly in the original PC.

18. Where are Windows BSOD minidumps stored?

Usually:

C:\Windows\Minidump

A full or kernel memory dump may also be located at:

C:\Windows\MEMORY.DMP

depending on Windows crash-dump configuration.

19. Can WinDbg analyze VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE?

Yes.

Microsoft WinDbg can analyze Windows crash dumps.

A commonly used analysis command is:

!analyze -v

It can provide information about Bug Check 0x116 and the modules involved.

20. Can VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE damage my computer?

The BSOD itself normally does not damage hardware. However, repeated TDR failures may indicate an underlying hardware, temperature, power, or stability problem that should not be ignored.

21. Should I replace my graphics card immediately?

No.

First investigate:

• Driver corruption
• Driver compatibility
• Overclocking
• GPU temperature
• RAM
• PSU
• BIOS/chipset
• Application-specific problems

Replace hardware when testing provides reasonable evidence that the GPU itself is defective.

22. Does VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE always mean a GPU problem?

No.

The graphics subsystem is where the failure becomes visible, but the underlying cause can include:

• Display driver
• GPU
• RAM
• PSU
• Motherboard
• BIOS
• Cooling
• Windows corruption
• Application/driver compatibility

23. What should an IT engineer check first?

A practical order is:

Driver filename → GPU model → recent changes → driver version → temperatures → Event Viewer/Reliability Monitor → RAM → PSU → crash dump → GPU hardware.

This provides a much more systematic diagnosis than immediately modifying Windows registry settings.

Conclusion

VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE (Bug Check 0x116) means Windows was unable to successfully recover the graphics subsystem after detecting a GPU/display-driver timeout.

The error is commonly associated with drivers such as:

NVIDIA: nvlddmkm.sys

AMD: amdkmdag.sys / atikmpag.sys

Intel: igdkmd64.sys

However, the driver shown on the blue screen should be treated as a troubleshooting clue rather than automatic proof that a particular driver or graphics card is defective.

Start by checking the GPU driver and recent system changes. Then investigate Windows corruption, overclocking, temperatures, RAM, PSU and hardware stability.

For professional troubleshooting, Event Viewer, Reliability Monitor and Windows crash dumps can provide valuable evidence before replacing hardware.

Avoid blindly applying TDR registry modifications copied from internet tutorials. Microsoft documents those registry controls for graphics-driver testing and debugging rather than as a normal end-user repair method.

A structured diagnosis will help determine whether VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE is caused by a simple graphics-driver problem or a more serious GPU, memory, cooling, motherboard, or power-supply fault.

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