How to fix Event ID 153 nvlddmkm

Question

I have experienced multiple game crashes. When I look at the event log there are multiple errors for nvlddmkm, Kernel-Event Tracing, and multiple others. I have watched several videos on how to fix the error but none of the solutions work. I have used DDU and did a clean install and I have taken full control of the nvlddmkm file. My computer does not crash but the game does after about 20 mins to an hour. There are a couple of other errors in the event viewer that I don't fully understand. If anyone is able to, please help.

Answer 1

The Event ID 153 with the source nvlddmkm usually indicates a problem with the NVIDIA graphics driver, often involving disk I/O delays or timeouts, especially when under load (e.g., gaming). This can cause game crashes while leaving the system running. You've already tried several good steps (DDU, clean driver install, permissions), so let's dig deeper into advanced troubleshooting.

Step-by-step Fixes to Try

1. Confirm the Error Source

nvlddmkm is the NVIDIA kernel-mode driver.

Event ID 153 often appears when there's a delay in responding to disk I/O requests.

If you're also seeing Kernel-Event Tracing errors or WHEA errors, it may indicate broader system instability (possibly hardware).

2. Check System Stability (Stress Test)

Use OCCT, FurMark, or Heaven Benchmark for GPU stress testing.

Use MemTest86 to test your RAM overnight.

Use CrystalDiskInfo to check SSD/HDD health (look for reallocated sectors, etc.).

3. Disable Hardware Acceleration (Temporary Test)

Sometimes, the crash is triggered by games or apps that use GPU acceleration (Chrome, Discord, etc.)

Go to apps like Chrome, Discord, Steam → Settings → disable Hardware Acceleration.

4. Power Supply & GPU

Insufficient or failing PSU can cause intermittent GPU crashes.

If you're using a riser cable or adapter, remove it and test direct PCIe connection.

Ensure PCIe cables are properly connected to the GPU (both ends).

5. Try Older / Studio Drivers

Download and install an older or Studio version of the NVIDIA driver. Use DDU again before changing versions.

Avoid the latest Game Ready driver if it's unstable.

NVIDIA Driver Archive

6. Turn off MPO (Multi-Plane Overlay)

MPO has caused crashes and flickering for some users.

Create a new Registry key:

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Dwm]
"OverlayTestMode"=dword:00000005

Reboot. You can delete the key later to revert.

7. Set Power Settings to Maximum Performance

Control Panel → Power Options → High Performance

In NVIDIA Control Panel:

Manage 3D Settings → Power Management Mode → Prefer Maximum Performance

  Set Threaded Optimization → Off (test both On and Off)

8. Pagefile and Virtual Memory

Set custom pagefile size:

Initial size: 1.5× RAM

  Maximum size: 3× RAM

  
  Example: For 16 GB RAM → 24576 MB Initial, 49152 MB Max

9. Disable Fast Startup

Fast startup can sometimes cause driver issues.

Control Panel → Power Options → Choose what power buttons do → Uncheck Turn on fast startup

10. Analyze Additional Errors

If you provide:

Exact error messages from Event Viewer

Any WHEA, disk, or critical kernel errors

… I can give more targeted help.

Would you be able to share:

Your GPU model

Your PSU wattage and brand

Any other Event IDs or messages (especially from “System” logs)

I can help a little more affectively

Let me know if any of these help.

Answer 2

Hi Mark, thank you so much for responding. I was finally able to get a day off from work and test the old drivers. I did DDU and installed an old Nvidia driver from February and was able to run the game without any crashes. The shaders took longer than normal to load but I didn’t have any issues. There weren’t any errors but I did see some warnings for kernel boot and kernel tracing. My next day off I will look at the steps you provided to try and get those errors cleared. I will let you know as soon as I know. Again thank you so much.