My computer keeps crashing because of nvlddmkm.sys and I have no idea why

Question

This issue was following me for more than a month, it happens seemingnly completely randomly again and again. Sometimes it crashes on windows loading screen, sometimes it crashes right after logging in the system, sometimes it crashes when Im launching something gpu heavy. Some days my pc stays up the whole time without having any issues, as you can see, it seems like there is really no pattern here. One time I managed to make it go away for a few weeks by switching the Power management to Prefer maximum performance in the nvidia control panel, but now it's back.

Usually what happens is that my pc completely stops with artifacts all over the screen, the it waits a minute or 2 before one of the next happens:

• The programm completely crashes, but my pc keeps working fine.
• Everything goes black except the cursor and windows UI.
• My pc just crashes and restarts by itself without any bsod.
• BSOD error happens, usually being VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE, but rarely also VIDEO_MEMORY_MANAGEMENT_INTERNAL error.

After I restart the pc, one of the following can happen:

• My pc restarts with no issues.
• My pc restarts without my gpu, but it is still present in the device manager with "Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems. (Code 43)" My screen also gets filled up with artifacts and the resolution stays as usual.
• Same as previous, but it resets the resolution to original.
• The screen stops on windows loading screen after which it can either wait a few minutes and launch normally or it stays as is for hours.
• Same as previous, but windows logo disappears and my screen fills up with artifacts, before trying to reset.

I have already tried the following:

• Use the ddu.
• Load old drivers.
• Use MSI Afterburner.
• Use Furmark to check on the gpu (it usually crashes when I use it for too long)
• Update the drivers.
• Let windows update download drivers for me.
• Check the event viewer for anything that is not related to nvlddmkm.sys.
• Adjust my gpu.

I really have no idea what to do and I am desperate to find a solution to this problem or to know if it's irrecoverable and I should just get a new pc. I am currently using 1080 ti.

[Moved from SysInternals]

Answer 1

Hi Abobiumus /,
Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum. I'm happy to help.

I'm really sorry to hear that your computer keeps crashing so often, it must be incredibly frustrating.

Thank you for sharing such a detailed description and thoughtful troubleshooting steps. It's clear you're an experienced user with solid hardware knowledge and handled the issue with care and patience.

Unfortunately, based on everything you've shared, it seems likely that your GPU is failing. The best solution may be to send it for RMA, take it to a repair shop, or replace it.

I know this situation feels discouraging, but your clear analysis has really helped us understand what's wrong.

If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to let me know by "Comment". I'm always ready to support.

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Answer 2

Well, I found a temporary solution to the problem. If you mash the gpu and wires connected to it right when the crash happens, the crash stops instead just closing the app you are using. Crashes still happen from time to time, but now it works a lot better and they are a lot less frequent. I will most likely follow with the advice to just replace the gpu, as it most likely won't take long for it to die. Thank you for your comment!