continued issues with graphics drivers

Question

was hoping i could get some more help with figuring out why my graphics drivers keep crashing randomly, even when my pc is sitting idle.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5960517/graphics-drivers-keeping-crashing-randomly-fixes-h

this is my other post, and has all the stuff tried so far to figure it out

Answer 1

I checked your previous thread, on that thread your minidump files were analyzed and that person advised you to use DDU to remove the Nvidia drivers, then reinstall the Nvidia drivers, that is the correct procedure to resolve the problem.

Did you perform those steps, and did you go to the Nvidia website to download and install a few slightly older versions of the Nvidia drivers to try to find a version of the drivers that is stable on your system.

Answer 2

Random graphics-driver crashes at idle still point most strongly to a GPU driver or GPU stability problem, not only a gaming-load problem. In Windows, these crashes commonly map to TDR events, where the GPU does not respond within the default 2-second timeout and Windows tries to reset it.

Most relevant causes called out for TDR-related crashes are:

1. Display driver issues or an outdated/corrupted display driver.
2. Hardware instability, including overclocked components, incorrect memory settings/timings, insufficient cooling, insufficient power, or defective parts.
3. Background programs or visual effects slowing the system enough that the GPU cannot respond in time.

Since driver reinstall attempts were already done, the next useful path is to isolate whether this is still software corruption or underlying hardware/power instability:

1. Check Event Viewer for matching display errors
   • Open Event Viewer and review the System log.
   • Look for display/driver-related errors around the exact crash time.
   • Expected outcome: the log may help identify the device or driver involved.
2. Boot into Safe Mode to isolate third-party driver/software influence
   • Go to Settings > Update and Security > Recovery > Advanced startup.
   • Select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart.
   • After restart, choose option 4, 5, or 6 for Safe Mode.
   • Expected outcome: if crashes stop in Safe Mode, that supports a driver/software conflict rather than a base Windows issue.
3. If a specific display driver is identified, disable it temporarily or replace it with another vendor-recommended version
   • If the bug check or logs name a graphics driver module, focus on that driver first.
   • Use the PC or GPU manufacturer’s recommended driver version, and if the newest one is unstable, try an older stable version.
   • Expected outcome: stability improves if the issue is tied to a bad driver branch.
4. Verify graphics software is current
   • Make sure graphics-related software such as DirectX and OpenGL dependent applications are fully updated.
   • If crashes happen around a specific app, make sure that app is fully patched.
5. Remove instability factors
   • Return any overclocked components to default settings.
   • Check that memory configuration/timings are correct.
   • Confirm the system has adequate cooling and power.
   • Risk note: changing hardware settings can affect stability further if done incorrectly.
6. Run Windows Memory Diagnostics
   • In Control Panel search, type Memory.
   • Select Diagnose your computer’s memory problems.
   • After the test, open Event Viewer > System and look for MemoryDiagnostics-Results.
   • Expected outcome: this helps rule out RAM instability, which can also surface as graphics-driver crashes.
7. Run the hardware diagnostics from the PC manufacturer
   • This helps check for GPU, memory, motherboard, or power-related faults.
8. If the issue started after a display change, check physical connections
   • Reseat the DisplayPort/HDMI cable.
   • If applicable, reseat the graphics card and its power cables.
   • Temporarily uninstall any display utility software.

If the crashes continue after Safe Mode testing, memory diagnostics, manufacturer hardware diagnostics, and trying a known-good recommended graphics driver, the remaining likely causes are hardware-related: GPU, RAM, motherboard, cooling, or power delivery.

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References:

• Bug Check 0x116: VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE
• Bug Check 0x117: VIDEO_TDR_TIMEOUT_DETECTED
• PC keeps crashing (kernel-power 41 / 0x8000400000000002) - Microsoft Q&A