What to do first
Record whether the crash began after an update, check temperatures and recent driver changes, then update or roll back the driver through Device Manager or the manufacturer's package.
Display and graphics
Display Driver Keeps Crashing in Windows
A display driver crash may recover with a brief black screen, freeze an application, or restart the graphics stack. The right fix depends on when it happens.
Quick answer
Start with the reversible checks
Why it happens
Why this problem appears
Windows can reset a graphics driver after a timeout, overheating, corrupted files, incompatible versions, or a failing GPU, cable, or power path.
Step by step
Safe troubleshooting order
- Check Reliability Monitor or Event Viewer for display-driver errors and note the driver name.
- If the issue started after an update, use Device Manager to roll back when that option is available.
- Otherwise install a stable driver from the PC or GPU maker and choose a clean option only if the installer offers it.
- Check airflow and temperatures during the workload that triggers the crash.
- If crashes continue across drivers and displays, test hardware and stop before making registry or BIOS changes.
Safety note
Know when to stop
Protect important files before resets, driver removal, account changes, or recovery operations. If the symptom points to hardware, repeated software changes can make diagnosis harder.
FAQ
Should I update or roll back a graphics driver?
Roll back when the problem began immediately after a driver update. Otherwise use a stable driver supplied for the PC or graphics hardware.
Can overheating cause a display driver crash?
Yes. Heat, power problems, or a failing GPU can trigger driver resets. Check cooling and whether the crash follows a heavy workload.