Blue Screen BSOD Error: nvlddmkm.sys, dxgkrnl.sys, dxgmms1.sys — How to Fix It

A blue screen error related to nvlddmkm.sys, dxgkrnl.sys, or dxgmms1.sys is a common Windows problem usually caused by NVIDIA graphics drivers. In most cases, the issue appears as a BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) with error code 0x00000116 (VIDEO_TDR_ERROR).

This guide explains why the error happens and how to fix it safely.

What Does the nvlddmkm.sys BSOD Mean?

The typical error scenario looks like this:

• The screen goes black
• A blue screen appears
• Windows reports an error related to nvlddmkm.sys
• Sometimes dxgkrnl.sys or dxgmms1.sys is shown instead
• The system may display: “Display driver stopped responding and has recovered”

This error commonly occurs on Windows 7 x64 and Windows 8 x64 systems and is directly related to NVIDIA GPU drivers.

Common Causes of the Error

• Corrupted or outdated NVIDIA drivers
• Incorrect driver installation
• GPU overload or instability
• Overclocked GPU or video memory
• Multiple applications using the GPU simultaneously

How to Fix nvlddmkm.sys BSOD (Recommended Method)

This method works in most cases and is safer than manually replacing system files.

Step 1: Download Required Tools

• Driver Sweeper – for complete NVIDIA driver removal
• CCleaner – for registry cleanup
• Latest NVIDIA WHQL drivers from the official NVIDIA website

Step 2: Boot Into Safe Mode

• Windows 7: press F8 during startup
• Windows 8: use Advanced Startup options

Step 3: Remove NVIDIA Drivers Completely

1. Run Driver Sweeper
2. Remove all NVIDIA components (graphics, HDMI audio, PhysX, etc.)
3. While still in Safe Mode, run CCleaner to clean the registry
4. Restart the computer

Step 4: Install Fresh NVIDIA Drivers

After rebooting:

• Either allow Windows Device Manager to install drivers automatically
• Or manually install the latest NVIDIA WHQL driver

Restart the system after installation.

Why This Fix Works

Starting from NVIDIA WHQL version 310.09 and newer, this BSOD issue is usually resolved when drivers are installed cleanly. A fresh installation removes corrupted files that cause nvlddmkm.sys crashes.

Alternative Methods (Less Reliable)

Some users suggest:

• Reinstalling NVIDIA drivers without cleaning old ones
• Manually extracting and replacing nvlddmkm.sys in System32\drivers

⚠️ These methods often do not fix the root cause and may create additional system instability.

Additional Factors That Can Trigger the Error

• GPU or memory overclocking
• Mining software running in the background
• Heavy GPU load from multiple applications

If the error persists, hardware diagnostics may be required.

Final Notes

The nvlddmkm.sys BSOD error is almost always driver-related. A clean removal and proper reinstallation of NVIDIA drivers resolves the issue in most cases.

If you continue to experience crashes, professional diagnostics may be needed to check GPU stability or hardware faults.