If you’re a Windows 8 user, you’re no stranger to errors and glitches. One of the most frustrating errors you may encounter is the “Display driver stopped responding and has recovered” error. This error can occur suddenly, leaving you with a frozen screen and a sense of panic. But fear not, we’re here to guide you through the steps to fix this error and get your Windows 8 system up and running smoothly.
What Causes the Display Driver Stopped Responding Error?
Before we dive into the fixes, it’s essential to understand what causes this error. The “Display driver stopped responding and has recovered” error occurs when the graphics driver fails to respond or becomes unresponsive. This can happen due to various reasons, including:
Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers: If your graphics drivers are outdated or corrupted, they may cause the display driver to stop responding.
Overheating GPU: If your GPU is overheating, it can cause the display driver to stop responding.
Insufficient resources: If your system is running low on resources, such as RAM or CPU power, it can cause the display driver to become unresponsive.
<strong_DRIVER_Verifier_ENABLED_: DRIVER_VERIFIER_ENABLED is a Windows feature that helps detect and prevent malfunctioning drivers. However, it can sometimes cause the display driver to stop responding.
Firmware issues: Firmware issues with your GPU or display can also cause the display driver to become unresponsive.
Step 1: Restart Your System
The first step in fixing the “Display driver stopped responding and has recovered” error is to restart your system. This may seem obvious, but it’s essential to ensure that your system is shut down properly before attempting any fixes.
Restarting your system can help:
Unload faulty drivers: Restarting your system can help unload any faulty drivers that may be causing the error.
Cool down your GPU: Restarting your system can give your GPU a chance to cool down, which can help prevent overheating issues.
Reinitialize system resources: Restarting your system can help reinitialize system resources, ensuring that your system has enough RAM and CPU power to function properly.
Step 2: Update Your Graphics Drivers
Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers are a common cause of the “Display driver stopped responding and has recovered” error. Updating your graphics drivers can help fix the issue. Here’s how to do it:
Method 1: Update Drivers through Windows Update
- Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand the Display Adapters section.
- Right-click on the graphics driver and select Update Driver.
- Click on Search automatically for updated driver software.
- Windows will search for and install the latest driver updates.
Method 2: Update Drivers through the Manufacturer’s Website
- Visit the manufacturer’s website (e.g., NVIDIA or AMD).
- Search for the latest graphics driver updates.
- Download and install the updates.
Step 3: Roll Back Your Graphics Drivers
If updating your graphics drivers doesn’t work, you can try rolling back to a previous version. This can be helpful if the latest driver update is causing the issue.
- Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand the Display Adapters section.
- Right-click on the graphics driver and select Properties.
- Click on the Driver tab.
- Click on the Roll Back Driver button.
- Follow the prompts to roll back to a previous driver version.
Step 4: Disable DRIVER_VERIFIER_ENABLED
As mentioned earlier, DRIVER_VERIFIER_ENABLED is a Windows feature that helps detect and prevent malfunctioning drivers. However, it can sometimes cause the display driver to stop responding. Disabling it may help fix the issue.
- Press the Windows key + X and select Command Prompt (Admin).
- Type the following command and press Enter:
bcdedit /set verifier off
Step 5: Check for Firmware Issues
Firmware issues with your GPU or display can cause the display driver to become unresponsive. You can check for firmware updates and install them to fix the issue.
- Visit the manufacturer’s website (e.g., NVIDIA or AMD).
- Search for firmware updates for your GPU or display.
- Download and install the updates.
Step 6: Monitor Your GPU Temperature
Overheating GPUs can cause the display driver to stop responding. Monitoring your GPU temperature can help identify if overheating is the issue.
- Download and install a GPU monitoring software (e.g., GPU-Z or HWiNFO).
- Run the software and monitor your GPU temperature.
- If your GPU temperature is high, ensure that your system has proper cooling and ventilation.
Conclusion
The “Display driver stopped responding and has recovered” error can be frustrating, but it’s not impossible to fix. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can troubleshoot and fix the issue. Remember to restart your system, update your graphics drivers, roll back your graphics drivers, disable DRIVER_VERIFIER_ENABLED, check for firmware issues, and monitor your GPU temperature. With patience and persistence, you can fix the error and get your Windows 8 system up and running smoothly.
| Fix | Description |
|---|---|
| Restart Your System | Unload faulty drivers, cool down your GPU, and reinitialize system resources. |
| Update Your Graphics Drivers | Update your graphics drivers to the latest version to fix corrupted or outdated drivers. |
| Roll Back Your Graphics Drivers | Roll back to a previous driver version if the latest update is causing the issue. |
| Disable DRIVER_VERIFIER_ENABLED | Disable the DRIVER_VERIFIER_ENABLED feature to prevent it from causing the error. |
| Check for Firmware Issues | Check for firmware updates for your GPU or display and install them to fix firmware issues. |
| Monitor Your GPU Temperature | Monitor your GPU temperature to identify if overheating is causing the error. |
By following these steps, you can fix the “Display driver stopped responding and has recovered” error and enjoy a smooth and error-free Windows 8 experience.
What is the “Display Driver Stopped Responding” error?
The “Display Driver Stopped Responding” error is a common issue in Windows 8 where the graphics driver stops responding or crashes, causing the system to freeze or become unresponsive. This error can occur due to various reasons, including outdated or incompatible drivers, overheating, or resource intensive programs.
The error is usually accompanied by a blue screen of death (BSOD) or a system crash, requiring a manual restart. In some cases, the error may also cause the screen to go blank or display a “-black screen of death”. The frequency and severity of the error can vary, ranging from occasional freezes to constant crashes, making it essential to troubleshoot and fix the issue to ensure a stable system performance.
What causes the “Display Driver Stopped Responding” error?
The “Display Driver Stopped Responding” error can be caused by a variety of factors, including outdated or incompatible graphics drivers, overheating, or resource-intensive programs. Outdated drivers can lead to conflicts with the operating system, while incompatible drivers can cause system crashes. Overheating can also cause the graphics card to malfunction, leading to the error.
Additionally, resource-intensive programs or games can cause the graphics driver to become unresponsive, resulting in the error. In some cases, malware or viruses can also cause the error by corrupting system files or drivers. It’s essential to identify the root cause of the error to apply the most effective fix and prevent future occurrences.
How do I fix the “Display Driver Stopped Responding” error?
To fix the “Display Driver Stopped Responding” error, you can try updating the graphics driver to the latest version. You can do this by going to the manufacturer’s website, downloading the latest driver, and installing it manually. Additionally, you can also try rolling back to a previous driver version if the latest update is causing issues.
You can also try tweaking the system settings to reduce the graphics driver’s workload. This can include lowering the screen resolution, disabling unnecessary graphics features, or closing resource-intensive programs. In some cases, you may need to perform a system restore or reinstall the operating system to fix the error.
Can I prevent the “Display Driver Stopped Responding” error from occurring?
Yes, you can take steps to prevent the “Display Driver Stopped Responding” error from occurring. Regularly updating the graphics driver to the latest version can help prevent the error. You can also ensure that the system is running at a safe temperature by cleaning dust from the computer’s vents and ensuring proper airflow.
Additionally, avoiding resource-intensive programs or games can help reduce the workload on the graphics driver, thereby preventing the error. Installing anti-malware software can also help protect the system from malware and viruses that can cause the error.
Will updating the graphics driver fix the “Display Driver Stopped Responding” error?
Updating the graphics driver may fix the “Display Driver Stopped Responding” error, but it’s not a guaranteed solution. If the error is caused by an outdated driver, updating to the latest version may resolve the issue. However, if the error is caused by other factors such as overheating or resource-intensive programs, updating the driver may not fix the problem.
In some cases, updating the driver may even cause the error to occur more frequently. It’s essential to identify the root cause of the error before applying a fix to ensure that the issue is resolved effectively.
Can I use a System Restore to fix the “Display Driver Stopped Responding” error?
Yes, you can use a System Restore to fix the “Display Driver Stopped Responding” error. If you’ve made recent changes to the system or installed new software, you can try restoring the system to a previous point when the error was not occurring. This can help undo any changes that may have caused the error.
However, keep in mind that a System Restore will also undo any changes you’ve made to the system, including installed software and settings. Be sure to back up any important data before performing a System Restore. Additionally, if the error is caused by a hardware issue, a System Restore may not fix the problem.
Is the “Display Driver Stopped Responding” error a sign of a hardware issue?
The “Display Driver Stopped Responding” error can be a sign of a hardware issue, but not always. In some cases, the error can be caused by a faulty or malfunctioning graphics card, overheating, or other hardware-related problems. If you’ve tried updating the driver and tweaking system settings, but the error persists, it may be a sign of a hardware issue.
You can try running diagnostic tests on the graphics card or system hardware to identify any potential issues. In some cases, you may need to replace the graphics card or other hardware components to fix the error.