What is BSOD-dxgkrnl.sys?
dxgkrnl.sys critical driver error (BSOD) is a critical-severity system driver issue. Windows has terminated due to a fatal error in the dxgkrnl.sys kernel module. Common triggers are outdated or faulty driver, hardware incompatibility and conflict with antivirus. Follow the steps below to fix it.
Common Causes
- Outdated or faulty driver
- Hardware incompatibility
- Conflict with antivirus
Step-by-Step Fix Guide
-
1
Update the driver in Safe Mode
Start with Update the driver in Safe Mode — it clears the most frequent root cause behind BSOD-dxgkrnl.sys in the majority of cases we've seen.
-
2
Return the driver to the previous version (Rollback)
Repeat occurrences typically trace back to less obvious drivers instability factors, addressed in the steps ahead.
-
3
Check the logs in Event Viewer
"Check the logs in Event Viewer" covers a less common but documented cause of BSOD-dxgkrnl.sys.
Commands & Diagnostics
verifier /standard /all
bcdedit /set safeboot minimal
Frequently Asked Questions
The leading cause of BSOD-dxgkrnl.sys is outdated or faulty driver, though hardware incompatibility and conflict with antivirus also show up in our reports.
Most BSOD-dxgkrnl.sys reports resolve after "Update the driver in Safe Mode". The rest of the guide above is there for the cases that don't.
BSOD-dxgkrnl.sys is rated critical severity in our database. It's worth acting on quickly rather than letting it recur.
Usually. BSOD-dxgkrnl.sys is fixable with the steps above; a full Windows reinstall is rarely necessary unless everything else has failed.
Sometimes. Microsoft regularly releases patches that fix known BSOD triggers including BSOD-dxgkrnl.sys. Make sure Windows is fully up to date via Settings → Windows Update before attempting more advanced fixes.
Still Need Help?
Search our full database of 535+ documented PC errors for more solutions and step-by-step repair guides.
Search Error Database