What is DXGI-ERROR-DEVICE-REMOVED-3?
This high-severity issue affects the Windows operating system. The graphics card has been physically removed or a driver crash has caused the device to reset. This usually traces back to GPU Overclock instability and insufficient power supply voltage. Use the steps below to track down and fix the cause.
Common Causes
- GPU Overclock instability
- Insufficient power supply voltage
- Thermal throttling or emergency shutdown caused by excessive component temperatures under gaming or heavy load.
Step-by-Step Fix Guide
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1
Reduce GPU clock speeds (MSI Afterburner)
"Reduce GPU clock speeds (MSI Afterburner)" is the next step worth ruling out for DXGI-ERROR-DEVICE-REMOVED-3.
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2
Update GPU drivers
For lingering DXGI-ERROR-DEVICE-REMOVED-3 cases, "Update GPU drivers" is worth running through.
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3
Check PSU power connectors
This step, "Check PSU power connectors", specifically rules out insufficient power supply voltage.
Commands & Diagnostics
dxdiag
Frequently Asked Questions
The leading cause of DXGI-ERROR-DEVICE-REMOVED-3 is GPU Overclock instability, though insufficient power supply voltage and thermal throttling or emergency shutdown caused by excessive component temperatures under gaming or heavy load also show up in our reports.
The fastest fix is "Reduce GPU clock speeds (MSI Afterburner)". Only move on to the later steps if DXGI-ERROR-DEVICE-REMOVED-3 keeps coming back.
Rated high severity — DXGI-ERROR-DEVICE-REMOVED-3 isn't immediately destructive, but recurring instances are a sign to fix it sooner rather than later.
You shouldn't need to. Work through the guide above first — a reinstall is only worth considering if none of those steps help.
Sometimes. Microsoft regularly releases patches that fix known BSOD triggers including DXGI-ERROR-DEVICE-REMOVED-3. Make sure Windows is fully up to date via Settings → Windows Update before attempting more advanced fixes.
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