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9 Easy Ways to Fix Dxgkrnl.sys BSOD Error in Windows 10

Resolve this BSOD error with our expert solutions

7 min. read

Updated onMarch 20, 2024

updated onMarch 20, 2024

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Key notes

Blue Screen of Death errors can cause many problems, and users have reported that fileDXGKRNL.syscauses these issues on Windows 10.

They’re unpleasant and unlikely to get solved out of the blue. If you experience such an error, let’s see how to fix it quickly.

Here are some more examples of this problem:

What causes theDXGKRNL.sysBSOD?

TheDXGKRNL.sysBSOD is usually encountered when running an outdated version of DirectX. And to update DirectX, you need to update the graphics driver installed on the PC.

Besides, other underlying causes for the error include corrupt system files, problematic drivers, or connecting incompatible hardware to the PC. But these are unlikely scenarios, and the error usually involves the graphics driver.

How can I fix the BSOD error caused byDXGKRNL.sys?

1. Use a third-party BSoD fixer

The easiest and least consuming way to fix the blue screenDXGKRNL.sysin Windows 10 is by installing athird-party repair appthat will do it for you.

The software can automatically scan your device for problematic files and restore or replace them with healthy ones, thus keeping your system up and going.

2. Disable SLI

Many gamers use two Nvidia graphics cards in SLI mode for better performance. Although this sounds great, it has been reported that SLI can cause the system_service_exceptionDXGKRNL.syserror.

There’s a memory leak in VRAM when you use SLI on Windows 10, so to fix this issue, it’s advised that you disable SLI.

After disabling SLI on your computer, verify if theDXGKRNL.sysfatal error is fixed.

3. Turn off Nvidia Surround

Nvidia Surround is a feature on Nvidia GPUs that lets you enjoy a 3D experience on multiple monitors.

Although this sounds like a fantastic feature for gamers, this feature has led to issues on Windows 10 and the System_Service_Exception DXGKRNL.sys BSOD error.

So far, the only solution is to turn off Nvidia Surround to fix this error. However, we also have to mention that sometimes Nvidia Surround can’t be turned off easily, and users have suggested using theCTRL+ALT+SorCTRL+ALT+Rshortcut to turn it off.

If the shortcut isn’t working for you, try unplugging other monitors and booting with only one monitor plugged in. When you do that, the Nvidia Surround should be turned off automatically.

4. Keep your Windows 10 and GPU drivers updated

It has been reported that the graphics card driver causes this issue. Do you happen to you use the Nvidia graphic card? You should make sure you’re using the latest GPU driver available.

If you want to download any driver easily, you should install a third-partydriver updaterthat will scan your PC for compatible hardware and software and then install the latest drivers.

All you have to do is choose whether to update all of the drivers at once or individually if you have reasons not to install specific ones.

5. Change graphics memory size in BIOS

If you’re using integrated graphics, you might be able to fix this BSOD error by changing the graphics memory size in BIOS.

Users have reported successfully fixing errors caused byDXGKRNL.syson ASUS laptops with integrated Intel HD 4400 graphics.

This solution should work for any other laptop or integrated graphic card, includingDXGKRNL.syslatency AMD.

We must mention that changing the memory size for the integrated graphic card isn’t the same for all computers, and the process might be different depending on the BIOS you’re using.

6. Check for hardware malfunctions

There have been a few cases where a faulty RAM module or motherboard caused this issue. If your PC is under warranty, you might want to take it to the repair shop and have it checked for hardware malfunctions.

Since any installed hardware might be the underlying cause, the repair shopcanquickly identify the one and make the necessary repairs to fix it or replace it with a functional component.

7. Run the SFC scan

If none of the solutions from above managed to fix theDXGKRNL.sysnot loaded error, it could be the corrupt system files to blame. And in this case, the SFC(System File Checker)scan will come to your aid.

8. Run the Blue Screen Troubleshooter

The following troubleshooting tool we’re going to try is Blue Screen, a built-in troubleshooter in Windows 10. After you are done with it, verify if the problem is resolved. If not, head to the final solution.

9. Run DISM

Lastly, run the DISM(Deployment Image Servicing and Management)tool. It has been found to fix many BSOD errors and might help in the case ofDXGKRNL.sys.

How do I replace Dxgkrnl sys?

DXGKRNL.sysis a DirectX Kernel File with a.sys(system) extension. It’s a critical file, which, when it goes missing or is corrupt, you are bound to encounter issues.

Now, if you plan to replace it, several websites claim to offerDXGKRNL.sysfor download. However, proceed at your own risk after verifying the authenticity and reliability of the source.

A simple solution in case you are getting theDXGKRNL.syserror would be to perform a System Restore, and it would get the file back to its normal state, given you choose a restore point created before the error was first encountered. Another option is tofactory reset Windows.

And that’s about it! We hope one of our solutions helped you eliminate theDXGKRNL.sysBSOD error on Windows 10.

Also, please find out thelocation of the BSOD log filesince it will help identify the underlying cause and fix things.

If you have any other questions or suggestions, feel free to leave them in the comments section below, and we will certainly check them out.

9 Easy Ways to Fix Dxgkrnl.sys BSOD Error in Windows 10#

What causes theDXGKRNL.sysBSOD?#

How can I fix the BSOD error caused byDXGKRNL.sys?#

1. Use a third-party BSoD fixer#

2. Disable SLI#

3. Turn off Nvidia Surround#

4. Keep your Windows 10 and GPU drivers updated#

5. Change graphics memory size in BIOS#

6. Check for hardware malfunctions#

7. Run the SFC scan#

8. Run the Blue Screen Troubleshooter#

9. Run DISM#

How do I replace Dxgkrnl sys?#