How to fix
VIDEO_DXGKRNL_FATAL_ERROR BSOD
on Windows

After the latest Windows 10 Update, I get a VIDEO_DXGKRNL_FATAL_ERROR blue screen error. It shows up randomly, but I’ve noticed that most frequently it pop-ups when I try to open Start menu. What can I do to fix it?

VIDEO_DXGKRNL_FATAL_ERROR is yet another Windows Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error.[ref en-1] Usually, it is marked with a numeric error code 0x00000113 and one the following message:

Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart. We're just collecting some error info, and then we'll restart for you. (41% complete)

If you'd like to know more, you can search online later for this error:
VIDEO_DXGKRNL_FATAL_ERROR

The BSOD may occur when performing various tasks with the PC, including but not limiting to the installation of new software, while launching programs or running some services. Usually, it starts occurring after the installation of new hardware/software or Windows updates.

While the VIDEO_DXGKRNL_FATAL_ERROR BSOD can be walked around by rebooting the system, specialists highly recommend to take this problem seriously and isolate it’s culprit as soon as possible. Like most of the BSOD, VIDEO_DXGKRNL_FATAL_ERROR can affect Windows OS in a very negative way, i.e. slowdowns, crashes, unexpected reboots, unresponsive programs, etc.

In most of the cases, the VIDEO_DXGKRNL_FATAL_ERROR bug occurs on Windows 10 after the installation of updates, which corrupt graphics driver[ref en-2] or when the graphics driver goes out-of-date. However, the problem may also stem from anti-virus conflict.

A Guide on How to Fix the VIDEO_DXGKRNL_FATAL_ERROR BSOD on Windows 10

The method that you should apply for VIDEO_DXGKRNL_FATAL_ERROR repair depends on various factors, for example, when the problem occurs, what was the last system’s change that you’ve initiated before the problem started, and so on.
If, however, you don’t know much about the circumstances, you can try performing the following methods one-by-one as all of them are safe to perform.

Fix 1. Install the latest Windows Updates

Many Windows 10 problems are fixed automatically by the latest updates. Therefore, if the system starts malfunctioning, you should check for updates in the first place:

• Press Windows key + I and open Update & Security section.
• Now click Check for Updates.
• Everything else will be done for you automatically. During the scan, the system should detect all available updates and install them automatically. The only thing that you’ll have to do is to confirm the reboot after the installation of updates to finish the process.

Fix 2. Check system’s drivers

Windows 10 BSOD errors often reflect the problems with system’s drivers. One of the most vulnerable driver is Graphics card driver, which seems to be the culprit of the VIDEO_DXGKRNL_FATAL_ERROR blue screen.

To prevent drivers from getting out-of-date or corrupted, we would recommend updating them or installing the latest versions form the manufacturer’s website. One of the most effective way to keep maintain drivers updated and unblemished is to install a PC’s optimization utility.[ref en-3]

Our recommendation would be [d1]. It will inform you about corrupted Windows files, registry entries, potentially unwanted programs or outdated drivers in a log file. If you prefer fixing VIDEO_DXGKRNL_FATAL_ERROR manually, start from updating or reinstalling Graphics card driver:

• Right-click on Windows key and select Device Manager.
• Expand Display adapters section, click on your Graphics card driver (Intel and Nvidia) and select Update driver.

• If that did not help, then click on the Graphics card driver one more time and select Uninstall device. 
• Then navigate to the official Manufacturer’s website and download the latest version of the driver.

Fix 3. Disable your anti-virus and Windows Firewall

• Press Windows key and type Windows Defender Security Center.
• Select Firewall & Network Protection.
• Click Private (discoverable) network and slide a toggle to Off.
• Then do the same with Public (non-discoverable) network.

• After that, disable Windows Defender or any third-party antivirus program. However, don’t forget to enable the protection if it turns out that the culprit of the VIDEO_DXGKRNL_FATAL_ERROR was not antivirus.

If the problem stems from security software, you should either reinstall it or consider using another tool instead. 

Fix 4. Use a System Restore Point

If none of the methods provided above worked, you can try to fix VIDEO_DXGKRNL_FATAL_ERROR BSOD by enabling a System Restore Point. If you don’t have a restore point created before the BSOD emerged, then you can use a Reset this PC function.

If you have been creating System Restore Points regularly, then enable the latest point, but make sure that it was created before the problem started.

• Open Control Panel -> Recovery.
• Now click on Open System Restore link and hit Next on the new window.
• Select the restore point that you want to enable and click Next.
• Now you’ll have to wait while the system is being recovered.

If the Restore Point did not resolve the problem, our last recommendation is to use Reset this PC option. You can find a thorough guide on how to use it on this post.