How to Fix Crashes Caused by NVIDIA Driver Issues

Why do crashes happen when your system runs into NVIDIA Driver issues, and how can you fix them fast?

Crashes due to NVIDIA Driver issues can occur at any time. Freezes, black screens, and restarts are common, but the fixes are usually straightforward.

The NVIDIA Driver is frequently outdated or corrupted, which causes system instability. A few simple measures will resolve the issue.

NVIDIA Profile Inspector gives customers more control by enabling them to adjust driver parameters and fine-tune GPU behavior for greater stability.

In this essay, we will explore the best techniques for resolving crashes caused by NVIDIA Driver issues and restoring PC stability.

What is the NVIDIA Driver?

The NVIDIA Driver is the software that enables your NVIDIA graphics card to function correctly with Windows and your applications. It tells your GPU how to render images, run games, and handle video and animation.

Consider it the link between your graphics card and computer. If your NVIDIA Driver is outdated or damaged, you may experience crashes, screen glitches, or slow performance.

What Causes Crashes From an NVIDIA Driver?

Crashes caused by an NVIDIA driver typically occur when something interferes with the interaction between your graphics card and driver.
Some typical explanations include:

- Old NVIDIA Driver: If the driver has not been updated in a long time, it may not be compatible with new games or Windows updates.

- The Driver Files Have Been Damaged: If the installation went poorly or specific files become corrupted, your computer may crash.

- Incorrect Settings: Changing or pushing incorrect GPU settings can create instability in your system.

- The GPU is Becoming Too Hot: When the graphics card overheats, the driver may shut down to avoid further damage.

- Windows Update Issues: Sometimes a new update does not work correctly with your existing driver.

- Applications That Run in the Background: Game overlays and booster apps can interfere with the driver.

- Hardware Problems: Loose wires, an old graphics card, or a poor power supply can cause errors.

- Overclocking Mistakes: If the GPU is pushed too much, the driver may crash.

- Problems With the Game or Application: Sometimes the game or program contains bugs that cause the crash.

- Not Enough Power: If your system is not receiving a consistent power supply, the GPU may unexpectedly go down.

Understanding these characteristics makes it much easier to figure out why your NVIDIA driver is crashing and what to do next.

How to Fix Game Crashes From an NVIDIA Driver?

Game crashes caused by an NVIDIA Driver can be aggravating, but most of the time, they are easily resolved with a few simple steps.

1] Update Your NVIDIA Drivers.
Make sure you have the most recent driver installed. NVIDIA regularly releases updates to fix issues and improve game stability.

2] Perform a Clean Driver Install.
Sometimes old or corrupted files cause issues. Use NVIDIA's "Clean Install" option or DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller) to completely remove outdated drivers before reinstalling.

3] Check for Windows Updates.
Windows updates frequently include improvements to help drivers function properly. Keeping your system up to date can help prevent crashes.

4] Reset NVIDIA Control Panel Settings.
Reset whatever settings you've modified, such as overclocking or graphics modifications, to their default values. Wrong settings can cause game instability.

5] Turn Off Overlays.
Overlays from GeForce Experience, Steam, Discord, or Xbox can occasionally interfere with gameplay. Try turning them off while playing.

6] Lower the in-game Graphical Settings.
If the game settings are too high for your GPU, it may crash. Reduce settings like shadows, textures, and resolution to see if it helps.

7] Check Your GPUs and Power Connections.
Make sure your graphics card is installed correctly and that the power cables are securely connected. Loose connections may cause sudden crashes.

8] Monitor the GPU Temperature.
Overheating might cause the driver to fail. Remove dust from your computer, check the fans, and ensure there is adequate airflow.

9] Close Any Superfluous Background Apps.
Heavy programs, such as Chrome, OBS, and RGB lighting software, might interfere with games. Close anything that you don't require while playing.

10] Verify Game Files.
If the game itself is corrupted, it can crash. Use the built-in tools on Steam, Epic, or Ubisoft to check and repair game files.

Following these steps usually fixes crashes caused by NVIDIA drivers and helps your games run more smoothly.

Closing Words

Fixing crashes caused by NVIDIA drivers helps your computer run more smoothly and stops unexpected errors.

By updating drivers and checking for conflicts, you can keep your programs and games running without problems. This makes your PC more stable and improves your graphics performance.

About the Author:

I'm River Jensen, a tech enthusiast working on NVIDIA Profile Inspector, a project dedicated to enhancing digital experiences through advanced GPU settings and performance optimization.

I'm passionate about combining creativity and technical knowledge to create graphics profiles that improve performance, improve visuals, and maximize the capabilities of NVIDIA technology.

Reference: Nefi Alarcon (2019, February 15). Unleash the Power of Turing with NVIDIA Driver 418. NVIDIA. https://developer.nvidia.com/blog/unleash-the-power-of-turing-with-nvidia-driver-418/

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