Display driver stopped responding and has successfully recovered
TL;DRWindows detected that your graphics driver froze briefly, then restarted it on its own. This often shows up as a black screen, flicker, or short pause but usually lets you keep working.
Most likely cause: Graphics driver is outdated, corrupted, or incompatible with current Windows updates
Try first: Restart your computer
Likely causes
- Graphics driver is outdated, corrupted, or incompatible with current Windows updatesmost likely
- GPU is overheating or under heavy load from games or video softwarepossible
- Hardware problem with the graphics card or power supplyless likely
How to fix it
Safest first: SafeChanges settingsDangerous
Restart your computerSafe
A simple restart clears temporary driver glitches.
Lower graphics settings in demanding programsSafe
Reduce resolution, frame rate, or effects in games or video editors to reduce driver stress.
Update the display driver through WindowsChanges settings
Open Device Manager, expand Display adapters, right-click your graphics card, and choose Update driver. Let Windows search automatically.
If that didn't fix it
Check temperatures with a hardware monitoring tool while running the same program that triggers the error
When to see a technician
If the error keeps happening after driver updates and the card runs hot, have a technician test the graphics hardware.
Quick answers
- What does Display driver stopped responding and has successfully recovered mean?
- Windows detected that your graphics driver froze briefly, then restarted it on its own. This often shows up as a black screen, flicker, or short pause but usually lets you keep working.
- What causes Display driver stopped responding and has successfully recovered?
- Graphics driver is outdated, corrupted, or incompatible with current Windows updates. (most likely) GPU is overheating or under heavy load from games or video software. (possible) Hardware problem with the graphics card or power supply. (less likely)
- How do I fix Display driver stopped responding and has successfully recovered?
- Try these in order, safest first: 1. Restart your computer. 2. Lower graphics settings in demanding programs. 3. Update the display driver through Windows.
- What if that didn't fix it?
- Check temperatures with a hardware monitoring tool while running the same program that triggers the error
- When should I see a technician?
- If the error keeps happening after driver updates and the card runs hot, have a technician test the graphics hardware.
Related errors
PCDRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL: Stop error on WindowsPC0xc000000f: Your PC/Device needs to be repairedPC0xc0000142: The application was unable to start correctlyPCERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT: This site can't be reached (took too long to respond)PCVIDEO_DXGKRNL_FATAL_ERRORPC0x800705b4: Windows Update error