ERRORBlue screen0x00000116
VIDEO_TDR_FAILUREStop code 0x00000116
VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE (stop code 0x00000116) means the graphics driver stopped responding and Windows could not reset it, so it crashed. TDR stands for Timeout Detection and Recovery. Causes include a faulty or outdated GPU driver, overheating, an unstable overclock, or a failing graphics card. The dump names the driver (nvlddmkm, atikmpag, igdkmd).
What it means
VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE, bug check 0x00000116, is triggered by Timeout Detection and Recovery, a Windows feature that watches the graphics driver. If the driver stops responding, Windows tries to reset it without rebooting; when that reset fails, the system bug-checks with this code. The .sys file in the message identifies the vendor:
| Module | Vendor |
|---|---|
| nvlddmkm.sys | NVIDIA |
| atikmpag.sys / amdkmdag.sys | AMD |
| igdkmd*.sys | Intel |
Most likely causes
- A faulty, outdated or corrupted GPU driver.
- Overheating of the graphics card; see GPU temperature.
- An unstable overclock (GPU core or memory), including factory or "OC mode" profiles pushed too far.
- A failing graphics card, sometimes with visual artifacts.
- Insufficient or failing power delivery to the card.
Fixes
1. Clean-reinstall the graphics driver. Download the latest from the vendor, remove the current driver with Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) in Safe Mode, then install the fresh one. This resolves the majority of cases.
2. Check temperatures. Monitor the GPU under load; sustained high temperatures or a large edge-to-hotspot gap point to cooling. Clean dust and improve airflow.
3. Remove overclocks. Set the GPU to stock clocks, including any vendor "OC" profile, and test. Undervolting a stable curve can help thermally without losing much performance.
4. Reseat and check power. Reseat the card and its power connectors; ensure the PSU is adequate.
5. Test the card elsewhere if it still fails; a card that crashes at stock, cool and reseated may be failing. The Desktop Window Manager drives the GPU even at the desktop, so failures can occur outside games too.
General blue-screen approach
Most stop codes are caused by drivers, hardware faults, or corrupted system files, in that order of likelihood. The efficient path is:
- Note what changed. A new driver, a Windows update, new hardware, or an overclock immediately before the crashes began is the prime suspect. Roll it back or remove it.
- Boot to Safe Mode if Windows will not stay up: hold Shift and restart, or interrupt boot three times to reach the recovery environment, then Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Safe Mode.
- Update or roll back drivers, especially graphics, storage and chipset, from the vendor rather than only Windows Update.
- Repair system files from an elevated prompt:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
sfc /scannow- Test hardware: Windows Memory Diagnostic for RAM, the drive vendor's tool and chkdsk for storage, and check temperatures.
- Read the dump. The minidump in
C:\Windows\Minidumpnames the faulting driver when analysed with WinDbg or a tool like BlueScreenView.
Frequently asked questions
What does VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE mean?
The graphics driver stopped responding for longer than Windows allows, and the Timeout Detection and Recovery mechanism could not reset it, so the system crashed. The .sys file in the message (nvlddmkm for NVIDIA, atikmpag/amdkmdag for AMD, igdkmd for Intel) identifies the GPU vendor.
How do I fix VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE?
Do a clean reinstall of the graphics driver (use DDU to remove the old one first), check GPU temperatures, remove any overclock, and reseat the card. If it persists on a card that is overheating or artifacting, the GPU may be failing.