"video_dxgkrnl_fatal_error" Blue Screen of Death error constantly appearing for the past week

[preCG]

I have an HP Omen 15 2021 version with an AMD and Nvidia (3060) combination. For the past week, my laptop has randomly started getting blue screens of death with the error code: "video_dxgkrnl_fatal_error" constantly when I mostly play games and it sometimes happens on idle. I already tried everything possible:
- Reinstalling Drivers (both the DGPU Nvidia drivers and IGPU AMD drivers)

- Disabling fast startup

- Updating Windows 

- Rolling back driver versions

Nothing worked. I already asked for support from the Microsoft forums and sent my minidump files and the one who was helping me said it was a driver issue, but I already did everything I can. Help is much appreciated. Thanks

[Raj_05]

Hi @preCG,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

Experiencing frequent Blue Screens of Death (BSOD) with the "video_dxgkrnl_fatal_error" message can indeed be frustrating, especially when you've already tried various troubleshooting steps. Since you've exhausted several common solutions, it might be time to delve deeper into the issue. Here are some additional steps you can take.

• Check for BIOS/UEFI Updates: Sometimes, firmware updates can resolve compatibility issues or bugs that lead to such errors. Visit HP's official website and ensure your BIOS/UEFI is up to date.
• Check for Specific Game-Related Issues: If the BSOD occurs mostly during gaming sessions, it's worth investigating if specific games or their settings are triggering the problem. Try running different games and monitor if the BSOD occurs more frequently with certain titles or under specific conditions (like high graphics settings).
• Monitor System Temperatures: Overheating can sometimes lead to unexpected system crashes. Install software like HWMonitor or MSI Afterburner to monitor CPU and GPU temperatures while gaming. If temperatures are consistently high, consider cleaning the laptop's cooling system or using a laptop cooling pad.
• Run Memory Diagnostics: Faulty RAM can cause various system errors, including BSODs. Use Windows Memory Diagnostic tool to check for memory issues. Press Win + R, type "mdsched.exe", and press Enter to launch it.
• Check for Hardware Issues: Though less common, hardware malfunctions can also cause BSODs. Run built-in hardware diagnostic tests provided by HP. This can help identify if there are any issues with your laptop's components.
• Perform a Clean Windows Installation: If all else fails, consider performing a clean installation of Windows. This will eliminate any software-related issues and provide a fresh environment for testing. Make sure to backup your important files before proceeding.

Remember to document any patterns or specific conditions under which the BSOD occurs, as this information can be helpful for diagnosing the problem. Additionally, keep an eye on any new updates or patches released by HP or Microsoft, as they may contain fixes for known issues.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Alden4

HP Support 

[preCG]

I've done everything that you have listed:
- I've updated the UEFI to the latest version, still happens

- It happens mostly from high demanding games, but can happen even if I'm playing low demanding games

- Systems temps are fine when idle and when under load, somewhere around 80c below

- hardware and memory diagnostic tests states that there are no problems

- I haven't tried a clean windows install, but I haven't updated this to windows 11 yet btw

Should I try updating to windows 11? Or should I just do a clean reinstall of windows? If so, how do I do a clean reinstall? 
Thanks

[Raj_05]

Hi @preCG,

Thank you for your response, 

If you've exhausted several troubleshooting steps and the issue persists, it's worth considering a clean reinstall of Windows as it could potentially resolve any software-related issues. 

Here's how you can do it:

• Backup Your Data: Before performing a clean install, make sure to back up all your important files to an external drive or cloud storage.
• Create Installation Media: Download the Windows installation media creation tool from Microsoft's website and use it to create a bootable USB drive with Windows 10 or 11, whichever you prefer.
• Boot from USB: Insert the USB drive into your computer and boot from it. You may need to change the boot order in your BIOS settings to prioritize booting from the USB drive.
• Follow Installation Prompts: Follow the prompts to install Windows. When you reach the installation type screen, choose the option to "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)".
• Delete Partitions: Delete all existing partitions on your hard drive. This will erase all data on the drive, so make sure you've backed up everything important.
• Install Windows: Select the unallocated space on your hard drive and click "Next" to begin the installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
• Install Drivers and Updates: Once Windows is installed, make sure to install all necessary drivers and updates to ensure optimal performance.

After completing these steps, reinstall your games and test if the issue persists. If it does, then there may be a hardware issue 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Take care and have a great day ahead!

Alden4

HP Support