How to fix display driver failed to start
Aug 02, 2025 am 05:39 AMRestart your computer to check if the issue is temporary. 2. Boot into Safe Mode using Startup Settings to isolate the problem. 3. Uninstall and reinstall the graphics driver via Device Manager, ensuring to delete driver software if prompted. 4. Use Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) in Safe Mode for a clean driver removal before installing the latest official driver. 5. Ensure Windows and driver versions are compatible by installing pending updates and choosing stable, WHQL-certified drivers. 6. Roll back the driver if the issue started after a recent update. 7. Check for hardware issues such as improper GPU seating, overheating, or overclocking. 8. As a last resort, use System Restore, perform a repair install, or clean install Windows. The display driver failed to start error is typically resolved by cleanly reinstalling the GPU driver using DDU in Safe Mode, ensuring driver and system compatibility, and addressing any underlying hardware or software conflicts.
When you see the error "Display driver failed to start", it usually means your graphics driver crashed or couldn’t initialize properly during boot or while running Windows. This commonly happens with NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel GPUs and can lead to a black screen, low-resolution display, or system instability. Here’s how to fix it effectively.

1. Restart Your Computer (Quick Check)
Sometimes, the issue is temporary — a one-time glitch during driver loading.
- Restart your PC and see if the error persists.
- If the system boots normally afterward, it may have been a fluke.
Note: If the problem returns frequently, continue with the steps below.
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2. Boot into Safe Mode
Safe Mode loads Windows with minimal drivers, letting you troubleshoot without interference from the faulty graphics driver.
How to enter Safe Mode:

- Hold Shift while clicking Restart from the Start menu.
- Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart.
- After reboot, press F4 or 5 (for Safe Mode with Networking).
Once in Safe Mode:
- The display may be low resolution — this is normal.
- Now you can safely uninstall or update the GPU driver.
3. Uninstall and Reinstall the Graphics Driver
Corrupted or outdated drivers are the most common cause.
Steps:
- Press Win X > Device Manager.
- Expand Display adapters.
- Right-click your GPU (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) > Uninstall device.
- ? Check "Delete the driver software for this device" if available.
- Click Uninstall.
After uninstalling:
- Restart your PC — Windows will use a basic display driver.
- Then, download the latest driver from the official site:
- Install the driver and restart.
Avoid using third-party driver updaters — they can cause more issues.
4. Use DDU to Clean Install the Driver (Recommended for Stubborn Cases)
If a normal reinstall doesn’t work, use Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) to remove all traces of the old driver.
Steps:
- Download DDU from Guru3D.
- Boot into Safe Mode.
- Run DDU, select your GPU brand.
- Click Clean and restart.
- After reboot, install the latest official driver from the manufacturer’s site.
This ensures no leftover files or registry entries are causing conflicts.
5. Check for Windows and Driver Compatibility
- Make sure your Windows version is up to date (especially important after major updates).
- An outdated driver may not work after a Windows update.
- Conversely, a brand-new driver might have bugs — consider rolling back or trying a stable WHQL-certified version.
To check:
- Press Win I > Windows Update > Install all pending updates.
- On the GPU manufacturer’s site, look for "Recommended" or "Stable" driver versions, not just the latest.
6. Roll Back the Driver (If It Started After an Update)
If the issue began right after a driver update:
- Go to Device Manager > Display adapters.
- Right-click your GPU > Properties > Driver tab.
- Click Roll Back Driver (if the option is available).
- Restart.
This reverts to the previously working version.
7. Check Hardware and Overheating
Though less common, hardware issues can cause driver failures.
- Ensure your GPU is properly seated (for desktops).
- Check for overheating using tools like HWMonitor or GPU-Z.
- Clean dust from fans and heatsinks.
- If you’ve overclocked your GPU, revert to default clocks.
8. Update or Reset Windows (Last Resort)
If nothing works:
- Use System Restore to revert to a point before the issue.
- Or perform a repair install of Windows (keeps your files but refreshes system files).
- As a last option, back up data and do a clean Windows install.
Bottom Line:
Most "display driver failed to start" errors are software-related — usually fixed by cleanly reinstalling the GPU driver using DDU in Safe Mode. Keep drivers updated but stick to stable versions, and avoid abrupt shutdowns during driver installation.
Basically, it's not complex — just requires careful cleanup and a fresh driver install.
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