[SOLVED] dxgkrnl gpu failure when starting intensive programs - Fix: PCIe Link State Power Management

Casey Win 0 Reputation points
2026-09-13T06:25:10.49+00:00
  1. Symptoms: BSOD or crash whenever intensive program starts or discrete GPU initializes (dxgkrnl.sys, VIDEO_DXGKRNL_FATAL_ERROR, or VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE) .
  2. Hardware : i7 12th gen 3070 ti laptop
  3. Root cause: Active PCIe Link State Power Management (ASPM) failing to wake the discrete GPU bus quickly enough when 3D rendering requests occur.
  4. The fix:
    1. Open Control Panel > Power Options > Change plan settings > Change advanced power settings.
    2. Expand PCI Express > Link State Power Management.
    3. Change both On battery and Plugged in to Off.
  5. This happened to me when I would start Autodesk Fusion but could happen for other programs.
Windows for home | Windows 11 | Performance and system failures
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  1. Lester Bernard Reyes 84,725 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-13T06:59:11.76+00:00

    Hi, I'm Bernard. I'm happy to help!

    Thank you for the recommendation. In addition, and just an added fix based on the error you have, there is an error in dxgkrnl.sys, which is your Nvidia graphics card driver. To fix the issue, kindly follow the steps below:

     

    Let us run a clean installation of the Nvidia driver. This is different from doing DDU or updating the driver, as this will remove all entries and replace them with compatible ones. Kindly follow the steps from the link below:

     

    https://nvidia.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/10/~/geforce-experience-driver-installation-failed.-how-do-i-manually-clean-install#:~:text=%20How%20do%20I%20manually%20clean%20install%20the,installation%20process%2C%20close%20any%20programs%20which...%20More%20

     

    Note: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

     

    Additional note: If the issue persists, I suggest removing the GPU and placing it into another available PCIe port (This is only applicable if you are using a Desktop PC or an External GPU). However, if all else fails, I suggest contacting a local technician to physically check the device for any hardware-related issues.

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