BSoD stands for Blue Screen of Death, and these types of errors are the most annoying ones on Windows. Video TDR Failure (atikmpag.sys) is a common BSoD error that has been recently appearing a lot on Windows 10 computers. If you have encountered this issue but want to fix it on your own, this post is specially written to help you.
Here, I will guide you on how to fix the Video TDR Failure error on Windows 10. Along with the resolution, I will also explain what this specific issue is and what causes it. So, you will be able to prevent it from appearing on your PC.
What is the Video TDR Failure BSoD Error?
Windows rarely trouble users to an extent where they are compelled to search for working solutions. BSoD errors are known to be the most troublesome ones on a Windows PC. TDR is a Windows component that stands for Timeout, Detection, and Recovery. This component works to keep a check on the Graphics Card. When the Graphics Card malfunctions, it restarts it, preventing the system reboot.
However, sometimes this component fails to serve its purpose and you will encounter the Video TDR Failure. This particular issue may appear while playing a game, watching a video, or doing any task that uses the processing power of the unit.
What happens in the Video TDR Failure BSoD Error?
When the Video TDR Failure occurs on a computer, the system crashes and gets stuck at a blue screen (since it is a blue screen of death error). The blue screen will display an error message stating- “Video_TDR_Failure (atikmpag.sys).” The latter portion of the error message changes with the Graphics Card.
If you are using an NVIDIA Graphics Card, it will show ‘nvlddmkm.sys’ and if you have an Intel Graphics Card, you will see ‘igdkmd64.sys.’ The ‘atikmpag.sys’ error text is exclusive for AMD and ATI Graphics cards. After encountering the issue, you will try to restart the PC to fix it, but that will not solve the problem most of the time.
What causes the Video TDR Failure issue on Windows 10?
The Video TDR Failure can be caused by a number of factors. The most common one being the overload on the GPU. Other reasons that lead to this annoying error include:
- Overheating system.
- Overclocking of the computer.
- Damaged Graphics Card or other parts of the computer.
- Simultaneous running of too many apps.
- Compatibility issues among the PC components.
These are some of the causes for this frustrating BSoD error. There are some other issues as well. When you are aware of the cause in your system, you can quickly resolve the issue.
How to fix the Video TDR Failure error on Windows 10?
As there are many causes for this error, there are many solutions available as well. I have compiled the most working solutions here. You can apply these if you are suffering from the error and fix it. If you know the cause, then you can quickly jump to the most relevant solution. Or else, you can try the solutions one by one.
Solution-1: Configure Power Management Settings
Customizing some simple Power Management settings can help you to fix this annoying problem. Follow these steps to learn what you have to do:
- Open the Control Panel.
- Switch the ‘View’ mode to Category.
- Next, click on Hardware and Sound.
- Next, click on Power Options.
- Now click on Change plan settings available next to your plan.
- Click on the Change Advanced Power Settings option.
- Expand the PCI Express option.
- Turn Link State Power Management off.
- Click on Apply to save the changes.
- Finally, restart your computer.
That’s it. Now check if the issue is gone.
Solution-2: Update or Re-install Graphics Drivers
Outdated or corrupt Graphics drivers are one of the most common causes of this particular issue. Follow these steps in order to update or re-install Graphics drivers to solve the problem.
To update Graphics Drivers:
- Open the Run dialog box by pressing the Windows+R key on the keyboard.
- Enter devmgmt.mscin the Run dialog box, and hit Enter.
- In the Device Manager, expand the ‘Display Adaptors’ category.
- Now right-click on the driver and then click on ‘Update Driver.’
- Then, follow the on-screen instructions to install the latest driver.
To re-install Graphics Drivers:
- Open the Run dialog box by pressing the Windows+R key on the keyboard.
- Enter devmgmt.mscin the Run dialog box, and hit Enter.
- In the Device Manager, expand the ‘Display Adaptors’ category.
- Now right-click on the driver and then click on ‘Uninstall.’
- Next, go to the manufacturer’s website.
- Finally, download and install the latest compatible drivers.
That’s it. You can also try rolling back the drivers if you are already using the latest ones, and the problem has started just after the update.
Solution-3: Configure NVIDIA Control Panel Settings
If you are using an NVIDIA Graphics Card, you can use this method to effectively solve the problem. Follow these steps:
- Open the NVIDIA Control Panel. It is present at the bottom right of the tasks bar.
- Next, click on PhysX configurations.
- Next, click on Automatic.
- Change it to GeForce.
- Click on Apply to save the changes.
That’s it. Now check if the problem is gone.
Solution-4: Disable Intel HD Graphics
If you are using an Intel GPU, this method can be very helpful. Follow these steps:
- Open the Run dialog box by pressing the Windows+R key on the keyboard.
- Enter devmgmt.mscin the Run dialog box, and hit Enter.
- In the Device Manager, expand the ‘Display Adaptors’ category.
- Now right-click on the Intel driver, and then click on ‘Disable device.’
That’s it. Now check if the issue is resolved.
Solution-5: Replace atikmpaq.sys File
If you are using an AMD or ATI graphics card, this solution will be very effective. Follow these steps:
- Update to the latest graphic drivers by following the method available above.
- Now open the File Explorer and navigate to this path: Hard disk (C:)-> Windows-> System 32.
- Next, open the Drivers folder, and find atikmdag.sys or atikmpag.sys file here.
- Rename this file and add “.old” (without the quotes) in the file name.
Note: You only have to rename the file whose name is appearing in the BSoD error message, and leave the other file untouched. So, if you are unsure, check that first.
- After that, go to the ATI Directory, present at C:\ATI.
- Find the file you renamed here, and make sure it matches the error message.
- Copy this file and paste it on the Desktop.
- Now open the Command Prompt (press Windows+X) and click on it.
- Next, type chdir desktop in the Command Prompt window and press the Enter key.
- Next, type expand.exe atikmdag.sy_ atikmdag.sys or expand -r atikmdag.sy_ atikmdag.sys (Depending upon the file you renamed), and press the Enter key.
- Copy the new atikmdag.sys or atikmpag.sys file from the Desktop, and paste it into the ‘Drivers’ folder in the System 32 folder.
- Finally, restart your computer.
That’s it. This is one of the most working fixes for this error.
Final Verdict
The Video TDR Failure is a not very common, but very annoying Windows 10 BSoD error. When it appears, you will not be able to use your computer properly. This is how you can fix it. Different solutions work for different users as the causes are different. Some of our readers were able to solve their problems just by cleaning the components of their PC. You can try that too.
That’s all for this post. I hope it helps you enough. Feel free to use the comment box to share your opinions about it