Introduction: Understanding the DXGI_ERROR_DEVICE_HUNG Error
If you’re encountering the error:
DXGI_ERROR_DEVICE_HUNG
…it typically appears while running graphically intensive applications, especially games, 3D rendering software, or video editing tools on Windows. This error is related to the DirectX Graphics Infrastructure (DXGI) — a component of Microsoft DirectX responsible for managing GPU resources and display outputs.
When the system detects that the GPU has stopped responding or is taking too long to complete a task, it triggers this error to prevent further instability or crashes.
Common Causes of DXGI_ERROR_DEVICE_HUNG:
- Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers
- Overheating GPU
- Driver conflicts with other hardware
- DirectX runtime errors
- Resource overuse (GPU memory overflow)
- Game/software compatibility issues
- Faulty game files or mods
In this article, we’ll walk you through 7 expert-approved solutions to resolve the DXGI_ERROR_DEVICE_HUNG error. Each method comes with an estimated real-world success rate, so you can choose the most effective fix for your situation.
Fix 1: Update Your Graphics Drivers (Success Rate: ~95%)
Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers are the most common cause of DXGI-related errors.
Steps:
- Press
Win + X> Device Manager. - Expand Display adapters.
- Right-click your GPU and select Update driver > Search automatically for updated driver software.
Alternatively:
- Visit your GPU manufacturer’s website:
- NVIDIA: https://www.nvidia.com/Download/index.aspx
- AMD: https://www.amd.com/en/support
- Intel: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/download-center/home.html
For best results, perform a clean install using DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller) before reinstalling.
Why It Works:
Newer drivers often contain bug fixes, performance improvements, and better compatibility with modern games and apps.
Fix 2: Lower In-Game Graphics Settings (Success Rate: ~85%)
High-resolution textures, ultra settings, and advanced shaders can overload your GPU, causing it to hang.
Steps:
- Launch the affected game or app.
- Navigate to Video/Graphics Settings.
- Reduce:
- Resolution
- Texture quality
- Shadows and anti-aliasing
- Disable any post-processing effects like motion blur or ambient occlusion.
Why It Works:
Reduces GPU workload, preventing resource exhaustion and crashes during heavy rendering tasks.
Fix 3: Run the DirectX Troubleshooter (Success Rate: ~75%)
Windows includes built-in diagnostic tools that can detect and repair DirectX-related issues.
Steps (Windows 10/11):
- Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
- Find Graphics Performance or Display troubleshooter.
- Click Run and follow on-screen instructions.
Why It Works:
Automatically identifies and resolves configuration problems in DirectX and GPU communication.
Fix 4: Check for Overheating or Thermal Throttling (Success Rate: ~90%)
A GPU that’s overheating can freeze or reset mid-render, triggering DXGI errors.
Steps:
- Download monitoring tools like:
- MSI Afterburner
- HWMonitor
- GPU-Z
- Run the problematic application and monitor:
- GPU temperature
- Fan speed
- VRAM usage
- If temps exceed safe limits (~80°C+), improve cooling:
- Clean dust from fans
- Improve case airflow
- Repaste your GPU if necessary
Why It Works:
Keeping your GPU within safe thermal thresholds prevents hardware instability and performance degradation.
Fix 5: Reinstall or Repair DirectX Runtime (Success Rate: ~80%)
Corrupted DirectX files can disrupt communication between the GPU and applications.
Steps:
- Download the latest DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer from Microsoft:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=35 - Run the installer.
- Restart your PC after installation completes.
Alternatively, use tools like DirectX Fix or Reimage Repair for deeper scans.
Why It Works:
Ensures all DirectX components are up-to-date and not corrupted, restoring smooth GPU communication.
Fix 6: Verify Game Files via Steam / Epic Launcher (Success Rate: ~88%)
If you’re getting the error in a specific game, the issue might be due to corrupted or missing game files.
Steps (Steam Example):
- Open Steam > Library > Right-click the game > Properties.
- Go to Local Files tab > Click Verify Integrity of Game Files.
- Let the tool scan and repair missing/corrupted files.
Repeat for other launchers like Epic Games Store, Ubisoft Connect, etc.
Why It Works:
Repairs broken assets or scripts that may be causing rendering failures or GPU timeouts.
Fix 7: Adjust TDR Registry Settings (Advanced Only – Success Rate: ~70%)
TDR (Timeout Detection and Recovery) is a Windows feature that resets the GPU if it doesn’t respond within a set time. Increasing this timeout can help prevent false hangs.
Steps:
- Press
Win + R, typeregedit, and hit Enter. - Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\GraphicsDrivers- Create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value named:
TdrDelay
- Set its value to
8(in decimal). - Restart your computer.
⚠️ Editing the registry can be risky — back up your registry before making changes.
Why It Works:
Gives the GPU more time to recover before Windows forcibly resets it, reducing false DXGI hang reports.
Summary: Choosing the Best Fix for DXGI_ERROR_DEVICE_HUNG
| Solution | Success Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Update Graphics Drivers | ~95% | Most common and effective fix |
| Lower Graphics Settings | ~85% | Reducing GPU load and avoiding crashes |
| Run DirectX Troubleshooter | ~75% | Detecting system-level DirectX issues |
| Check for Overheating | ~90% | Preventing hardware-induced freezes |
| Repair DirectX Runtime | ~80% | Fixing corrupted DirectX components |
| Verify Game Files | ~88% | Resolving game-specific rendering errors |
| Adjust TDR Registry Settings | ~70% | Advanced users avoiding false GPU resets |
Start with Fix 1 (Update Drivers) and Fix 4 (Check Overheating) to eliminate hardware/software root causes. Then move to Fixes 2, 5, and 6 for application-specific troubleshooting. Use Fix 7 (TDR settings) only if you’re comfortable working with the Windows Registry.
By applying these targeted solutions, you can eliminate the DXGI_ERROR_DEVICE_HUNG error and get back to gaming, streaming, or creating without interruption.
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