If you’ve landed here, chances are you’ve run into that annoying dxgmms2.sys blue screen error. Don’t worry — you’re not alone. This issue is more common than you’d think, and the good news is, it’s fixable. This guide will help you squash that error with simple steps and easy-to-follow tips.
Think of dxgmms2.sys as a little driver that helps your graphics card work smoothly with Windows. When something goes wrong, Windows panics and throws a blue screen in your face. That’s called the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). Yeah, sounds dramatic, but it’s really just a fancy crash screen.
Table of Contents
What Causes dxgmms2.sys Errors?
Let’s quickly talk about why you’re seeing this.
- Outdated or buggy graphics drivers
- Windows updates gone wrong
- Hardware acceleration issues
- Corrupted system files
- Overclocking — Yep, that “speed boost” can backfire!
Now that we have the enemies in sight, let’s plan our attack!
Step 1: Update Your Graphics Drivers
Start with the obvious — your GPU drivers. They’re usually the troublemakers here.
- Press Windows + R, type devmgmt.msc, and hit Enter.
- Open Display adapters and right-click your GPU.
- Select Update driver and choose Search automatically for drivers.
Still no luck? Go to your GPU maker’s site (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) and get the latest driver manually.
Bonus Tip: Use Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) to completely clean old drivers before installing new ones. It works like a charm!
Step 2: Disable Hardware Acceleration
This feature is meant to help performance but sometimes causes crashes. Let’s turn it off and see if it helps.
For Chrome users:
- Type chrome://settings in the address bar.
- Scroll down and click Advanced.
- Find Use hardware acceleration when available and turn it off.
- Restart Chrome and see if it’s better.
This small tweak has surprisingly helped a lot of users.
Step 3: Run System File Checker
Your Windows files might be corrupted. Let’s scan and fix them.
- Open the Start menu and type cmd.
- Right-click Command Prompt and hit Run as administrator.
- Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
This command scans your system files and replaces anything that’s broken. It takes a few minutes, so grab a snack.
Step 4: Stop Overclocking
Yes, getting extra speed from your hardware is fun. But it can make Windows unstable, especially with graphics drivers.
If you’ve overclocked your GPU or CPU, use your BIOS or your overclocking software to reset everything to default.
Trust us — stability is better than a few extra FPS if you’re getting blue screens.
Step 5: Roll Back Windows Updates
Sometimes a new Windows update messes everything up. If the error began right after an update, let’s try rolling it back.
- Open Settings > Windows Update.
- Click Update History and then Uninstall updates.
- Right-click the most recent one and remove it.
Just like magic, the BSOD might disappear if that update was the culprit.
Step 6: Check for Memory or Hardware Issues
If you’ve tried everything and the error won’t leave, a deeper issue might be at play — like bad RAM or even a dying GPU.
Try this:
- Press Windows + R, type mdsched.exe, and press Enter.
- Select Restart now and check for problems.
Windows will check your RAM on reboot. If it finds problems, you might need to replace the faulty module.
Step 7: Perform a Clean Boot
Sometimes, it’s not your system — it’s the apps running in the background. Let’s narrow it down.
- Type msconfig into the Start menu. Open System Configuration.
- Go to the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.
- Go to the Startup tab and open Task Manager.
- Disable all startup items, then reboot your PC.
If the BSOD is gone, one of the startup programs might be the bad guy. You can re-enable them one by one to find out who’s guilty.
Extra Tips & Tricks
- Keep your BIOS updated. Motherboards matter too!
- Check your temps. Overheating can cause system crashes. Use tools like HWMonitor or Core Temp.
- Run a full antivirus scan. Malware can also mess with system drivers.
When All Else Fails
If none of the above steps worked and you’re still seeing the dxgmms2.sys error, it might be time to consider a Windows reset.
- Go to Settings > System > Recovery.
- Click Reset this PC and choose to keep your files (or remove everything if you’re ready for a full refresh).
This step should be your last resort but can fix even the deepest hidden issues.
Prevention is Key
Now that you’ve fixed the issue (or at least know how to), let’s stop it from coming back:
- Keep your drivers and Windows updated.
- Avoid shady software and driver download tools.
- Backup your data regularly.
- Don’t go crazy with overclocking.
Your system will thank you with smooth performance and zero BSODs.
Final Words
The dxgmms2.sys error may look scary, but now you’ve got the tools to tackle it head-on. With a little patience and some trial and error, your PC can be back to running like a dream.
Remember — most tech problems have solutions, and you’re smarter than that blue screen thinks you are. Stay curious and keep exploring!
High fives for fixing your system! 🎉