Quick Summary
The "DXGI_ERROR_DEVICE_REMOVED" error indicates that your graphics card has been physically removed or reset by the operating system due to a driver timeout, hardware failure, or other system instability. This can lead to application crashes or rendering issues within games and other graphically intensive programs.
Common Causes
- Driver Issues: Outdated, corrupted, or incompatible graphics drivers are a common cause. These can lead to instability and cause Windows to reset or remove the device.
- Hardware Failure: A failing graphics card, insufficient power supply, overheating, or loose connections can trigger this error. The GPU may be unable to maintain stability.
- Overclocking: Overclocking your graphics card or CPU beyond their stable limits can cause crashes and device removal errors. Increased power draw and heat can trigger the error.
- System Instability: Other software or hardware conflicts can lead to system instability, triggering the error. This may involve RAM problems, drive errors, or conflicting software installations.
- DirectX Issues: Corruption in DirectX runtime files can cause graphical errors and crashes, potentially leading to device removal.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Method 1: Update Graphics Drivers
Step 1: Download the latest drivers from the manufacturer's website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel).
Step 2: Use Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) in Safe Mode to completely remove old drivers. Search online for reputable download sources for DDU.
Step 3: Install the new drivers.
Step 4: Restart your computer.
Method 2: Check Hardware Connections
Step 1: Power off your computer and unplug it from the wall.
Step 2: Open the case and check the graphics card is securely seated in its PCIe slot.
Step 3: Verify that all power connectors are properly connected to the graphics card. Ensure the connectors click into place.
Step 4: Inspect cables for damage.
Step 5: Close the case, plug the computer back in, and power it on.
Method 3: Monitor Temperatures
Step 1: Download and install a hardware monitoring tool like MSI Afterburner or HWMonitor.
Step 2: Run the monitoring tool while using graphically demanding applications.
Step 3: Check the GPU temperature. If it exceeds the manufacturer's recommended temperature (usually around 80-85°C), consider improving cooling.
Step 4: Improve cooling by cleaning dust from the GPU heatsink and fans, or consider upgrading to a better cooler.
Method 4: Disable Overclocking
Step 1: If you have overclocked your graphics card or CPU, revert to the default clock speeds.
Step 2: Use the software or BIOS settings that you used to apply the overclock to revert the settings.
Step 3: Test if the problem persists with the default clock speeds.
Method 5: Run System File Checker (SFC)
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as administrator.
Step 2: Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
Step 3: Wait for the scan to complete and follow any on-screen instructions.
Step 4: Restart your computer.
Method 6: Test your RAM
Step 1: Download and create a bootable USB drive with Memtest86. Check online for reputable guides on how to do this.
Step 2: Boot from the USB drive, and allow Memtest86 to run several passes. Multiple errors indicate faulty RAM could be contributing to system instability.
Step 3: If errors are found, consider replacing the faulty RAM. Consult instructions for your computer.
Method 7: Check Power Supply Unit (PSU)
Step 1: Determine the power requirements of your graphics card and other components.
Step 2: Ensure your PSU meets or exceeds these requirements with sufficient headroom (at least 20% above the rated wattage).
Step 3: If your PSU is old or borderline, consider upgrading it to a higher wattage and better quality model.
Step 4: Verify the +12V rail voltage stability on the PSU using hardware monitoring software.