How to Fix the dxgmms2.sys BSOD Error in Windows 10

This list should be the ticket

The “dxgmms2.sys”blue screen of death (BSOD) erroroccurs when the DirectX Graphics MMS system file in Windows 10 crashes due to outdated, buggy, or broken graphics card drivers. But rarely, general file corruption and memory-related faults can also contribute to the issue.

If you keep experiencing the “dxgmms2.sys” BSOD error repeatedly while playing games or streaming video on your Windows 10 PC, the list of troubleshooting methods below should help you fix that.

Update Graphics Card Drivers

In most cases, the “dxgmms2.sys” BSOD stems from outdated video drivers, so it’s a good idea to kick things off by updating them. You can obtain an up-to-date copy of the drivers with a brief search on graphics card manufacturer websites such asNVIDIA,AMD, andIntel.

Suppose you don’t know the specific make and model of your graphics card. In that case, you can rely on auto-detect tools such asNVIDIA Smart Scan,AMD Driver Auto-detect, andIntel Driver & Support Assistantto download drivers automatically. You can also use a dedicated driver updater tool to help you with that.

Update Windows 10

Outdated versions of Windows 10 can also result in the “dxgmms2.sys” BSOD. If you’ve repeatedlyput off installing operating system updateson your computer, you must apply them immediately. That should eliminate any known bugs and issues while simultaneously updating obsolete DirectX components.

  1. Open theStartmenu and selectSettings.

  2. SelectUpdate & Security.

  3. SelectCheck for updates.

Suppose Windows Update detects any pending updates, selectDownload and installto install them.

Roll Back Graphics Card Drivers

If you started encountering the “dxgmms2.sys” error right after updating your graphics drivers in Windows 10, you must roll them back.

  1. PressWindows+Xand select the option labeledDevice Manager.

  2. ExpandDisplay adapters.

  3. Right-click your display adapter and selectProperties.

  4. Switch to theDrivertab.

  5. SelectRoll Back Driver.

  6. Restart your computer.

Reinstall Graphics Card Drivers

If the “dxgmms2.sys” BSOD error persists, you must reinstall the graphics card drivers on your computer.

  1. OpenDevice Manager.

  2. ExpandDisplay Adapters.

  3. Right-click your display adapter and selectUninstall device.

  4. Check the box next toDelete the driver software for this deviceand selectUninstall.

  5. PressWindows+Xand selectApps and Features.

  6. Remove any listed video card driver support software.

  7. Restart your computer.

Windows 10 will automatically install a set of generic video drivers at startup. But you must obtain the latest drivers from your graphics card manufacturer and apply them as soon as possible.

Update Game, Browser, or Streaming Client

Is there a specific video game, web browser, or streaming client that triggers the “dxgmms2.sys” error on your computer?Update the application to its latest versionand check if that helps.

Repair Corrupted Files and Drive Errors

Windows 10 features several command-line tools that you can run off an elevated Windows PowerShell console to check for andresolve issues with corrupted files and drive errors. You should run them in the order that they appear below. However, they may take a significant amount of time (around an hour or more) to complete.

  1. PressWindows+Xand selectWindows PowerShell (Admin).

  2. Typesfc /scannow.

  3. PressEnter.

  4. Open an elevated Windows PowerShell console.

  5. Enter the following command and pressEnter:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth

  1. If the DISM command detects issues with your computer, execute the two commands that follow:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

  1. Open an elevated Windows PowerShell console.

  2. Typechkdsk c: /r.

  3. PressEnter.

  4. TypeYto confirm that you want the Check Disk Utility to run the next time you reboot your computer.

  5. PressEnteragain and restart your computer.

  6. Wait for the Check Disk Utility to finish scanning and repairing drive errors. Windows 10 will load soon after that.

Perform System Restore

Have you taken the time toset up System Restore in Windows 10? If so, you probably have a restore point from a time when your PC was working correctly. Try using it to restore the operating system to an earlier state.

  1. PressWindows+Rto open theRunbox. Then, typesysdm.cpland selectOK.

  2. Switch to theSystem Protectiontab.

  3. SelectSystem Restore.

  4. SelectNext.

  5. Pick a restore point and follow all on-screen instructions to apply it.

Uninstall Windows Update

New Windows 10 updates improve the stability of the operating system, but some can also end up breaking things. If a recent Windows update caused the “dxgmms2.sys” BSOD error to show up, you should remove it. You must not uninstall any security updates, however.

  1. Open theRunbox. Then, typeappwiz.cpland selectOK.

  2. SelectView installed updatesto the top-left of the Programs and Features window.

  3. Select the most recent optional or feature update and selectUninstall.

Run Memory Diagnostics

Faulty memory is another cause of the “dxgmms2.sys” BSOD. You can check for memory-related issues using Windows 10’s built-in Windows Memory Diagnostics tool.

  1. PressWindows+S, typewindows memory diagnostics, and selectOpen.

  2. SelectRestart now and check for problems.  That should prompt your computer to boot into Windows Memory Diagnostics.

  3. Wait until Windows Memory Diagnostics finishes checking for any errors. Once it does, your computer will reboot and notify you of memory-related issues.

Additionally, you should run the third-partyMemTest86tool to check for even more errors. Here’s how touse MemTest86 to diagnose bad memory.

If both tools confirm that there are memory errors on your computer, you may have to replace the RAM modules. Contact a local PC repair service for assistance.

Reset Windows 10

If none of the fixes above worked (or if there’s nothing wrong with the memory on your computer), then you must reset Windows 10 to factory defaults. That should get rid of any underlying issues behind the “dxgmms2.sys” BSOD error. You can choose to keep or remove personal files during the reset procedure.

  1. Open theStartmenu and selectSettings.

  2. SelectUpdate & Security.

  3. SelectRecovery.

  4. SelectGet started.

  5. Depending on what you want to do with your files, selectKeep my filesorRemove everything. Then, follow the rest of the on-screen instructions.

For a comprehensive step-by-step guide, check out this post aboutresetting Windows 10 to factory settings.

DXGMMS2.SYS BSOD Error Fixed

You likely ended up fixing the “dxgmms2.sys” BSOD straight off the bat by updating the graphics card drivers on your computer. If not, the rest of the pointers above should’ve helped you resolve it. But here’s what you must do if you continue to run into the error.

The “dxgmms2.sys” BSOD typically shows up alongside the “System Thread Exception Not Handled,” “Kmode Exception Not Handled,” and “System Service Exception” stop codes. We’ve covered them separately, so dig into those posts and carry out any additional suggestions and fixes that you find.

Dilum Senevirathne is a freelance tech writer and blogger with three years of experience writing for online technology publications. He specializes in topics related to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Google web apps. When he isn’t hammering away at his Magic Keyboard, you can catch him binge-watching productivity hacks on YouTube.Read Dilum’s Full Bio

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