How To Fix the “Driver Verifier Detected Violation” Error

Windows users try everything possible to avoid the dreaded Blue Screen of Death. They do everything, whether updating drivers, having sufficient memory, or updating software. Still, the infamous Driver Verifier Detected Violation BSOD errors knock on the door and keep the device stuck at startup. If you are also facing it or are looking for a solution to help someone else, you are in luck. This post will discuss how to troubleshoot a driver verifier violation error.

Sometimes, the technical steps cannot do what a simple system reboot can. Hence, restart the system before you try anything else to see if it does the trick. If this doesn’t help, identifying the primary cause of the problem will help deal with the issue before any further damage is caused. 

What is Windows Driver Verifier?

It is a tool that ensures drivers work in an assigned manner and adheres to the conditions Microsoft defines. These standards are set to ensure driver reliability and performance on Windows operating systems.

The Driver Verifier Detected Violation error is encountered when the Driver Verifier identifies a failure in system drivers that cannot be undone. Here’s why users face this error on Windows:

Also Read: Fixed Error: Driver irql_less_or_not_equal on Windows 10

What Causes “Driver Verifier Detected Violation”?

Usually, the error is a result of faulty drivers or hardware. Besides that, other potential reasons include:

– Outdated drivers

– Virus or malware infections

– An outdated version of Windows

– Conflicting third-party applications

– Overclocking GPU

– A graphics card that is not compatible.

– Faulty hardware like CPU, RAM, HDDs, etc are not working properly

To check system hardware for issues, follow these steps: 

1. Open the Run window. Press the Windows + R key.
2. Type mdsched.exe and click OK.
3. Click Restart now and check for problems.

4. Wait for the process to finish. 

In addition to this, follow the steps to check the functionality of your system drive:

1. Right-click Start menu > This PC.
2. Look for the System Drive (mostly the drive letter is C:), right-click > select Properties.

3. Click Tools tab > Check.
4. Click the Scan drive option.
5. Let the process run. 

If no flaws are detected, check the Motherboard and Power Supply Unit (PSU) so no software can test them. If you do not know how to perform the check, seek professional help. 

Also Read: How To Fix Display Driver Failed To Start Issue

How To Fix Driver Verifier Detected Violation Error?

Method 1: Windows Update

Windows update helps keep Windows updated and apply the bug fixes released by Microsoft. To update Windows, follow these steps: 

Step 1: Press the Windows key.
Step 2: Look for an icon that looks like a gear/cog wheel and click on it. It is the Settings icon,
Step 3: The last option in the left side panel is ” Windows Update.” Click on this option.

Step 4: Now, click on the Check For Updates button on the right side.
Step 5: The Download & Install button will start the installation process. Some updates may require a restart to complete.
Step 6: Bring your mouse cursor to Advanced Options and click on it. Then click on Optional Updates.
Step 7: Check the boxes next to the optional updates you want to install and click Download & Install.
Step 8: Wait for the Update process to complete and reboot your PC.

Method 2:  Roll Back Graphics Drivers

Rolling back drivers, in some cases, help fix the error. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Press the keys Win + X on your keyboard to open the Power Menu.

Step 2: Choose “Device Manager”.
Step 3:  Click “Display adapters.”

Step 4: Double-click on your graphics card, and the “Properties” box will open.
Step 5: A new box will open, the Properties window. Here, you have to click on the “Driver” tab.
Step 6: Click on the “Roll Back Driver” button. If not available, click on Uninstall Driver.

Step 7: Reboot your PC.

Note: No previous version is available if the “Roll Back Driver” option is greyed out. In such cases, you can uninstall the driver and restart the system to reinstall the generic one. 

Also Read: How To Reset Your Graphics Driver On Windows

Method 3: Driver Update

Drivers are essential for your computer’s smooth functioning. They ensure good communication between hardware and software. To avoid driver-related issues, you can update them in three ways. 

Way 1 – Update using the Manufacturer’s Website

Manufacturers have an official website to find drivers and other hardware resources. Anyone can visit the site, search for the latest drivers using the model number, and update the driver. The catch is that they need all the information about the operating system and the device they use. They might install an incorrect driver if they do not have these details or are unsure about them. Therefore, to avoid such issues, most users use Device Manager. 

Way 2 – Update using Device Manager

Device Manager is a built-in utility offered by Windows that helps keep drivers updated and detect issues. To use it, press Win + X > select Device Manager. This will open the Device Manager window. Here, double-click the category > look for the driver > right-click > update driver.

Select Search automatically for drivers, the first option and follow the on-screen instructions to update the driver.

In this case, you need to double-click on Display Adapters and update your graphics card. 

Again, here is something you should know. Device Manager doesn’t always show the latest driver update. It only shows the driver updates added to the database. This is why people who know this use a driver updating tool. 

Way 3 – Update via Advanced Driver Updater  (Recommended)

Advanced Driver Updater is a powerful and trusted driver updating tool that helps update drivers. Before updating the driver, the tool takes a backup, allowing you to decide which driver to update. Also, you can see the details of the old and new driver versions. To use it and keep drivers updated, you can follow these steps:

Note: You can update only one driver at a time using its trial version. You need to upgrade the version to update all outdated drivers in a go.  

Step 1: Download  Advanced Driver Updater. You can click the button provided below. 

Step 2: Install the application. Then, open it and click the “Start Scan Now” button.

Step 3: The app will display a list of drivers that need updates. Click the “Update” button next to the graphics driver.

Step 4: Restart your PC to complete the update process.

Also Read: Error: The Driver May Be Corrupted or Missing (Code 39) {FIXED}

Method 4: Activate Driver Verifier

Driver Verifier helps find bad drivers that cause PC crashes and errors. Here are steps:

Step 1: Press Win + R on the keyboard.
Step 2: The RUN box will open.
Step 3: Type “cmd”.
Step 2: Hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
Step 3: The Command Prompt will open in Admin mode.
Step 3: Type “verifier” and press Enter.
Step 4: Select “Select driver names from a list” and click the Next button.
Step 5: Check the checkboxes next to the drivers you want to verify.
Step 6: After selecting the drivers, click Finish to start the verification process.
Step 7: After configuring the Driver Verifier, restart your computer.

Also Read: Quick Fixes For ‘Display Driver has Stopped Responding’ Error

Method 5: Activate The Memory Diagnostic Tool

Step 1: Click on the Start menu
Step 2: Type “Windows Memory Diagnostic.”
Step 3: Click on the relevant result under best match.

Step 4: Select “Restart now and check for problems.”
Step 5: If there are issues after rebooting, a notification will appear in the system tray. You can click on it to see details.

Method 6: Run A Malware Scan

Step 1: Press Win + I to open Settings.
Step 2: Click Privacy and Security.

Step 3: Click Windows Security.

Step 4: Click Virus & Threat Protection.
Step 5: Click Scan Options.
Step 6: Click Full Scan.
Step 7: Click Scan Now.

After the scan, follow the steps to delete or quarantine the virus if found.

Method 7: Uninstall Virtualization Software (If Installed)

If you are using virtualization software, remove it from your PC. This software can cause PC issues and is not good for PC health. After removing the software, you must check if the issue is fixed. Then, install a different Virtualization software.

Method 8: Run Hardware Troubleshooter

Step 1: Open the Run box and type the following command:

msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic

Step 2: A new box will open, and you must click the Advanced link. Ensure that the checkbox before “ Apply Repairs Automatically “ is checked.

Step 3: Click on the Next button.
Step 4: Reboot the PC for the changes to take effect.

Method 9: Use SFC

The SFC tool repairs files on your PC. Steps on how to use it:

Step 1: Press Win + S and type cmd.
Step 2: Right-click “Command Prompt” in the search results and choose “Run as administrator.”
Step 3: In the Command Prompt window, type “sfc /scannow” and hit Enter.
Step 4: Exit the Command Prompt window and reboot your computer.

Method 10: Utilize DISM Tool

Step 1: Press Windows + S, type “cmd,” right-click on Command Prompt, and select “Run as administrator.”
Step 2: In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Step 3: Allow the process to complete and reboot your PC.

Method 11: Run Chkdsk

Step 1: Press Win + R to open the RUN dialog.
Step 2: Type “CMD” and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to launch the Command Prompt with administrative privileges.
Step 3: If the User Account Control prompt appears, click “Yes” to proceed.

Step 4: Copy and paste the following command.

chkdsk /f /r

Step 5: Reboot your PC.

Method 12: System Restore

Step 1: Restart your PC, enter the Windows Recovery Environment, and select “Troubleshoot.”
Step 2: Choose “Advanced options,” followed by “System Restore.”
Step 3: Select your Administrator Account, enter your password, and click “Continue.”
Step 4: Choose the system restore point you created and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Read Also: How to Fix Windows 10/11 System Restore Is Taking a Long Time

Method 13: Reset This PC

Step 1. Open the Start menu and search for ‘Reset this PC.’ Then, select the appropriate option from the search results.

Step 2. Click on “Reset PC.”

Step 3. Select “Keep my files.”
Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions to start the reset process for your Windows computer.

Final Words

We hope the abovementioned steps will help fix the Driver Verifier Detected Violation issue on your PC. You must check after each step to see if the problem has been fixed. This way, you can ignore the other remaining steps. We have a comments section below where you can tell us which method helped you resolve the issue.

Read Also : [Solved] – GPU Crashes But PC Stays On