Self HelpBoise Computer Care

Gaming PCs

Games crashing or stuttering

Games crashing or stuttering? Update drivers, verify game files, remove overclocks, check temps, and read DXGI and Kernel-Power errors.

Difficulty
Medium
Time
20-45 min
Steps
7
Updated

Sounds like this?

  • Game crashes to desktop
  • Stutter or hitching
  • Driver timeout / 'display driver stopped responding'
  • PC reboots during games

Step by step

  1. Update the graphics driver and the game. Restart.
  2. Verify game files: Steam (Properties › Installed Files › Verify), Epic (Manage › Verify), Xbox app (Manage › Files › Verify and Repair).
  3. Reset overclocks to default, including XMP/EXPO if crashes started after enabling it.
  4. Close overlays and background tools (RGB software, recorders, chat overlays) for a test.
  5. Watch temperatures with HWiNFO. Clean dust if they climb high.
  6. Make sure the game is on an SSD and the drive has free space.
  7. Check Windows Event Viewer for Display or Kernel-Power 41 errors around the crash time.

Related error codes & messages

Quick answers

When should I stop and get professional help with "Games crashing or stuttering"?

Stop and get help if: The whole PC reboots under load (possible PSU or heat). Artifacts (colored dots, lines) appear in all games (possible GPU failure). Crashes happen in every game even at default settings. Boise Computer Care can diagnose it for a $60 fee; call 208-996-3508.

How long does this fix take and how hard is it?

Plan on 20-45 min. Difficulty: Medium.

Is it safe to try this myself?

Mostly, if you follow these precautions: Remove overclocks (GPU, CPU, RAM) before deeper troubleshooting. Unstable overclocks are a top cause of crashes.

Which error messages or codes does this guide cover?

DXGI_ERROR_DEVICE_HUNG, DXGI_ERROR_DEVICE_REMOVED, Display driver stopped responding and has recovered, Kernel-Power 41, 0x887A0006.

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