Welcome to the Blackview global store, which offers mini PCs, laptop, and more. Hope the guide helps.
The 0x00000117 error in Windows 11 is a frustrating Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) problem commonly associated with graphics processing and the Windows Timeout Detection and Recovery (TDR) mechanism. It can appear while playing games, watching high-resolution videos, using demanding applications, or even performing ordinary desktop tasks. Because the error can interrupt your work without warning, understanding its causes and troubleshooting methods is essential.
In most cases, the 0x00000117 error indicates that Windows detected a problem with the graphics subsystem and was unable to recover the GPU within the expected time. Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers are frequent causes, but overheating, unstable GPU settings, damaged system files, Windows updates, insufficient power, and hardware problems can also contribute. The following guide explains how to diagnose and fix the problem in Windows 11, starting with the safest solutions.
- Read also: How to fix 0x00000133 error in Windows 11?
- How to fix 0x00000116 error in Windows 11?
- How to fix error code 0x0000001A in Windows 11?
What Causes the 0x00000117 Error in Windows 11?
Before troubleshooting, it helps to understand what may trigger the error. Common causes include:
- Corrupted or outdated NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel graphics drivers
- Incompatible graphics driver updates
- GPU overheating
- Overclocking or unstable GPU settings
- Corrupted Windows system files
- Damaged Windows components or updates
- Conflicts caused by background applications
- Insufficient or unstable power delivery
- Failing graphics hardware or other components
The error is particularly common when the GPU is under heavy load, such as during gaming or video rendering.
How to Fix 0x00000117 Error in Windows 11
1. Restart Your Computer
Start with the simplest solution. A temporary graphics driver or system process failure may disappear after a restart.
- Save your work if possible.
- Select Start > Power > Restart.
- After Windows 11 loads, check whether the BSOD returns.
- Run the application that previously triggered the error to test the system.
If the problem occurs repeatedly, continue with the steps below.
2. Update or Reinstall Your Graphics Driver
A faulty GPU driver is one of the first things to investigate.
- Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand Display adapters.
- Right-click your graphics card.
- Select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for drivers.
- Restart your computer after installation.
If the error began immediately after a driver update, rolling back the driver may be more effective:
- Open Device Manager.
- Right-click the GPU and select Properties.
- Open the Driver tab.
- Select Roll Back Driver, if available.
For persistent driver problems, uninstalling the existing driver and installing a fresh version from your GPU manufacturer's official website can provide a cleaner solution.
3. Check GPU Temperature
Overheating can cause GPU instability and trigger TDR-related crashes.
- Install a reputable hardware-monitoring application.
- Monitor GPU temperature while the computer is idle.
- Start a game or other GPU-intensive application.
- Watch the temperature under sustained load.
- Clean dust from the computer's fans and ventilation areas.
- Make sure the GPU fans are operating correctly.
For a desktop PC, also verify that the graphics card is properly seated and that its power connectors are firmly attached.
4. Disable GPU Overclocking
Overclocking can improve performance, but an unstable configuration may cause the 0x00000117 BSOD.
- Open your GPU tuning or monitoring software.
- Return GPU core and memory frequencies to default values.
- Restore default voltage settings.
- Disable custom performance profiles.
- Restart Windows 11 and test the system again.
If the error disappears after returning to stock settings, the previous configuration was likely unstable.
5. Run System File Checker
Corrupted Windows system files can contribute to unexpected crashes.
- Press Windows + S and search for Command Prompt.
- Select Run as administrator.
-
Enter
sfc /scannow. - Wait until the scan reaches 100%.
- Restart the computer.
If SFC reports that it cannot repair some files, run the Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool:
- Open an elevated Command Prompt.
-
Run
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. - Wait for the process to complete.
-
Run
sfc /scannowagain. - Restart Windows.
6. Install Pending Windows 11 Updates
Microsoft regularly releases updates that address driver compatibility, stability, and hardware-related problems.
- Open Settings.
- Select Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates.
- Install available updates.
- Restart the computer when prompted.
If the 0x00000117 error started directly after a Windows update, however, investigate whether uninstalling the problematic update or reverting to an earlier restore point resolves the issue.
7. Test Windows in Safe Mode
Safe Mode loads Windows with a limited set of drivers and services. This makes it useful for identifying software or driver conflicts.
- Open Settings > System > Recovery.
- Select Advanced startup > Restart now.
- Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings.
- Select Restart.
- Choose Safe Mode.
If the computer remains stable in Safe Mode, a third-party driver, startup application, or graphics component may be responsible.
8. Check Hardware and Power
If software troubleshooting does not work, hardware should be investigated.
- Check whether the GPU is securely installed.
- Inspect power cables for loose connections.
- Verify that the power supply is adequate for your graphics card.
- Test system memory for errors.
- Check for unusual fan noise or GPU artifacts.
- Consider professional hardware diagnostics if crashes continue.
Graphics corruption, random freezes, crashes under load, or repeated BSODs can indicate a failing GPU or another hardware component.
How to Prevent the 0x00000117 Error
After fixing the problem, prevention is just as important. Keep Windows and graphics drivers updated, avoid aggressive overclocking, maintain adequate airflow, regularly remove dust, and monitor GPU temperatures during demanding workloads. It is also wise to avoid installing unofficial or modified graphics drivers unless you understand the risks.
If the error occurs only with one particular game or application, update that application and check its graphics settings. Reducing demanding options such as resolution, ray tracing, or other GPU-intensive effects can also help determine whether excessive graphics load is contributing to the crash.
Final Thoughts
The Windows 11 0x00000117 error is usually connected to the graphics subsystem, making the GPU driver, temperature, system files, and hardware the most important areas to investigate. Start with straightforward solutions such as restarting Windows, updating or reinstalling the graphics driver, and installing system updates before moving toward deeper diagnostics.
If the BSOD continues after software troubleshooting, don't overlook hardware. Persistent crashes under GPU load may point to overheating, inadequate power delivery, unstable overclocking, or a failing graphics card. By following the troubleshooting steps systematically, you can narrow down the root cause instead of repeatedly reinstalling Windows or changing settings at random.
