- Error linked to graphical instability: drivers, TDR and DX12 are usually involved.
- Enabling Debug Mode, forcing DX11 and verifying files solves many cases.
- TDR settings (TdrLevel), disabling overlays/Dynamic Vibrance and DDU make a difference.
- Real-life cases confirm improvements when checking nvlddmkm.sys permissions and switching launchers.
If you get the dreaded DXGI_ERROR_DEVICE_HUNG with codes 0x887A0005 or 0x887A0006 while playing, your session is likely to end abruptly. This DirectX bug is especially annoying. in popular titles and sometimes even appears in the menu or waiting room, without warning.
In this guide, we've compiled the most common real-life cases, probable causes, and solutions that have actually worked: from enabling debug mode on NVIDIA and adjusting TDR keys in the registry, to verifying files, forcing DX11, disabling new features in the NVIDIA app, and checking nvlddmkm.sys permissions. Everything explained step by step and in Spanish.
What is DXGI_ERROR_DEVICE_HUNG (0x887A0005 / 0x887A0006)
DXGI_ERROR_DEVICE_HUNG indicates that the graphics device has failed after receiving invalid commands or is in an unstable state. Windows frames it within DirectX errors and is usually accompanied by messages like “Engine Error” or related codes like 6068 or 0x887A0006, which end up closing the game.
Microsoft describes the issue as a communication failure between the game and the graphics hardware. It can be triggered by overclocking, drivers, APIs (DX11/DX12), TDR timeouts or corrupted files.Sometimes it only affects one or two games; other times, it's more widespread.
Common causes of failure
- GPU or CPU overclocking: increases performance, but may introduce instability that triggers TDR and DirectX crashes.
- Problematic or corrupt drivers: versions with bugs, dirty installations or leftovers after changing GPUs.
- API and graphics settings: DX12 can be a pain on certain titles or computers; forcing DX11 usually stabilizes it.
- Timeout Detection and Recovery (TDR): Windows restarts the driver if it is “not responding”; incorrectly adjusted TdrLevel/TdrDelay values may get worse.
- Corrupted game files: Corrupt packages or incomplete updates.
- Using the wrong GPU on computers with integrated and dedicated graphics.
- Lack of permissions or execution without privileges when launching the game.
- nvlddmkm.sys file permissions in DriverStore: specific cases improve after reassignment.
- App overlays and features (overlays, cloud sync, RTX Dynamic Vibrance) that interfere.
Quick fixes that usually work the most
Before going into detail, these are the actions with the highest cumulative success rate: Enable Debug Mode in NVIDIA, disable RTX Dynamic Vibrance in the NVIDIA app, verify/remake game files, force DX11 where available, and clean/reinstall drivers with DDU.
- Debug Mode (NVIDIA): Disables any factory/personal GPU overclocking.
- Disable RTX Dynamic Vibrance in the NVIDIA beta app if you use it with MSFS or other games.
- Force DX11 in games with problems under DX12; on Epic, use command line arguments.
- Verify integrity of files in Steam/Epic/Battle.net; reinstall if there are many corrupted files.
- Select the dedicated GPU in the NVIDIA/AMD panel if you have integrated graphics.
- Run as administrator the .exe of the game (best from the installation folder).
- Undo overclock of CPU/GPU and test factory settings.
- Reinstall drivers with DDU and test previous stable versions (the latest is not always the best).
step by step guides
1) Run the game with administrator privileges
On some computers the game requires elevated permissions to access system components. Go to the folder where the .exe is From the game, right-click, Properties, Compatibility tab, and select "Run this program as an administrator." Apply and test.
2) Enable Debug Mode in the NVIDIA Control Panel
This setting disables overclocking (including factory overclocking) of the GPU, reducing instabilities. Right click on the desktop, go to NVIDIA Control Panel, open the Help menu and select "Debug Mode." Restart the game.
3) Repair/verify game files
Game package corruption triggers DXGI errors. At Epic Games: Library, three dots button in game, Manage and Check. on Steam: Library, right click on the game, Properties, Local Files and “Verify integrity of game files”.
4) Make sure you are using the correct GPU
On laptops or PCs with iGPU + dGPU, the game can start with the integrated one. NVIDIA Control Panel → Manage 3D Settings → Program Settings, select the game, and under "Preferred graphics processor," select "High-performance NVIDIA processor." Apply.
If you are using AMD, open AMD Radeon Settings, go to System → Switchable Graphics and assign "High-performance GPU" to the game.
5) Update (or change) the graphics driver
The message itself speaks of a problem with the display adapter. Download the driver from the official website from NVIDIA or AMD instead of using generic updaters, or use DDU to clean and reinstall a known stable release if the latest one is giving you problems.
- DDU (Clean Uninstall): Safe mode, uninstall the driver, reboot, and then install the chosen driver.
- If a particular branch (e.g. 418.81 on 2080 Ti) fails you, try another version verified by the community.
6) Disable DX12 and force DX11 in conflicting games
DX12 is not always the best option. If the game offers DX11/DX12 selector In its settings, choose DX11. In Epic Launcher you can force it: Settings → scroll to the game → check "Additional command line arguments" and type D3d11. Apply and test.
7) Undo any GPU or CPU overclocks
Overclocking, even light, can trigger TDR. Restore default values In MSI Afterburner (GPU) and in BIOS/UEFI (CPU). In BIOS, go to Advanced Options and load "Defaults," save, and reboot. See if it stabilizes.
8) Adjust TDR in the registry: TdrLevel and TdrDelay
Windows restarts the graphics driver if it detects that it is not responding. Some users have reduced crashes disabling recovery or extending the timeout. Proceed with caution.
- Open Registry Editor as administrator (regedit).
- Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\GraphicsDrivers.
- Create a DWORD (32-bit) value named TdrLevel and set it to 0 (zero).
- Optionally, some try with TdrDelay to extend the time before the driver restarts.
- Restart your PC after making changes.
Note: Touching TDR may hide the symptom and not the cause. Make a copy of the registry before changing anything and revert if it does not improve.
9) Check permissions of the nvlddmkm.sys file (specific cases)
Improvements have been reported after granting full permissions to nvlddmkm.sys in the DriverStore path. The location is usually something like: C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository\…\nvlddmkm.sys. Open Properties → Security and adjust permissions for your user/System. It is an advanced change: only do it if you know how to reverse it.
10) Disable third-party features and overlays
Overlays and syncs can interfere. Disable overlays (Steam, GeForce Experience, Discord) and test. On Steam, also temporarily disable cloud syncing for the conflicting game.
11) MSFS case with NVIDIA beta app: disable RTX Dynamic Vibrance
With version NVIDIA_app_beta_v10.0.1.253, RTX Dynamic Vibrance was causing crashes with 0x887A0006 in MSFS 2020. Go into the NVIDIA app and disable that feature - the game should stop crashing.
12) Change launcher if the problem persists
In a real case, the same game crashed when launched from Battle.net but stabilized. moving it to SteamIf you have an official platform alternative, it's worth a try.
13) Check the integrity of the system
Some users executed SFC / scannow, CHKDSK, and MEMTEST. Although SFC can repair files, it doesn't always fix the error. Still, It is advisable to check that Windows is healthy before continuing to fine-tune.
14) About auto repair tools
There are paid utilities that promise to fix 0x887A0006/0x887A0005 errors with one click. They are not essential and extreme caution should be exercised.: Do your research, avoid PUPs, and be wary of miracle promises. In most cases, the steps above are sufficient.
Standard notice: Some forum links or recommendations point to external sites. Check that the information is reliable and avoid downloading software promoted by aggressive ads.
Specific notes based on your hardware and game
- RTX 20xx (2080 Ti) and specific driver branchesIf you notice the error after updating, try a previous stable version. Always keep a backup installer of your favorite driver.
- SLI and multi-GPU configurations: With GTX 980 in SLI there were periodic crashes. Disable SLI for testing, use a single adapter and repeat the checks with TDR and driversModern games barely take advantage of SLI and can crash more.
- High-end gear crashing in Warzone/MW3: : even with correct temperatures (below 75 °C) and without visible overclocking, activate the NVIDIA Debug Mode and checking the permissions on nvlddmkm.sys helped stabilize. Also, consider switching platforms if you can.
- MSFS 2020 on NVIDIA Game Pass (beta app): disables RTX Dynamic VibranceIf it's fixed, please report it to NVIDIA support so they can fix it in future releases.
If you've made it this far, you'll already have a full set of measures to attack DXGI_ERROR_DEVICE_HUNG 0x887A0005/0x887A0006 from all fronts: Drivers, API, TDR, file integrity, permissions, and software featuresA combination of NVIDIA Debug Mode, forcing DX11, disabling problematic features (like RTX Dynamic Vibrance in the beta app), verifying files, and a clean driver reinstall often restores stability even on powerful machines; in stubborn scenarios, adjusting TdrLevel, checking nvlddmkm.sys permissions, and, if applicable, switching launchers have been key to getting back to playing without crashes.
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