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How to Reduce TDR (Timeout Detection and Recovery) Crashes on Windows

Fixing GPU Driver Timeout Errors for AV and High-Performance Applications.

This article explains how to reduce TDR (Timeout Detection and Recovery) errors on Windows machines. TDR can cause GPU driver resets and application crashes during high-performance tasks such as rendering, gaming, or running intensive AV applications.

Overview

Timeout Detection and Recovery (TDR) is a Windows feature that resets your GPU driver if it becomes unresponsive for more than 2 seconds (default setting). While designed to protect the system, it can cause crashes during GPU-intensive tasks.

This guide walks through:

  • Updating GPU drivers

  • Clearing shader caches

  • Adjusting TDR timeout values in the Windows Registry (if required)

Always attempt non-registry fixes first before modifying system settings.

Step 1: Update Your GPU Drivers (Recommended First Step)

Outdated or corrupted GPU drivers are one of the most common causes of TDR errors.

  1. Identify your GPU (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel).

  2. Visit the official driver website:

    • NVIDIA: GeForce Experience or nvidia.com

    • AMD: amd.com

    • Intel: intel.com

  3. Download the latest driver version for your GPU model.

  4. During installation, choose Clean Install (if available) to remove old driver files.

  5. Restart your computer after installation.

Note, depending on the subscription level certain features may not appear. If you'd like to discuss additional features please email support@displaysweet.com or contact your DisplaySweet Account Manager.

Visual Suggestion

Screenshot of NVIDIA/AMD driver download page with the “Clean Install” option highlighted.

Step 2: Clear Shader Caches

Corrupted shader caches can cause GPU timeouts. Clearing them forces Windows and the GPU driver to rebuild fresh cache files.

NVIDIA Shader Cache

  1. Press Win + R.

  2. Type:

     
     
    %LocalAppData%\NVIDIA\DXCache
     

  3. Delete all contents of the folder.

AMD Shader Cache

  1. Press Win + R.

  2. Type:

     
     
    %LocalAppData%\AMD\DXCache
     

  3. Delete all contents.

Clear DirectX Shader Cache

  1. Open Disk Cleanup.

  2. Select your system drive (usually C:).

  3. Tick DirectX Shader Cache.

  4. Click OK to delete.

Restart the GPU Driver

After clearing caches:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Win + B.

  2. Your screen will briefly flicker — this resets the GPU driver.

Visual Suggestion

Screenshot of DXCache folder open in File Explorer with files selected for deletion.
Screenshot of Disk Cleanup with “DirectX Shader Cache” checkbox selected.

Step 3: Adjust TDR Timeout Values (Advanced – Registry Edit)

Only proceed if driver updates and cache clearing do not resolve the issue.

⚠️ Always create a System Restore Point before editing the registry.

Create a Restore Point

  1. Search for Create a restore point in Windows.

  2. Click Create.

  3. Name it (e.g., "Before TDR Edit").

  4. Click Create again.

Modify TDR Settings

  1. Press Win + R.

  2. Type regedit and press Enter.

  3. Navigate to:

 
 
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\GraphicsDrivers
 

  1. Right-click in the right panel and select:

    • New → DWORD (32-bit) Value

  2. Create the following values (if they do not already exist):

Key Name Value (Decimal) Purpose
TdrDelay 8–60 GPU task timeout (default is 2 seconds)
TdrDdiDelay 10–60 Driver thread timeout (default is 5 seconds)

  1. Double-click each key.

  2. Select Decimal.

  3. Enter your desired value (start with 8–10 seconds).

  4. Click OK.

  5. Restart your PC.

Note: These values may reset after GPU driver updates.

Visual Suggestion

Screenshot of Registry Editor showing the GraphicsDrivers path with TdrDelay and TdrDdiDelay entries highlighted.

Additional Recommendations

  • Run high-performance applications as Administrator for initial testing.

  • Restart your PC after any configuration changes.

  • Avoid setting TdrLevel = 0 (disables TDR completely), as this can cause full system freezes.

  • Monitor Event Viewer → Windows Logs → System for:

    • VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE (0x116) errors.

  • If problems persist:

    • Test GPU hardware stability.

    • Consider underclocking the GPU slightly.

    • Check system temperatures.

When to Escalate

If TDR errors continue after completing all steps:

  • Document the Event Viewer error codes.

  • Record GPU model and driver version.

  • Escalate internally with system specifications and crash details.

By following this process, most TDR-related crashes can be significantly reduced or eliminated without compromising system stability.