How to Fix BSOD Error 0x00000114: VIDEO_SHADOW_DRIVER_FATAL_ERROR Explained

Encountering a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) on your Windows system can be alarming, especially when you see the error code 0x00000114, also known as VIDEO_SHADOW_DRIVER_FATAL_ERROR. This error typically points to an issue related to your graphics driver, but the underlying causes may be multifaceted, ranging from outdated drivers to hardware failures. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain what causes this BSOD error, what it means, and provide stepbystep instructions to fix and prevent it.

What is BSOD Error 0x00000114?

The 0x00000114 error is a Stop Error (BSOD) that appears when Windows encounters a critical issue with the video or graphics driver. This error is often linked to shadow drivers, a special kind of driver used by Windows for graphicsrelated tasks. Specifically, the error message reads "VIDEO_SHADOW_DRIVER_FATAL_ERROR", which signals that something went wrong with how the operating system communicates with the display hardware or its associated drivers.

Causes of the Error 0x00000114

The 0x00000114 BSOD error can occur due to various reasons. Here are the most common causes:

1. Outdated or Corrupted Graphics Drivers

    Graphics drivers play a crucial role in ensuring smooth communication between the operating system and the GPU. If the drivers are outdated or corrupted, it can lead to the VIDEO_SHADOW_DRIVER_FATAL_ERROR.

2. Conflicting or Incompatible Software

    Sometimes, thirdparty software like screen recording tools, video editing programs, or even system optimization tools may conflict with the shadow driver, leading to this BSOD error.

3. Faulty Hardware

    Hardware failures, particularly with the graphics card, RAM, or motherboard, may trigger this error. If there’s an issue with the physical components, such as overheating or power supply instability, it could result in driver crashes and BSODs.

4. System Overclocking

    Overclocking your GPU or CPU can push your hardware beyond its safe limits, which can cause instability in the system. This overclocking may lead to conflicts with shadow drivers, causing the 0x00000114 error.

5. Windows Updates

    In some cases, Windows updates might unintentionally cause incompatibility with certain video drivers, leading to crashes and the appearance of the VIDEO_SHADOW_DRIVER_FATAL_ERROR.

How to Fix BSOD Error 0x00000114

Now that we understand the causes, let’s explore how to fix this issue. Follow the steps below to resolve the BSOD error 0x00000114:

1. Update Your Graphics Drivers

    Outdated drivers are the most common cause of this error. To update your graphics drivers:

•       Open Device Manager by rightclicking the Start menu and selecting Device Manager.
•       Expand the Display adapters section.
•       Rightclick your graphics card and select Update driver.
•       Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
•       If an update is available, install it and restart your computer.

Alternatively, you can visit the official website of your GPU manufacturer (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) to download and install the latest drivers manually.

2. Uninstall and Reinstall Graphics Drivers

    If updating doesn’t work, uninstalling and reinstalling the graphics drivers can help.

•       Open Device Manager and rightclick on your GPU under Display adapters.
•       Select Uninstall device and check the box for Delete the driver software for this device.
•       Restart your computer. Windows will attempt to reinstall the default driver, or you can manually install the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website.

3. Roll Back to Previous Driver Version

    If the error started after a recent driver update, you may need to roll back to the previous version of the driver:

•       In Device Manager, rightclick on your graphics card and select Properties.
•       Go to the Driver tab and click Roll Back Driver (if the option is available).
•       Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the rollback process.

4. Check for Windows Updates

    Ensure that your system is up to date, as Microsoft regularly releases patches and fixes for compatibility issues:

•       Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
•       Click Check for updates and install any available updates.

5. Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

    Corrupted system files can also cause BSOD errors. Use SFC and DISM tools to repair your system:

•       Open Command Prompt as administrator by typing cmd in the Start menu, rightclicking Command Prompt, and selecting Run as administrator.
•       Type the following command and press Enter:  
  
  •        ```       sfc /scannow       ```
•       Wait for the process to complete. If SFC finds any issues, it will attempt to fix them.
•       Next, run the DISM tool to fix any remaining issues:
  
  •        ```       dism /online /cleanupimage /restorehealth       ```

6. Check for Hardware Issues

    If the problem persists after software troubleshooting, consider checking your hardware:

•       Check the graphics card: Ensure it is properly seated in the PCIe slot and that the power supply is stable.
•       Run diagnostics on your RAM: Use Windows Memory Diagnostic or thirdparty tools like MemTest86 to check for memory issues.
•       Check for overheating: Make sure your GPU and CPU temperatures are within safe limits. Overheating can lead to instability.

7. Disable Overclocking

    If you’ve overclocked your GPU or CPU, revert them to their default clock speeds. Overclocking can lead to system instability, which might cause the 0x00000114 BSOD error.

8. Perform a System Restore

    If the error appeared recently and you suspect it’s due to a recent change (like software installation or a driver update), performing a system restore might fix the issue:

•       Type System Restore in the Windows search bar and select Create a restore point.
•       Click System Restore and follow the prompts to restore your system to a previous state before the error occurred.

Preventing Future BSOD Errors

To reduce the likelihood of encountering the 0x00000114 error in the future, follow these preventive tips:

1. Keep your drivers up to date: Regularly check for and install updates for your graphics card and other hardware components.

2. Avoid overclocking: If you must overclock, ensure your system has proper cooling and stability testing.

3. Monitor system temperatures: Use tools like HWMonitor or MSI Afterburner to monitor GPU and CPU temperatures, preventing overheating.

4. Perform regular system maintenance: Run Disk Cleanup, SFC, and DISM regularly to ensure your system files are intact.

5. Install Windows updates promptly: Enable automatic updates to avoid security patches and driver compatibility issues.

Conclusion

BSOD error 0x00000114, marked by the VIDEO_SHADOW_DRIVER_FATAL_ERROR, can stem from various factors, such as faulty graphics drivers, hardware issues, or system overclocking. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can troubleshoot and resolve the issue effectively. Ensuring that your drivers, system, and hardware are in top condition will help prevent the recurrence of this frustrating error.

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