Have you ever seen that dreaded blue screen on your Windows PC with the error message "Driver Verifier Detected Violation"? It can be a real headache, but don't worry! In this guide, we'll break down what this error means, why it happens, and most importantly, how to fix the issue.
What Is "Driver Verifier Detected Violation"?
The "Driver Verifier Detected Violation" error is a sign that something's not right with your PC's drivers. There is a pre-installed utility in Windows known as Driver Verifier. Its job is to test drivers for any errors. When the Driver Verifier spots a problem, it stops the system. This is like a safety measure to prevent further damage. And that's when you get the blue screen with the "DRIVER_VERIFIER_DETECTED_VIOLATION" stop code.
This error often shows up after you've installed new hardware or software. It could also be a sign that your drivers are outdated or not working properly. For example, if you've just installed a new graphics card and then start getting this error, it might be because the driver for that card isn't compatible with your system.
Why Does Driver Verifier Detected Violation Happen?
Faulty Drivers
Outdated or corrupted drivers are a common cause of the "Driver Verifier Detected Violation" error. Over time, drivers can become damaged, especially if you haven't updated them in a while. A faulty driver can make your system unstable and trigger this error.
Incompatible Drivers
Sometimes, you might install a driver that's not designed for your specific system. This can lead to conflicts between the driver and other components of your PC. For instance, if you install a driver meant for an older Windows version on your new Windows 11 PC, it could cause problems.
Hardware Issues
Problems with your computer's hardware can also lead to this error. Issues with your RAM, hard drive, or other components can make Windows Driver Verifier detect violations. A failing hard drive, for example, might cause data corruption that the driver can't handle.
Incorrect Settings
Driver Verifier itself can sometimes cause problems if its settings are incorrect. If you've changed the settings without fully understanding them, it might lead to false positives. This means the Driver Verifier thinks there's a problem when there really isn't.
How to Solve the "Driver Verifier Detected Violation"?
Fix 1: Update or Reinstall Drivers
Updating or reinstalling your drivers is often the first step in fixing this error. Here's how you can do it:
1. Simultaneously press the Windows key and the X key. Then, from the dropdown menu that pops up, choose "Device Manager".
2. In the Device Manager, look for any drivers with a yellow exclamation mark next to them. These are the drivers that might be causing problems.
3. Perform a right-click action on the driver that is causing issues and then choose the option "Update Driver". Proceed by adhering to the instructions displayed on the screen to finalize the update process.
4. If updating the driver doesn't work, you can try uninstalling it. Right-click on the driver again and select "Uninstall device". After uninstalling, restart your PC. Windows will then reinstall the driver automatically.
If you find these steps a bit tricky or you're not sure which driver to update, PcGoGo Driver Sentry can be a great help. PcGoGo Driver Sentry is a professional driver management tool. It can automatically scan your PC for available drivers. Whether you need to uninstall, reinstall, back up, or restore drivers, PcGoGo Driver Sentry makes it easy with just one click.
To use it, first, click the download button to get the software. After installation, launch it and click the "Scan" button. Just wait for a while, and you'll see a list of drivers that can be installed or updated. You can then choose the ones you need.
Fix 2: Disable Driver Verifier
If you suspect that the Driver Verifier itself is causing the problem, you can turn it off. Here's how:
1. Press the Windows key and S. Type "Command Prompt" in the search bar. Right-click on "Command Prompt" and select "Run as administrator".
2. In the Command Prompt window, type "verifier /reset" and press Enter.
3. Restart your PC. This should stop the error from appearing if the Windows Driver Verifier is the cause.
Fix 3: Check Hardware
Since hardware issues can also trigger the "Driver Verifier Detected Violation" error, it's important to check your hardware:
1. Utilize tools such as Windows Memory Diagnostic to conduct a test on your RAM. You can find this tool by searching for it in the Windows Start menu. It will check your RAM for any problems.
2. Check your hard drive for errors. You can use the CHKDSK tool for this. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and type "chkdsk C: /f" (replace "C:" with the drive letter of your hard drive).This will scan and fix any errors on your hard drive.
3. If any of the tests find problems, you might need to replace the faulty hardware.
Fix 4: Restore System
If the error started recently, restoring your system to a previous state can be a great solution. System Restore undoes recent changes to your system without deleting your personal files.
1. Press the Windows key and S. Type "System Restore" in the search bar and open it.
2. Choose a restore point that was created before the error started. You can usually tell by the date and time.
3. Follow the on-screen steps to restore your system.
Conclusion
Dealing with the "Driver Verifier Detected Violation" error doesn't have to be a never-ending nightmare. By following the methods outlined in this guide, you can systematically diagnose and resolve the issue. Remember, PcGoGo Driver Sentry is your ally in maintaining a healthy driver environment, preventing many of these problems from cropping up in the first place. Whether you're a tech novice or a seasoned pro, these solutions are designed to get your Windows system back on track. If you encounter any challenges along the way or have additional tips to share, feel free to leave a comment. Your experiences could help fellow users facing similar issues, and together, we can keep our PCs running smoothly.
