How to Fix Error 0x887A0006 (DXGI_ERROR_DEVICE_HUNG)

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You’re deep into an intense gaming session or working on a project, and then—bam! Your screen freezes or crashes. A message pops up: Error 0x887A0006 (DXGI_ERROR_DEVICE_HUNG). What does that mean? And, more importantly, how do you fix it? Don’t worry, you’re not alone—and fixing it isn’t as scary as it sounds.

TL;DR

DXGI_ERROR_DEVICE_HUNG usually appears when your GPU (graphics processing unit) stops responding and gives up. It’s common in games or heavy graphics apps. The fix can be as simple as updating your drivers or tweaking in-game settings. If that doesn’t work, try a few advanced steps like system scans or hardware checks.

What is Error 0x887A0006 (DXGI_ERROR_DEVICE_HUNG)?

This error often pops up in programs that rely heavily on your graphics card—like video games, 3D rendering apps, or even certain video players. It shows up when Windows thinks your GPU froze or was “hung,” and the DirectX graphics API (used by your operating system to communicate with your GPU) kicked it to the curb.

Translation: Your GPU had a bad day, and Windows wasn’t having it.

Why Does This Happen?

Several reasons could trigger this error:

  • Overclocked GPU trying too hard
  • Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers
  • Buggy game files or incompatible settings
  • Hardware under stress—or faulty
  • DirectX issues

Think of your graphics card as a race car. It goes fast, gets hot, and sometimes just spins out of control. That’s when you get the dreaded error.

How to Fix It (Step-by-Step)

1. Update Your Graphics Drivers

This is the number one fix. Outdated or corrupted drivers are often the cause. Here’s how:

  1. Open Device Manager.
  2. Find Display adapters and click your GPU.
  3. Right-click and select Update driver.
  4. Choose Search automatically for drivers.

Prefer a clean install? Head to the manufacturer’s site:

Pro tip: Use DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller) for a fresh start before installing new ones.

2. Reset Overclock Settings

If you’ve overclocked your GPU—even just a little—that can cause instability.

  • Open whatever overclock software you used (like MSI Afterburner).
  • Click Reset or manually set your clock speeds to default.

Sometimes, the thrill of speed leads to a crash. Literally.

3. Lower Game Settings

Chill out your GPU. Turn down the heat by reducing in-game graphics settings:

  • Lower resolution (e.g., 1080p instead of 4K)
  • Reduce anti-aliasing, shadows, and textures
  • Disable extra effects like motion blur and depth of field

Yes, you want your game to look amazing. But running it at ultra settings on an older card is like racing a tricycle in a Grand Prix.

4. Run CHKDSK and SFC

System files and disk issues can break communication between your software and hardware.

Run these commands in Command Prompt (Admin):

sfc /scannow

This scans and fixes corrupted system files.

chkdsk /f /r

This finds and repairs hard drive issues. You might need a restart.

5. Modify TDR (Timeout Detection and Recovery)

If none of the above work, tweak TDR settings. This controls how long Windows waits for your GPU to respond before it hangs it out to dry.

Here’s how:

  1. Press Win + R, type regedit and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\GraphicsDrivers
  3. Right-click, choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value
  4. Name it TdrDelay
  5. Double-click it and set the value to 10
  6. Click OK and reboot your PC

Note: Be careful editing the registry. Do this only if you’re comfortable with it.

6. Reinstall the Game or App

Sometimes, the app itself is the issue. A file may be corrupted. Do a full uninstall and reinstall. Make sure your saves are backed up!

7. Update DirectX and Windows

Always keep your OS and DirectX framework up to date:

  • Open Settings > Windows Update and check for updates
  • Download and install anything related to drivers, components, or system tools

DirectX is like the translator between your game and your GPU. You want the best translator possible.

8. Check Your PC’s Temperatures

GPUs get hot under pressure. If yours is overheating, the system may crash to protect itself.

Monitor temps using tools like:

  • HWMonitor
  • MSI Afterburner
  • GPU-Z

Keep your case clean, fans spinning, and airflow smooth.

9. Test Your RAM and GPU

Hardware problems are rare—but they do happen. Try these:

  • MemTest86 – for checking RAM issues
  • FurMark or 3DMark – to stress test your GPU

If your system crashes during these tests, you might be looking at a hardware replacement. Sad, but better to catch it early.

Bonus Tip: Disable Full-Screen Optimizations

This Windows feature sounds good in theory but messes with performance in practice.

  1. Right-click the game’s shortcut or .exe
  2. Select Properties
  3. Go to Compatibility
  4. Check “Disable full-screen optimizations”

Also try running the game as administrator for bonus stability points.

When All Else Fails…

If you’ve tried everything and still see the error, consider this:

  • Try the app on a different PC. It helps you confirm whether the problem is your setup or the app itself.
  • Contact support for your game or GPU. They may have insider fixes.
  • Look for BIOS updates from your motherboard manufacturer—but only as a last-resort.

Wrapping It Up

Error 0x887A0006 can feel like a boss battle—but now you’ve got a full inventory of tools to beat it.

Start with the basics—like updating your drivers and checking your settings. If those don’t work, you’ve got advanced fixes too. Just take it step-by-step, and don’t panic. Your digital adventures will be back on track in no time.

Good luck, and may your frame rates be smooth and error-free!

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