1. Update or Roll Back Display Drivers
- Open Device Manager and expand Display Adapters.
- Right-click your GPU - Update driver.
- If the problem began after an update, choose Roll back driver.
- Restart your system and check stability.
2. Boot Into Safe Mode and Reinstall GPU Drivers
- Press Shift + Restart - Troubleshoot - Advanced Options - Startup Settings - Enable Safe Mode.
- Uninstall GPU drivers from Device Manager.
- Download fresh drivers from NVIDIA/AMD/Intel.
- Reboot and reinstall.
3. Repair Corrupt System Files
- Open Command Prompt (Admin).
- Run the following:
sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- Reboot after completion.
4. Check BIOS/UEFI Display Configuration
- Enter BIOS/UEFI on startup.
- Ensure the correct settings:
- Primary Display: PCIe/PEG (for dedicated GPUs)
- Integrated Graphics: Enabled/Disabled based on your setup
- Fast Boot: Disable temporarily
- Save changes and restart.
5. Inspect GPU Hardware and Connections
- Power off your PC and unplug it.
- Reseat the graphics card.
- Check PCIe cables, monitor cables, and adapters.
- Try a different output port (HDMI/DP).
- Test with another monitor if available.
6. Disable Third-Party Startup Tools
- Perform a Clean Boot:
- Run msconfig - Hide all Microsoft services - Disable all.
- Open Task Manager - Disable all startup items.
- Restart and observe behavior.
7. Update BIOS/UEFI Firmware
- Visit your system or motherboard manufacturer’s website.
- Download the latest BIOS/UEFI update.
- Follow instructions carefully and reboot.
8. Run Windows Update
- Go to Settings - Update & Security - Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates.
- Install all critical and driver updates.
- Restart to apply changes.
9. Perform System Restore
- Open Control Panel - Recovery - Open System Restore.
- Select a restore point created before the BSOD occurred.
- Complete the restore process and reboot.
10. Perform an In-Place Upgrade or Clean Installation
- Download the Windows Media Creation Tool.
- Choose Upgrade this PC now to repair system components.
- If issues remain, proceed with a clean installation after backing up data.
The 0x000000B4 (VIDEO_DRIVER_INIT_FAILURE) BSOD typically results from driver corruption, GPU initialization problems, or misconfigured video settings.
To resolve it effectively:
- Update, reinstall, or roll back GPU drivers.
- Correct BIOS/UEFI display settings.
- Repair system and driver files.
- Remove conflicting third-party tools.
- Check hardware connections and monitor output sources.
- Use System Restore or in-place upgrades for deeper system repair.
Keeping your GPU drivers updated, ensuring stable hardware connections, and maintaining correct BIOS/UEFI configurations will help prevent future 0x000000B4 errors and maintain smooth Windows performance.