Windows 10: System-wide stuttering caused by driver ?

I randomly started getting an issue where my computer will stutter every few seconds after being on for more that around 16 hours, even under no load everything will slow down for half a second every 5-6 seconds making it nearly unusable. On top of that, every now and then when I leave it alone, I'll come back to a Driver Power State Failure but cannot see the actual driver causing the issue through blue screen view. The stuttering is resolved when I restart, however if it is stuttering, shutting down or reestarting takes much longer than usual. Here's the last dump file I saved: https://drive

:)

 

Windows 10 - Nvidia drivers causing system-wide stutter

Actually, we can go over the broader steps for stuttering so we know that everything has been covered besides the Nvidia troubleshooting.

Here are the steps I've collected that work most for stuttering:

1) Try these fixes for stuttering in games in Windows 10:

https://www.techradar.com/news/windows-10-gets-...

Experiencing Stuttering In Games? [Here's The Fix] - GPU Mag

https://windowsreport.com/fix-pc-stuttering-win... (Avoid ad links which intrude into editorial copy, especially avoid Restoro and Reimage ads)

https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/tech-takes/fix-st...
https://www.thewindowsclub.com/game-stuttering-... (Avoid ad links which intrude into editorial copy, especially avoid Restoro and Reimage ads)

Fix Stuttering in Games [Causes and Top Solutions]

https://www.pcerror-fix.com/fix-game-stuttering... (Avoid ad links which intrude into editorial copy, especially avoid Restoro and Reimage ads)

https://www.minitool.com/news/game-stuttering-w...

Experiencing Stuttering In Games? [Here's The Fix] - GPU Mag

https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/tech-takes/fix-st...

https://www.thewindowsclub.com/game-stuttering-... (Avoid ad links which intrude into editorial copy, especially avoid Restoro and Reimage ads)

Fix Stuttering in Games [Causes and Top Solutions]

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/71759...

https://forums.tomshardware.com/threads/windows...

https://allthings.how/fix-video-lagging-or-stut...

2) Go over Windows using this checklist to make sure the install is set up correctly, optimized for best performance, and any needed repairs get done: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

Start with Step 4 to turn off Startup freeloaders which can conflict and cause issues, then Step 7 to check for infection the most thorough way, then step 10 to check for damaged System Files, and also Step 16 to test a new Local Admin account. Then continue with the other steps to go over your install most thoroughly.

3) If nothing else works then do a Repair Install, by installing Media Creation Tool, open tool and choose to Upgrade Now. This reinstalls Windows while keeping files, programs and most settings in place, is the most stable method to advance to the latest version, and solves most problems. Tutorial here: https://www.tomshardware.com/how-to/fix-windows...


4) Try all possible hardware tests here:
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...


5) But remember that in Windows 10 everything depends upon the quality of the install, and Factory or Upgrade installs are inferior installs which most enthusiasts won't even run because they'd expect endless issues. Consider now or later doing the Clean Install in this link which compiles the best possible install that will stay that way as long as you stick with the tools and methods given: Redirecting


The reason I suggest this is that no one who has adopted the install in the above link has ever come back to report further problems I've seen, including another version failure. This is because everything in Windows 10 is dependent upon the quality of the install, especially Version Updates which will choke on lesser quality installs, and there is no possibility of problems if you stick ONLY with the steps, tools and methods in that tutorial.

It is also one of life's great learning experiences that will permanently make you the master of your PC because you will learn everything that works best and how to keep it that way.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

________________________________________________________

Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

 

Windows 10 - Nvidia drivers causing system-wide stutter

Hello Greg,

Thank you for your attention on this. I did leave out some information regarding your suggestions.

I use NVCleaninstall and make sure to only install the Nvidia display driver itself through this utility. I disable all telemetry, enable MSI mode and remove the HD audio. I’ve never once installed GeForce Experience.

The link for troubleshooting display drivers was quite helpful, though unfortunately I’ve already attempted most everything listed.

NVIDIA no longer has the automatic update utility online, so I manually selected the newest driver for my 3060. I’ve tried studio drivers, as well as just about every driver between 468.xx and the current driver.

Rollback does immediately stop the stuttering, though that’s because it removes Nvidia and installs the Microsoft display driver. The stutter returns immediately once Nvidia drivers are installed after the reboot.

Searching for updates won’t result in a new monitor driver. I’ve also uninstalled / updated this driver through the device manager. No change as long as Nvidia is installed.

Changing screen resolution also makes no difference. I’ll still experience what is shown in the video.

Please let me know if I can confirm anything in addition. I can’t thank you enough for the help. I really am driving myself mad.

 

Audio driver conflict causing stuttering?

Hi Techhelper89,

Unfortunately, I did the instructions as mentioned in the thread and the stuttering persists. I used the link provided: and the steps requested

http://www.tweaking.com/files/setups/tweaking.com_windows_repair_aio_setup.exe

I also tried reinstalling the Realtek Audio drivers as suggested by the thread to no avail.

I've also added some links of how the stuttering looks and sounds like to the main post of this thread. I hope it helps identify the issue.

One more thing I noticed after the above steps is that I can boot with Nvidia HD Audio drivers disabled but the stuttering persist. Enabling then disabling "cures" the stuttering for a while. Although, when this is happening while the Nvidia Audio drivers are
disabled (as there is an enable option) the icon doesn't look like one that is normally disabled (with a small circular arrow down icon).

Cheers,

Ben