Fixing VIDEO_DWMINIT_TIMEOUT_FALLBACK_BDD Error Code 0x00000187

Key Notes

  • Restart your computer and apply Windows updates as initial troubleshooting.
  • Reinstall or update your graphics driver to potentially resolve the issue.
  • Consider repairing corrupted system files through Command Prompt if problems persist.

Troubleshooting the VIDEO_DWMINIT_TIMEOUT_FALLBACK_BDD Error in Windows

The VIDEO_DWMINIT_TIMEOUT_FALLBACK_BDD error, identified by the code 0x00000187, signals a problem with your graphics driver. This guide provides actionable solutions to rectify this issue and restore optimal display performance on your Windows system.

Steps to Fix the VIDEO_DWMINIT_TIMEOUT_FALLBACK_BDD Error

Step 1: Reinstall Your Graphics Driver

Begin by accessing the Device Manager:

  1. Press Windows + X to open the Power User menu, and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Display adapters category. Right-click on the problematic graphics adapter and select Uninstall device.
  3. Check the box next to Attempt to remove the driver for this device, then click Uninstall.
  4. After uninstallation, restart your computer. Windows should automatically reinstall the latest driver for you.

Pro Tip: Always ensure to check for the latest drivers on the manufacturer’s website for better performance.

Step 2: Update Your Graphics Driver

If reinstalling didn’t help, try updating the driver:

  1. Press Windows + S, type Device Manager, and select it from the results.
  2. Expand Display adapters, right-click on your graphics adapter, and select Update driver.
  3. Choose Search automatically for drivers ; let Windows find the best available version for your hardware.
  4. Restart your PC to finalize the updates and check if the issue persists.

Step 3: Roll Back Your Graphics Driver

If the recent update caused the problem, roll back to an earlier version:

  1. Press Windows + R, type devmgmt.msc, and hit Enter.
  2. Expand Display adapters, right-click the affected adapter, and select Properties.
  3. Go to the Driver tab and click Roll Back Driver.
  4. Select a reason for the rollback and confirm by clicking Yes.
  5. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Pro Tip: If the rollback option is grayed out, check the manufacturer’s website for an older driver version.

Step 4: Repair Corrupted System Files

If the drivers seem fine, corrupted system files might be the issue:

  1. Press Windows + S, type Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
  2. Click Yes at the UAC prompt.
  3. Run the following commands sequentially, pressing Enter after each: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  4. Then run this command for an SFC scan: sfc /scannow.
  5. Restart your computer to apply the fixes.

Pro Tip: Always ensure you have backups before running these commands to avoid data loss.

Step 5: Conduct an In-Place Upgrade

For persistent issues, performing an in-place upgrade can help:

  1. Visit Microsoft’s official download page to download the Windows 11 ISO.
  2. Open the ISO file and double-click setup.exe.
  3. Follow the prompts, ensuring that personal files and apps will be preserved, and click Install.
  4. Wait for the installation to complete; this process may take 45 to 90 minutes.

Pro Tip: This method is akin to a fresh installation that retains your data, making it ideal for resolving persistent issues.

Additional Recommendations

  • Always verify your device drivers after Windows updates.
  • Utilize reliable software for hardware diagnostics.
  • Consider reaching out to a professional for unclear driver issues.

Summary

This guide outlined comprehensive steps to tackle the VIDEO_DWMINIT_TIMEOUT_FALLBACK_BDD error in Windows. By reinstalling or updating the graphics driver and scanning for system file issues, users can often rectify display-related problems effectively. Always back up critical data before implementing significant changes.

Conclusion

The VIDEO_DWMINIT_TIMEOUT_FALLBACK_BDD error can disrupt your computing experience, but it is typically fixable through the steps provided. If the issue persists despite all efforts, hardware malfunctions may require further inspection by a repair expert.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What causes the VIDEO_DWMINIT_TIMEOUT_FALLBACK_BDD error?

This error generally arises from an outdated or corrupt graphics driver or corrupted system files.

How do I know if my graphics driver is outdated?

You can check for updates in the Device Manager or visit the manufacturer’s website for the latest drivers.