How to Resolve VIDEO_DWMINIT_TIMEOUT_FALLBACK_BDD Error 0x00000187

The error known as VIDEO_DWMINIT_TIMEOUT_FALLBACK_BDD in Windows, which appears with the code 0x00000187, points to an issue where the operating system is struggling with an Independent Hardware Vendor (IHV) driver and defaults to the Basic Display Driver (BBD) to maintain display functions.

This situation can lead to degraded display quality and performance, often stemming from an outdated, damaged, or incorrect graphics driver, as well as corrupt system files. It is essential to note that VIDEO_DWMINIT_TIMEOUT_FALLBACK_BDD is not classified as a blue screen error; instead, it generates a live dump.

Before diving into troubleshooting, it’s advisable to restart your computer, apply any available Windows updates, and, when feasible, disconnect and reconnect the graphics card. These preliminary steps may resolve the issue for many users.

What steps can I take to resolve the VIDEO_DWMINIT_TIMEOUT_FALLBACK_BDD error?

1. Reinstall the Graphics Driver

1. Press Windows + X to access the Power User menu, then select Device Manager.
2. Locate and expand the Display adapters section, right-click on the problematic graphics adapter, and choose Uninstall device.
   

   

3. Check the box labeled Attempt to remove the driver for this device, and then click Uninstall.
   

   

4. After uninstalling, restart your computer so Windows can reinstall the latest driver automatically.

2. Update the Graphics Driver

1. Press Windows + S to launch Search, type Device Manager, and select the relevant result.
2. Expand the Display adapters section, right-click on the problematic graphics adapter, and select Update driver.
   

   

3. Choose Search automatically for drivers to allow Windows to find the best available version for your hardware.
   

   

4. Finally, restart your computer to apply these updates and see if the issue is resolved.

Updating the graphics driver can rapidly address the VIDEO_DWMINIT_TIMEOUT_FALLBACK_BDD issue in Windows 11. If Windows cannot locate an improved version, visit the manufacturer’s site for the latest driver manually!

3. Roll Back the Graphics Driver

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog, type devmgmt.msc, and press Enter.
2. Expand the Display adapters section, right-click on the affected graphics adapter, and select Properties.
   

   

3. Navigate to the Driver tab and click on the Roll Back Driver button.
   

   

4. Select a reason for the rollback and click Yes to confirm.
   

   

5. Once you finish, restart your computer to implement the changes.

If the Roll Back Driver option is disabled, check the manufacturer’s website for an earlier driver version and install it manually.

4. Repair Corrupted System Files

1. Press Windows + S to open Search, type Command Prompt, and choose Run as administrator.
2. Click Yes when prompted by User Account Control (UAC).
3. Run the following DISM commands one at a time, pressing Enter after each:
   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
4. Next, execute this command to run an SFC scan: sfc /scannow
   

   

5. Finally, restart your computer to enable the changes.

If corrupted files are the root of the VIDEO_DWMINIT_TIMEOUT_FALLBACK_BDD error (code 0x187), running the DISM and SFC scans can restore affected files using cached versions stored on your machine.

5. Conduct an In-Place Upgrade

1. Visit Microsoft’s official download page, select your Windows edition and product language, and download the Windows 11 ISO.
   

   

2. Double-click the ISO file and click Open in the prompt that appears.
3. Execute the setup.exe file.
   

   

4. Click Yes for the UAC prompt.
5. Hit Next to move forward.
   

   

6. Review the license agreement terms and choose Accept.
7. Ensure the setup indicates that personal files and apps will be kept, and then click Install.
   

   

8. Wait for the in-place upgrade to complete, which may take between 45 to 90 minutes.

This in-place upgrade method resembles a Windows reinstallation, preserving all personal files and applications, making it ideal when addressing the VIDEO_DWMINIT_TIMEOUT_FALLBACK_BDD error.

If these methods don’t resolve the issue, consider reaching out to your graphics card manufacturer or taking your system to a local repair service, as the problem could be hardware-related.

If you have further questions or wish to share additional solutions, feel free to comment below.

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