I'm using an ASUS VivoBook X513 with an 11th-generation Intel Core i5, an NVIDIA MX330, and integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics. Every so often, the laptop suddenly restarts because of a graphics-related error. Afterward, Windows takes longer than normal to finish loading the desktop after I reach the login screen, although the earlier boot process seems unaffected.
I've tried pressing Win + Ctrl + Shift + B to reset the graphics driver. Sometimes that causes the error to appear, while other times it only makes the screen blink and then everything returns to normal. The problem is infrequent and unpredictable. Games that use the dedicated NVIDIA GPU have worked without crashing, so I'm unsure whether the NVIDIA or Intel driver is responsible.
The error screenshot appears to reference igdkmdn64.sys, which may indicate the Intel graphics driver. I've also seen suggestions that this type of crash could be related to faulty RAM. Should I reinstall the Intel driver, the NVIDIA driver, or both? What would be the safest way to troubleshoot and reinstall them?
3 Answers
Don’t overlook memory testing. An error such as PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA can be caused by defective RAM, and the integrated Intel GPU uses system memory, so memory problems may show up as graphics-driver crashes first. Run Windows Memory Diagnostic, and if it reports anything suspicious, test the memory more thoroughly or have the laptop checked before repeatedly reinstalling drivers.
It’s still worth checking both graphics drivers because hybrid-graphics laptops switch between the Intel GPU and the MX330. For a clean NVIDIA reinstall, boot into Safe Mode and use Display Driver Uninstaller, then install a fresh NVIDIA driver downloaded directly from NVIDIA rather than relying on Windows Update. Install the Intel package from ASUS as well, making sure it matches the exact X513 variant.
After the next crash, check Event Viewer under Windows Logs > System for graphics-driver errors. Entries mentioning nvlddmkm would point toward NVIDIA; references to igdkmdn64.sys or Intel display components would support the Intel-driver diagnosis.
The igdkmdn64.sys file is associated with Intel graphics, not the NVIDIA MX330, so the Iris Xe driver is the first thing I’d investigate. The fact that it happens on the desktop but not during games also fits an issue with the integrated graphics side.
Download the graphics driver for your exact VivoBook X513 model from ASUS first. In Device Manager, expand Display adapters, right-click Intel Iris Xe Graphics, choose Uninstall device, select the option to remove the driver if it’s offered, and restart. The display may temporarily use a low resolution; that’s normal. Then install the ASUS driver. If the crashes continue, try the current Intel driver instead, since some laptops behave better with the manufacturer’s package while others work better with Intel’s newer release.
I’ll run Windows Memory Diagnostic first, and if the RAM looks fine, I’ll reinstall the Intel graphics driver.