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After recent Windows update, all Vulkan applications cause complete system freeze

Andy 45 Reputation points
2026-01-20T22:51:27.1233333+00:00

After a recent Windows 11 update any time I try and load a game or application that uses the Vulkan graphics API, my entire system will freeze and a single error beep sound can be heard.

My GPU is an Nvidia GTX 970.

I have been trying to fix this issue for days now. I have tried lots of different solutions. I've tried multiple different graphics drivers, including previously known good ones. I tried completely reformatting my hard drive.

I think Microsoft introduced a bug in a recent Windows update because the only thing that fixes the issue is reformatting with an old Windows 11 iso (24H2) and disabling updates. All games and applications using Vulkan will then run completely fine.

I don't know how to contact Microsoft to let the developers of Windows know about this issue so they can fix it quickly. It is preventing me from working because I use applications that exclusively rely on Vulkan.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Display and graphics

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  2. FCA 10 Reputation points
    2026-02-03T15:46:12.2766667+00:00

    I have the same problem with W10. Uninstalled KB5073724 and it looks better.

    2 people found this answer helpful.
  3. Roland Grunder 10 Reputation points
    2026-01-23T12:33:34.25+00:00

    The same issue occurs with Windows 10 and an Nvidia GTX 970. Since the last Windows 10 update, X-Plane freezes on startup with Vulkan enabled. No problem occurs with OpenGL enabled. I've tried everything: reinstalling X-Plane; using DDU with the latest driver; using DDU with the older driver, always in safe mode. All results are negative. I'm afraid we've reached the end of the line with the GTX 970.

    2 people found this answer helpful.
  4. fabien 5 Reputation points
    2026-01-23T09:05:21.28+00:00

    Hi,

    i have the exact same probleme whith the same graphic card.

    i am on Windows 11 and after a security update my computer crash on vulkan.

    i have this information on the log of the game

    [I 00:00:00,420] [graphics] Vulkan Queue Family #2: flags:101100 TRANSFER count:1 timeStampValidBits:32

    [I 00:00:00,420] [graphics] Selected Queue Family #0 for graphics

    [I 00:00:00,420] [graphics] Selected Queue Family #0 for presentation

    [I 00:00:00,420] [graphics] Selected Queue Family #1 for transfer

    [I 00:00:00,698] [graphics] Created Vulkan device!

    [E 00:00:00,701] [graphics] Failed to initialize the Vulkan device as a NVIDIA Reflex low latency device: -104

    if this information can help

    Fabien

    1 person found this answer helpful.
  5. Lester Bernard Reyes 75,260 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-01-20T23:26:10.5733333+00:00

    Hi, I'm Bernard, a fellow Windows user. I'm happy to help!

    Based on your inputs, it seems that there is a miscalibration with the GPU driver. In this case, let us run a clean installation of the Nvidia driver. This will remove all entries and replace them with compatible ones. Kindly follow the steps from the link below:

     

    https://nvidia.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/10/~/geforce-experience-driver-installation-failed.-how-do-i-manually-clean-install#:~:text=%20How%20do%20I%20manually%20clean%20install%20the,installation%20process%2C%20close%20any%20programs%20which...%20More%20

     

    Note: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

    Additional note: If the issue persists, can you please check the System logs on the PC so I can further examine the root cause of the issue?

     

    To share the System logs, please follow the steps in the link below:

     

    Press the Windows key + X, then select "Event Viewer"

    Click the drop-down of "Windows logs"

    Right-click System > click Filter Current logs > Check: Critical, Warning, and Error > Hit OK

    On the right pane, click "Save Filtered Log File As..."

    Save the System logs file to your desktop and share it by following the steps from the link:

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/share-onedrive-files-and-folders-9fcc2f7d-de0c-4cec-93b0-a82024800c07

     

    Note: You can also use your preferred cloud storage to upload and share the logs.

    1 person found this answer helpful.

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