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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

18 answers

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  1. Nathan Miguel 10 Reputation points
    2026-03-12T02:21:17.8633333+00:00

    March update (KB5079473) did not fix the issue with Vulkan.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
  2. Antonis Sarris 105 Reputation points
    2026-03-11T14:09:35.6133333+00:00

    Update KB5079473 did not fix the issue on Windows 11 25H2.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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  3. Chris Hazard 0 Reputation points
    2026-01-23T17:36:12.96+00:00

    Hey there, I don't know if this is related to my issue or completely unrelated (apologies if it is not), as I am running a full AMD rig, but after a Windows update (can't remember which one), probably a month (give or take) ago, HELLDIVERS 2, which I have been running on Vulkan for over 900 hours over the past year, just suddenly will not run with RTSS installed, and if I uninstall RTSS, the game will launch, but when the ESC key is pressed, the game freezes. If I remove Vulkan and run DX12 or DX11, the game runs as normal. I delete the shader cache system-wide and within Steam after each attempt.

    I have tried everything short of reinstalling the operating system. I have tested it on my other PCs, and they do not have this problem and are fully up to date. To eliminate hardware being the culprit, I have a Linux distro on another drive and can run HD2 flawlessly using native Vulkan.

    Is there something causing some systems to have issues with Vulkan and others not?

    Thank you.

  4. Lester Bernard Reyes 75,495 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-01-21T14:41:20.5666667+00:00

    Hi, thanks for the detailed information. As per checking and analyzing the event files you have, there are general errors and warnings in the event logs. In this case, let us make sure that there are no software-related issues on the PC, kindly follow the steps below:

    Method 1. Do a clean boot:

    A “clean boot” starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs, so that you can determine whether a background program is interfering with your game or program.

    • In the search box on the taskbar, type msconfig and select System Configuration from the results.
    • On the Services tab of System Configuration, select Hide all Microsoft services, and then select Disable all.
    • On the Startup tab of System Configuration, select Open Task Manager.
    • Under Startup in Task Manager, for each startup item, select the item and then select Disable.
    • Close Task Manager.
    • On the Startup tab of System Configuration, select OK. When you restart the computer, it's in a clean boot environment.

    Troubleshooting reference: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/929135/how-to-perform-a-clean-boot-in-windows

    If none of the above solutions work, I suggest doing an in-place upgrade, wherein it will update the device to the latest version and repair all issues without deleting any files.

     

    Kindly follow the steps from this link:

    https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/4252110/how-to-run-in-place-upgrade-in-windows-11

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  5. Q&A Assist
    2026-01-20T22:51:36.5633333+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    It seems that you are experiencing system freezes related to Vulkan applications after a recent Windows update. While the specific issue you are facing is not detailed in the provided context, there are known issues with Windows 11, version 24H2, particularly related to graphics and gaming experiences.

    You might want to check if there are any updates or patches available that address graphics-related issues, as Microsoft frequently releases updates to resolve such problems. Additionally, if you suspect that a recent update caused this issue, you can report it through the Windows Feedback Hub, which is designed for users to communicate problems directly to Microsoft.

    In the meantime, if you have not already, consider disabling Auto HDR, as it has been known to cause issues with games and could potentially be related to your problem.

    If the problem persists, you may want to keep monitoring the Windows release health page for any updates regarding resolved issues, particularly those related to graphics and Vulkan applications.

    References:

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