How to Run/Stop/Disable Driver Verifier to Fix Common Bluescreen Errors in Windows 10

What is Driver Verifier?

Driver Verifier, just like the name suggests, is a utility that helps in figuring out which driver is malfunctioning. Unlike SFC, CHDSK, and other troubleshooting utilities, it doesn't fix the problem but rather helps narrow down if and which driver is responsible for the error. This isn't a new utility either, it has been around since Windows 2000.

The reason for its relative obscurity is that it's mostly used as a tool by developers to test out new drivers.

Precautions to Take Before Running the Utility

Driver Verifier puts the computer through various stress checks. You should note that there have been reports of it bricking systems as well.

But there are some precautions users can take to prevent this from happening:

1. Remember only to use it when you've exhausted ALL other options for diagnosing a blue screen error.
2. It's advisable to not use it in safe mode because Windows doesn't load all drivers when in safe mode.
3. We strongly suggest creating a Restore Point and backing-up important data in case things go south.
4. Ensure you have administrator privileges before running the utility.

Enable Minidumps

Before running Driver Verifier, users should enable minidumps. Minidumps (.DMP) are files in which Windows stores information about a crash and the events leading to it. Since Driver Verifier doesn't always display the driver which is malfunctioning, it does store all this information in a DMP file. This step is critical and shouldn't be overlooked.

Here's how users can enable minidumps:

1. Press Windows Key + R  to launch the Run command. Type sysdm.cpl in the text box and hit Enter.
2. In the Advanced tab, under Startup and Recovery, click on Settings
3. Uncheck Automatically restart.
4. Under the Write debugging information section, select Small memory dump (256 KB) from the drop-down menu.
5. Ensure that the Small dump directory is set to %SystemRoot%\Minidump
6. Click on OK and then restart your computer.

How to Run Driver Verifier

After enabling minidumps, users can safely run Driver Verifier and diagnose the BSOD. Running Driver Verifier is fairly simple, here's how you can do it:

1. In the Start menu search bar, type cmd and right-click on Command Prompt > Run as administrator.
2. In the console type verifier and press Enter.
3. The Driver Verifier application window will open.
4. Select the Create custom settings (for code developers) and click on Next.
5. In the next window, check all options from the list except Randomized low resources simulation and DDI compliance checking. Click on Next.
6. Now click the Select driver names from a list option and click Next.
7. From the driver list, select all drivers except the ones provided by Microsoft Corporation. Microsoft advises against selecting all drivers and running the Driver Verifier utility.
8. Click on Finish.

How to Stop Driver Verifier

Contrary to how you start Driver Verifier, it's recommended that users stop it when their computer is booted into safe mode.

This is because safe mode disables all third-party drivers and earlier all Microsoft Drivers were unselected before running Driver Verifier. Thus, Driver Verifier will have minimal to no impact on your system in safe mode.

How to Disable Driver Verifier via Command Prompt

1. In the Start menu search bar, type cmd and then right-click on Command Prompt > Run as administrator.
2. In the console type verifier /reset and hit Enter.
3. Reboot your computer normally.

How to Disable Driver Verifier via Driver Verifier Manager

1. Run Driver Verifier. You can refer to the Running Driver Verifier section in this article for this.
2. In the Driver Verifier window, select Delete Existing Settings and click on Finish.
3. Reboot your computer.

You can use System Configuration to subsequently uncheck the Safe boot option and reboot your computer normally.

Thanks for reading....

Masud Rana