Graphics Device Driver Error Code 31: Causes and Solution

Ah, the good old graphics device driver error code 31. It’s a common issue that can be a real pain in the neck for computer and laptop users with dedicated graphics cards. This error is typically caused by problems with the graphics device driver, which can mess up the graphics card’s functioning. When error code 31 strikes, you can expect all sorts of things to happen, like system crashes, freezes, and display problems. Lucky for you, we’re here to offer potential solutions to get you back up and running quickly!

Graphics Device Driver Error Code 31: The Causes

Error Code 31 in the graphics device driver? Yeah, that’s a common error. And guess what? It can happen for a bunch of reasons.

1. Outdated or corrupted graphics device driver: First, you might have an outdated or corrupted one. And you know what that means? Your graphics card could be freaking out, leading to this error. So, update that driver, or maybe even replace it if it’s completely messed up.
2. Conflicts with other software: Another possible cause is conflicts with other software. Yep, that’s right. Other programs on your computer can interfere with the graphics device driver and make it malfunction. That includes things like antivirus software, firewalls, and other security software. So, disabling some of those and see if that helps.
3. Hardware issues: Maybe your graphics card or some other component is acting up, causing the graphics device driver to malfunction.
4. Windows registry errors: Another possibility is that the Windows registry is all messed up, leading to errors with drivers and other system components, including the graphics device driver. 
5. Malware or virus infections: if you’re not careful with your online activity, you might have caught some malware or virus that can corrupt your system files and cause all sorts of errors, including ones related to the graphics device driver. So, watch out and stay safe, or don’t, if you’re feeling adventurous.
6. Incompatible graphics card or drivers: One possibility is that your graphics card and drivers need to be compatible, which can lead to all sorts of problems. 
7. Recent system changes: Another possibility is that recent changes to your system, like updates or installations, are causing conflicts with the graphics device driver. Either way, your system could be running better. 

Graphics Device Driver Error Code 31: The Fixes

Fix 1: Restart Your PC

Sometimes, a simple restart may clear any temporary glitches in the system. Still, outdated or corrupted driver files or conflicts with other software cause the issue. In that case, a restart alone is unlikely to provide a permanent solution. Either way, it’s worth a try. 

Fix 2: Undo The Changes

Did you tinker with the Device Manager or install any new device before that darn Code 31 error showed up? If you did, then it’s possible that the change you made caused the error. 

Undo whatever you did, restart your computer, and see if the Code 31 error reappears. 

Fix 3: Roll Back the Driver

Rolling back the graphics device driver update can help resolve Error Code 31. Suppose you recently updated your graphics driver and started experiencing this error. In that case, try rolling back the driver to the previous version. Here’s how you can do that:

1. Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard and select Device Manager from the menu.
2. Expand the Display Adapters category and locate your graphics card.
3. Right-click on the graphics card and select Properties from the context menu.
4. In the Properties window, switch to the Driver tab and then the Roll Back Driver button.
5. Follow the prompts to complete the process.

After rolling back the driver, restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved. If it is, you can block the automatic driver updates in Windows to prevent them from being updated again. However, if the problem persists, you may need to try other solutions, such as updating or reinstalling the graphics driver, addressing hardware issues, or resolving conflicts with other software.

Fix 4: Run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter

To run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter in Windows and potentially resolve Error Code 31 with your graphics device driver, follow the steps below:

1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard and type “cmd” in the search bar.
2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
3. In the Command Prompt window, type msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic and press Enter.
4. Wait for the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter to run and complete the scan.
5. If the troubleshooter detects any issues with your hardware components, it will suggest potential fixes.

Forget about all those other solutions; Windows’s Hardware and Devices troubleshooter is the real deal when fixing hardware issues. It’s a lifesaver, especially when dealing with pesky graphics driver errors like device code 31. Try it and see if it can pinpoint the problematic components and suggest potential fixes. It’s worked wonders for many hardware problems in the past! If not, don’t give up hope; a few fixes remain. 

Fix 5: Use System Restore

You could use System Restore. It’s a Windows feature that allows you to roll back your system to a previous state. For example, you could go back to when your computer was working fine and not giving you any trouble. Here’s how you can use System Restore if you’re interested:

1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “rstrui.exe” and press Enter to open the System Restore window.
3. Follow the prompts to select a restore point created before you start experiencing the error.
   
4. Confirm the restore point selection and wait for the restore process to complete.

Restoring the system might help fix Error Code 31 by rolling back the graphics device driver to the previous version. But be warned, it’ll also undo any changes you’ve made since that restore point. So, make sure to back up any important files before restoring them. 

But if that doesn’t work, there are other solutions you can try, like updating or reinstalling the graphics driver, fixing any hardware problems, or dealing with pesky software conflicts. Good luck, mate! 

Fix 6: Delete the UpperFilters and LowerFilters Registry Values

If you have issues with your graphics device driver, try deleting the UpperFilters and LowerFilters registry values. This could help fix Error Code 31. Be careful not to mess anything else up while you’re there! Here’s how to do it:

1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type in “regedit” and tap Enter to open the Registry Editor.
3. Go to the given registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class{4d36e968-e325-11ce-bfc1-08002be10318}
4. In the right pane, look for the UpperFilters and LowerFilters values.
5. Right-click on each value and select Delete from the context menu.
6. Confirm the deletion of each value.

After deleting the UpperFilters and LowerFilters registry values, restart your system and check if the issue is resolved. If it is not, you should try other solutions, such as updating or reinstalling the graphics driver, addressing hardware issues, or resolving conflicts with other software.

Fix 7; Update Display Diver 

If you face Error Code 31 with your graphics card, update the graphics device driver. Outdated or incompatible drivers can be a real pain, causing many problems. So, update to the latest version for some bug fixes, performance improvements, and better compatibility with your system. It does the trick and fixes your issue. 

Follow these steps to update your graphics card driver:

1. Type “Device Manager” in the Search bar to open the Device Manager window.
2. Open the Display Adapters section in the window and right-click on the graphics driver that you want to update.
3. Select the “Update driver” option from the context menu.
4. In the following popup, select the option to Search automatically for drivers.
5. Wait while the computer scans for any available updates for the driver. If an updated version is found, proceed with the installation by following the instructions on the screen.

Final Words

Graphics device driver error code 31 is a common issue that can cause problems with a computer’s graphics card. Various factors, such as outdated or corrupted drivers, conflicts with other software, hardware issues, and more, can cause it. However, several potential solutions exist, including updating drivers, running system diagnostics, resetting the graphics card, and replacing hardware components if necessary. Following these steps, users can resolve graphics device driver error code 31 and restore their computer’s performance.

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