Many players are encountering the DXGI_ERROR_DEVICE_REMOVED error in Nioh 3 on PC, which usually causes the game to crash during gameplay, freeze at startup, or close suddenly with a DirectX error message. This problem is commonly related to graphics driver crashes, GPU instability, overheating, or aggressive graphics settings.
Thankfully, the fixes below resolve the issue for most players.
What Causes DXGI_ERROR_DEVICE_REMOVED in Nioh 3?
This DirectX error appears when Windows temporarily loses communication with your GPU.
Common causes include:
- Outdated or corrupted GPU drivers
- GPU overclocking or undervolting
- Overheating graphics card
- High or unstable graphics settings
- Driver timeout (TDR) issues
- Conflicting overlays or monitoring tools
- Power management problems
Because of these factors, the GPU driver resets, forcing the game to crash.
Fix 1: Update Graphics Drivers (Most Important)
Old or unstable drivers are the leading cause.
Update your GPU drivers:
- NVIDIA → nvidia.com
- AMD → amd.com
- Intel → intel.com
After updating, restart your PC and launch Nioh 3 again.
Fix 2: Disable GPU Overclocking
Overclocking often causes driver resets.
Steps:
- Reset GPU to default clock speeds
- Disable MSI Afterburner or similar tools
- Avoid undervolting during gameplay
This significantly improves stability.
Fix 3: Lower Graphics Settings
High settings can overload the GPU.
Recommended changes:
- Lower texture quality
- Disable ray tracing
- Turn off motion blur and shadows
- Reduce resolution scaling
Apply settings and restart the game.
Fix 4: Disable Overlays & Monitoring Software
Overlays may conflict with DirectX.
Disable:
- Steam Overlay
- Discord Overlay
- NVIDIA ShadowPlay
- MSI Afterburner / RivaTuner
- OBS Studio
Then relaunch Nioh 3.
Fix 5: Run Nioh 3 on Dedicated GPU (Laptop Users)
The game may be switching GPUs.
Steps:
- Open NVIDIA Control Panel / AMD Software
- Set Nioh 3 to use High-performance GPU
- Save changes and restart
This prevents GPU switching crashes.
Fix 6: Check GPU Temperature & Power
Overheating or power drops can trigger DXGI errors.
Tips:
- Clean dust from fans
- Ensure proper airflow
- Use high-performance power mode
- Avoid power-saving GPU settings
Stable power delivery reduces driver resets.
Fix 7: Increase TDR Delay (Advanced)
Windows may be resetting the GPU too quickly.
Steps:
- Press Windows + R, type
regedit - Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\GraphicsDrivers - Create a DWORD (32-bit) value named
TdrDelay - Set value to
10 - Restart your PC
⚠️ Only do this if you’re comfortable editing the registry.
Fix 8: Verify Game Files on Steam
Corrupted files can worsen GPU crashes.
Steps:
- Open Steam → Library
- Right-click Nioh 3
- Properties → Installed Files
- Click Verify integrity of game files
Fix 9: Update Windows
Missing updates may cause DirectX instability.
Steps:
- Open Windows Update
- Install all pending updates
- Restart PC
This ensures DirectX components are up to date.
Fix 10: Reinstall Graphics Drivers (Clean Install)
If crashes continue, reinstall drivers.
Steps:
- Uninstall current GPU drivers
- Restart PC
- Install latest drivers
- Launch the game
A clean install removes corrupted driver files.
Additional Stability Tips
- Disable HDR temporarily
- Avoid Alt-Tab during gameplay
- Run the game as administrator
- Use an SSD for better performance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does DXGI_ERROR_DEVICE_REMOVED mean?
It means Windows lost communication with the GPU driver, forcing a reset.
Does overclocking cause this error?
Yes, GPU overclocking is a major cause.
Is this a hardware problem?
Usually no. It’s mostly driver or stability related.
Does increasing TDR delay help?
Yes, it prevents Windows from resetting the GPU too quickly.
Conclusion
The Nioh 3 DXGI_ERROR_DEVICE_REMOVED on PC issue is mainly caused by GPU driver instability, overclocking, or excessive graphics load. Updating drivers, disabling overclocks, lowering settings, and improving cooling resolve the problem for most players. If needed, adjusting TDR settings can further improve stability.
🎮 Enjoy crash-free Nioh 3 gameplay!
