THREAD_STUCK_IN_DEVICE_DRIVER (0x000000EA): Windows Blue Screen Fix

Quick answer

The Windows stop code THREAD_STUCK_IN_DEVICE_DRIVER (0x000000EA) means: A device driver got stuck waiting for its hardware, most often the graphics card. If it happened once, restart and keep an eye on it. If the blue screen repeats, follow the steps below; it is usually fixed by updating or removing a driver or program.

Before you start: note the stop code shown on the blue screen. If Windows will not start normally, it usually opens Automatic Repair after two failed starts; from there choose Advanced options to reach Safe Mode or System Restore.

Is it serious? Can I keep using my PC?

Severity: Medium

If it happened once, restart and keep an eye on it. If the blue screen repeats, follow the steps below; it is usually fixed by updating or removing a driver or program.

Common causes

Graphics card driver problem
Overclocking, overheating or unstable power
Hardware fault (processor, motherboard, power supply)

How to fix it

Restart the PC. If the blue screen happened only once and does not return, no further action is usually needed
Clean-install the latest graphics driver from the GPU maker (NVIDIA, AMD or Intel)
Reset any overclocking or XMP/EXPO profile to default and check temperatures and cooling
Run the PC or component maker's hardware diagnostics; the part may need repair or replacement

Frequently asked questions

What does THREAD_STUCK_IN_DEVICE_DRIVER mean?

The Windows stop code THREAD_STUCK_IN_DEVICE_DRIVER (0x000000EA) means: A device driver got stuck waiting for its hardware, most often the graphics card.

Is THREAD_STUCK_IN_DEVICE_DRIVER serious?

Severity: Medium. If it happened once, restart and keep an eye on it. If the blue screen repeats, follow the steps below; it is usually fixed by updating or removing a driver or program.

How do I fix THREAD_STUCK_IN_DEVICE_DRIVER?

Start with these steps: Restart the PC. If the blue screen happened only once and does not return, no further action is usually needed; Clean-install the latest graphics driver from the GPU maker (NVIDIA, AMD or Intel); Reset any overclocking or XMP/EXPO profile to default and check temperatures and cooling; Run the PC or component maker's hardware diagnostics; the part may need repair or replacement.

Related codes

0x116 VIDEO_TDR_FAILUREThe graphics driver stopped responding and Windows could not recover it.0x7F UNEXPECTED_KERNEL_MODE_TRAPThe processor raised a trap that the Windows kernel could not handle, often a hardware or overclocking problem.0x9C MACHINE_CHECK_EXCEPTIONThe processor reported a fatal hardware error (machine check).0x101 CLOCK_WATCHDOG_TIMEOUTA processor core stopped responding (an expected clock interrupt was not received in time).0x113 VIDEO_DXGKRNL_FATAL_ERRORThe DirectX graphics kernel detected a fatal error.0x119 VIDEO_SCHEDULER_INTERNAL_ERRORThe graphics scheduler detected a fatal error.0x124 WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERRORA fatal hardware error occurred (Windows Hardware Error Architecture).0x2E DATA_BUS_ERRORA memory parity error was detected, which usually means faulty RAM or other hardware.0x3B SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTIONAn error occurred while a system service was running, often caused by a driver (frequently graphics) or security software.