Fix Stop Error 0x80010117 & Check If It’s 0x117

Stop error 0x80010117 (often seen as a blue screen or a system crash) typically points to a problem with the system’s ability to handle certain operations, often related to drivers, system files, or hardware acceleration. This guide will walk you through practical steps to resolve this error, and also help you clarify whether you’re actually dealing with 0x80010117 or the similar-looking 0x00000117 (which is a different issue). You’ll need administrator access to your Windows PC to complete most steps.

What You’ll Need

A Windows PC with administrator privileges
Internet connection (for downloading updates and drivers)
About 30–60 minutes of time

Step-by-Step

Identify the exact error code. Write down the full stop code from the blue screen or the event log. If you see 0x80010117, it’s a system error related to Windows components. If you see 0x00000117, that’s a video driver timeout (TDR) error. This guide focuses on 0x80010117, but we’ll cover how to verify which one you have.
Run Windows Update. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for updates. Install all pending updates, including optional ones, then restart your PC. Many stop errors are fixed by cumulative updates.
Check for driver updates, especially graphics and chipset drivers. Open Device Manager (right-click the Start button and select it). Expand Display adapters, right-click your graphics card, and choose Update driver. Also update chipset, network, and storage drivers from your PC manufacturer’s website. Reboot after each major driver update.
Run the System File Checker (SFC) and DISM. Open Command Prompt as administrator (type “cmd” in the search, right-click, and select Run as administrator). Run sfc /scannow and wait for it to finish. Then run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. Restart and check if the error persists.
Check for disk errors. Open an elevated Command Prompt and run chkdsk /f /r. You’ll be prompted to schedule it for the next restart. Restart and let it complete. This can fix file system corruption that triggers 0x80010117.
Disable hardware acceleration in apps that use it. If the error occurs when using a specific app (like a browser or media player), go to that app’s settings and turn off hardware acceleration. For example, in Chrome, go to Settings > Advanced > System and toggle off Use hardware acceleration when available.
Perform a clean boot. Type msconfig in the search and open System Configuration. On the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all. On the Startup tab, click Open Task Manager and disable all startup items. Restart. If the error stops, re-enable services one by one to find the culprit.
Check the Windows Event Log for more clues. Press Win + X and select Event Viewer. Go to Windows Logs > System and look for critical errors that occurred at the same time as the stop error. The details may point to a specific driver or service.
Update your BIOS/UEFI. Visit your motherboard or PC manufacturer’s support page and download the latest BIOS update. Follow their instructions carefully—a failed BIOS update can make your PC unbootable. This is often a last resort, but it can fix underlying hardware compatibility issues.
If you suspect the error is actually 0x00000117: This is a video driver timeout. In that case, use the Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) in Safe Mode to completely remove your graphics driver, then reinstall the latest driver from NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel. Also, lower the graphics card’s clock speeds using tools like MSI Afterburner (if you’re overclocking).

Common Mistakes

Mixing up the error codes. 0x80010117 is a system error, while 0x00000117 is a video driver timeout. The fixes are different, so always verify the exact code.
Skipping Windows Update. Many users jump straight to driver updates, but missing cumulative updates can leave known bugs unfixed.
Not running SFC and DISM in order. SFC should be run first, then DISM if SFC finds issues. Running DISM first can sometimes cause SFC to report false errors.
Ignoring event log details. The stop error code alone is often not enough; the event log can tell you which specific driver or file caused the crash.
Using third-party driver updaters. These often install incorrect or beta drivers. Always use the manufacturer’s official website or Windows Update.

Tips

Create a system restore point before making major changes (search for “Create a restore point” in the Start menu).
Keep a bootable USB drive with Windows installation media handy—if the system won’t boot, you can use it to access Advanced Startup Options.
If you recently installed new hardware (RAM, GPU, etc.), remove it and test the system. Faulty hardware can cause 0x80010117.
Check if the error occurs only when the system is under heavy load (e.g., gaming or rendering). If so, it’s more likely a hardware or driver issue.
Use the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool (type “Windows Memory Diagnostic” in the search) to test your RAM for errors.

Troubleshooting

If you’ve followed all the steps and the error still appears, try these additional approaches:

Boot into Safe Mode. If the error doesn’t occur in Safe Mode, it’s likely a driver or third-party software issue. In Safe Mode, you can uninstall recently installed software or drivers.
Use System Restore. If you have a restore point from before the error started, revert to it. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery and click Open System Restore.
Check for overheating. Use a tool like HWMonitor to check CPU and GPU temperatures. Overheating can cause random stop errors. Clean dust from fans and ensure proper ventilation.
Test your RAM. Use the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool or a third-party tool like Memtest86. Bad RAM can cause 0x80010117.
Reset Windows. As a last resort, you can reset Windows while keeping your files. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery and choose Reset this PC. Choose Keep my files to avoid losing personal data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is stop error 0x80010117?

It’s a Windows system error that indicates a problem with a system component or driver, often related to the kernel or a critical service. It can be triggered by corrupt system files, outdated drivers, or failing hardware.

How can I tell if I have 0x80010117 or 0x00000117?

Look at the exact code on the blue screen. 0x80010117 is a system error, while 0x00000117 is a video driver timeout (TDR). If the error mentions “video driver” or “display driver”, it’s likely 0x00000117. The fixes are different, so it’s crucial to know which one you have.

Will resetting Windows fix the error?

Resetting Windows can fix the error if it’s caused by corrupt system files or software conflicts. However, if the issue is hardware-related (like failing RAM), a reset won’t help. Try other steps first, and only reset as a last resort.

Can a recent Windows update cause 0x80010117?

Yes, occasionally a Windows update can introduce a bug that causes stop errors. If you started seeing the error after an update, you can uninstall that update via Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history > Uninstall updates.

Is this error caused by a virus?

While malware can cause system instability, 0x80010117 is more commonly a driver or system file issue. Still, running a full antivirus scan is a good idea to rule out infection.

How long does it take to fix this error?

It depends on the cause. Simple driver updates can take 15 minutes, while a full system reset can take over an hour. Most users resolve it within 30–60 minutes by following the steps above.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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