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FIX: NVidia driver error code 3 on Windows 10/11 [OpenGL]

5 min. read

Updated onMay 14, 2024

updated onMay 14, 2024

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Key notes

Whenever you get error codes related to drivers, the first place you need to check is your computer’s Device Manager.

You basically need to use it to locate your error code and then click on the specificerrorto get more detailed information about it.

You can find the error code by going to Device Manager and double-clicking on the device type that has the problem.

Once you double click on the device, right-click, and select Properties, then you will find the error code in the Device Status area.

Error code 3, on Device Manager, usually readsThedriverfor this device might be corrupted, or your system may be running low on memory or other resources, but this shouldn’t be a cause for alarm.

If you get theNVidiadriver error code 3 with a similar message description, you can use the solutions below to fix it.

How can I fix the NVidia driver error code 3?

1. Update the driver

There are different ways you can update the driver: from Device Manager, from Windows Update, from the manufacturer’s website, or by using a dedicated tool.

Update drivers from Device Manager

If you don’t have any driver updates available, right-click on the graphics card driver and clickUninstall, then restart your computer.

Update drivers from Windows Update

Update drivers from manufacturer’s website

You can also o to the NVidia manufacturer website, check for the latest Windows 10 drivers available, and then install it based on the instructions on the website.

Update drivers by using a dedicated tool

Sometimes, downloading and updating drivers on your own can damage your system by choosing and installing the wrong versions. On top of that, you might lack the time for such a task these days.

In order to prevent any unfortunate situation from the very start, we strongly suggest doing it automatically by using aspecialized tool.

As imagined, it will help you avoid damaging your PC by downloading and installing the wrong driver versions.

2. Run the hardware troubleshooter

The Hardware and Devices troubleshooter checks for commonly occurring issues and ensures any new device or hardware is correctly installed on your computer.

Follow the instructions to run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter. This will begin detecting any issues that may be causing the drag and drop problem.

3. Close some open applications

As mentioned earlier, NVidia driver error code 3 can be caused when your system is running low on memory or other resources.

If this is the case, or your computer has insufficient memory to run the device, close some apps to avail more memory.

You can also check memory and system resources, plus virtual memory settings by doing as described above.

Can’t open Task Manager? Don’t worry, we’ve got theright solutionfor you.

4. Uninstall and reinstall the driver

The device’s driver may have become corrupted so you may need to uninstall the driver from Device Manager and scan for new hardware so as to install the driver all over again.

You may be prompted to provide the path of the driver. Windows may have the driver built-in already or may have the driver files installed from the last time you set up the device.

Sometimes, however, it will open the New Hardware Wizard which may ask for the driver. If you are asked for the driver and you don’t have it, download the latest driver from the hardware vendor’s website.

5. Install additional RAM

NVidia driver error code 3 may also be caused by insufficient memory so you can install additional Random Access Memory (RAM) on your computer.

Did any of these solutions help fix the NVidia driver error code 3 on your computer? Let us know by leaving a comment in the section below.

FIX: NVidia driver error code 3 on Windows 10/11 [OpenGL]#

How can I fix the NVidia driver error code 3?#

1. Update the driver#

2. Run the hardware troubleshooter#

3. Close some open applications#

4. Uninstall and reinstall the driver#

5. Install additional RAM#