OpenGL Games Crashing on Intel Iris Plus (Core i5-1035G7, Surface Laptop 3, Windows 11)

[lil_kydus]

Hello,

I’m experiencing consistent crashes with several OpenGL-based games on my system. Here are my specs:

• Device: Surface Laptop 3

• CPU/GPU: Intel Core i5-1035G7 with Intel Iris Plus Graphics

• Driver Version: Latest (31.0.101.2135), but I’ve tested other drivers as well (including manufacturer’s drivers)

• OS: Windows 11

Games affected (all crash):

• Outlast 2

• Far Cry 4

• SOMA

• Backrooms

Problem:
The games will eventually crash my entire PC (not just the game) with a buzzing sound. I can usually play for around 30 minutes if I limit my CPU usage in Windows Power Options to ~80%, but even then, the system eventually crashes. Direct X games work flawlessly with high settings.

I’ve already tried the following without success:

• Uninstalled drivers completely with DDU and reinstalled.

• Tested all available Intel and Microsoft drivers (including OEM Surface Laptop drivers).

Is there any known issue with Iris Plus and OpenGL stability on Windows 11? Are there specific drivers or workarounds recommended for Surface devices?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

[DeancR_Intel]

Hi lil_kydus,

Thank you for contacting Intel Support regarding the OpenGL game crashes you're experiencing on your Surface Laptop 3 with Intel Iris Plus Graphics. 

I understand how frustrating it must be to experience system crashes with buzzing sounds during gaming, especially when DirectX games work perfectly. Your detailed troubleshooting efforts are appreciated, and I'd like to help resolve this issue. 

To better assist you, I need some additional information: 

1. Timeline: When did these crashes first start occurring? Was there a specific event (Windows update, driver update, new game installation) that coincided with the issue beginning? 
2. Previous Functionality: Did these OpenGL games work properly on your system before? If so, approximately when did they last work without issues? 

Since you're using a Surface Laptop 3, please note that Microsoft may have specific driver optimizations or known issues for Surface devices. If the issue persists after trying the latest Intel driver, I recommend also contacting Microsoft Surface Support as they may have device-specific solutions or firmware updates. 

For more efficient troubleshooting and real-time assistance, I'd be happy to schedule a phone call to work through this issue together. Please let me know your preferred callback time and phone number if you'd like to pursue this option. 

Best regards, 

Dean R. 

Intel Customer Support Technician 

[lil_kydus]

Hi Dean,

Thank you for your response. Here are the requested details:

Timeline:

• The crashes have been occurring since I started using OpenGL-based games and applications on my Surface Laptop 3. There was no point where they worked without issues.

Previous Functionality:

• These OpenGL games and applications have never run properly on this system. DirectX-based games, however, work perfectly without any issues.

Additional Notes:

• I am using Intel Iris Plus Graphics on the Surface Laptop 3.

• I have tested both the latest Intel generic driver and the Microsoft-provided Surface graphics driver, but the crashes persist.

For a callback, I am available between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM Addis Ababa time (UTC+3), which should fall within your morning working hours. My phone number is +251919518068.

Thank you for your assistance.

Best regards,
Kedus Nathnael

[DeancR_Intel]

Hi lil_kydus,

I have sent an email with regards to your inquiry. Please review your mailbox for reference. Thank you.

Best regards, 

Dean R. 

Intel Customer Support Technician