[Reproducible][Core Ultra] Random black screen during mstsc remote session (WDDM 3.2) – suspected Re

[msjeon]

Hello, 

My problem is blow when using rdp, host is blackout (crash - see 'black screen')

System Configuration

CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 265K
GPU: (Device Manager GPU name)
NPU: Intel AI Boost / Neural Processor
RAM: (size)

Software Environment

OS: Windows 11 Pro
Build: 26200
Driver Model: WDDM 3.2
Intel Graphics Driver: 32.0.100.4404
Remote Access: Microsoft Remote Desktop (mstsc)

Issue Description

Random black screen occurs only during mstsc remote sessions.

Key observations:

- Local console usage is fully stable.
- mstsc remote session replaces console session (local display logs out).
- Black screen happens randomly after short or long usage.
- No issue when system used locally.

Dump Analysis Findings

npu_kmd!__KmGetSupportedWDDMVersion: Unsupported WDDM version
NPU firmware activity observed
TDR related queue activity detected
VpuBugcheckSecondaryDumpDataCallback present

Reproduction Steps

1. Boot system.
2. Connect using mstsc.
3. Use system normally through remote session.
4. After random duration, screen turns black.

Expected Behavior

Stable remote session without GPU/NPU crash.

Actual Behavior

Black screen during remote session.
Symptoms consistent with TDR or GPU scheduling stall.

Additional Observations

Local console usage stable.

Group Policy:
No Remote Desktop graphics policy conflict detected.

query session:
console active when local.
rdp-tcp session during remote.

Workaround Testing

Remote WDDM disable testing in progress.
NPU disable not yet confirmed.

Suspected Root Cause

Remote WDDM execution path interaction with Intel NPU driver under WDDM 3.2.

If additional logs or testing steps are required, please let me know and I will provide them promptly.

This issue appears to be consistently reproducible only during mstsc remote sessions while local console usage remains stable. Based on dump analysis and observed behavior, it may be related to Remote WDDM execution path handling and potential interaction with the Intel NPU driver under WDDM 3.2.

I have attached kernel dump files, dxdiag output, driver information, to assist with analysis.

Thank you for your support.

[RedCapsicum9]

Let's get it straight. Try the steps below:

Disable Remote WDDM temporarily since the issue only pops up during RDP, disabling remote GPU scheduling can stop those TDR-style crashes. You can do this in gpedit.msc under:
Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Remote Desktop Services → Remote Desktop Session Host → Remote Session Environment → Use the hardware graphics adapters for all Remote Desktop Services sessions → Disabled
Try disabling the NPU / AI Boost while doing remote sessions seems like the dump points to npu_kmd as part of the problem. You can test this via the Device Manager or in BIOS if available.

Your current version is 32.0.100.4404. Sometimes newer WDDM builds handle remote sessions better. Check the latest Core Ultra 7 driver release and see if the issue persists.

if Windows is killing the GPU thread too aggressively, bumping the TdrDelay in the registry might help stabilize RDP sessions.

Once you try these, you’ll have a better idea if the black screen is strictly a Remote WDDM + NPU interaction or something else.

-Bruce