Intel NUC NUC7i7DN crashes when gpu driver installed

[Vbredjp]

I am having crashes on my NUC NUC7i7DN,

Windows does not display BSOD (so no dump files), and no relevant logs in windows event viewer.

The only thing I can see is intel vpro/amt log record 

source: Intel ME

Description: Operating system lockup or power interrupt

crashes only happed if I install intel graphics driver (tried latest version), older version, and very old version. Same results.

I have flashed latest HDMI firmware, running latest bios v76 (if this relevant)

my display is connected using startech hdmi to vga adapter, tried both hdmi ports same result even without anything connected to hdmi (used rdp for display) crashes still happen

Nuc runs flawlessly if I use windows standard vga driver but installing any graphics driver from intel makes it lockup within 10-30min.

I could run on standard vga driver but would like to utilize gpu accelerated features, anyone able to suggest anything.

[LeonWaksman]

I have NUC7i7DNHE running with the latest Graphics Driver and BIOS ver. 0076. No problem observed. I suggest that you reinstall the Graphics Driver, using Clean Installation of Intel® Graphics Drivers in Windows.

Before reinstalling the Graphics Driver, please download and install the Intel® Chipset Device Software and the Intel® Management Engine (Intel® ME) components . After Installation, reboot your NUC.

Only now install the Intel® Graphics DCH Driver. 

Leon

[Vbredjp]

Sadly, it did not solve the problem, installed latest chipset driver, then ME driver, and then graphics driver, windows still silently freezes as long as graphics driver is installed, if I leave default Windows basic adapter it runs without problems, even tried fresh windows install, still issue persisted.

Installed Debian, runs ok, so apparently windows is not supported or I encountered some kind of bug.

[AlHill]

@Vbredjp "so apparently windows is not supported or I encountered some kind of bug."

I have the same NUC also, and have ZERO problems.  So, you  have something messed up.   Do not say Windows is not supported, that is simply incorrect.

Doc (not an Intel employee or contractor)
[Maybe Windows 12 will be better]

[itsme]

he may have a HW issue like failing memory or system is overheating because of blocked fans.

The fact that your system has no problems does not mean that @Vbredjp 's system has no errors.
Accusing him of having messed something up is quite rude and does not help at all.

[AlHill]

@itsme His "Accusing him of having messed something up is quite rude " was incorrect and he needed to be corrected.  Sometimes, being straight-forward and blunt is the best medicine.   And, if his Linux works, well, the nuc is fine.  If he is attempting dual boot, then he is on his own.

Rather than jumping on me for my response, why don't you help him fix it?

Doc (not an Intel employee or contractor)
[Maybe Windows 12 will be better]

[itsme]

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@Vbredjp wrote:

Nuc runs flawlessly if I use windows standard vga driver but installing any graphics driver from intel makes it lockup within 10-30min.

I could run on standard vga driver but would like to utilize gpu accelerated features, anyone able to suggest anything.

---

to rule out that this is not 'just a Windows' issue, can you boot a current  Linux live image and see if it locks up as well?

In windows you could try: (very generic)
Start a program in Windows that reports current temperatures and rpm of the fan.  ( but bios did not report over temperature )
Maybe run a memory check  for a few hours or over night, and open the device and try to clean the fans and the 'case openings for ventilation'.  It's possible that the fans and/or the case are clogged with dust...

[LeonWaksman]

Hi @Vbredjp ,

I have to admit that I agree with Al Hill that not Windows but some thing in your installation is causing this problem. Windows is supported in this NUC, since I, Al and many other users are using this NUC, with Windows O.S. and Intel Graphics Driver. As for my self, for few years I have Windows 10 Pro and once released, updated to Windows 11 Pro. I assume that not the hardware problems/overheating is causing this problem, since with Microsoft Basic Graphics Driver, NUC run without crashing.

In this case I suggest that you try to repair your Windows installation with an in place upgrade. I don't know what OS you have installed, so I give you a link to Windows 11 Procedure and also to Windows 10 Procedure as well.  This procedure will replace your Windows, and keep all your application, programs and drivers.

Leon