How to Fix Battlefield DirectX Error — DXGI Error Device Hung / Device Removed / Device Reset (Complete Step-by-Step Guide)

Few things are more frustrating than trying to jump into Battlefield only to be greeted with one of these dreaded messages:

“DXGI Error: Device Hung”
“DXGI Error: Device Removed”
“DXGI Error: Device Reset”

These DirectX-related crashes are quite common across modern Battlefield titles, especially Battlefield 2042 (also known as Battlefield 6). They usually appear mid-game or during startup, causing your system to freeze or crash to desktop.

But don’t worry — this isn’t a permanent issue. In most cases, the error is triggered by misconfigured graphics settings, outdated drivers, GPU instability, or overlay interference. In this article, we’ll walk you through every possible fix, from basic adjustments to advanced troubleshooting.

How to Fix Battlefield DirectX Error — DXGI Error Device Hung / Device Removed / Device Reset (Complete Step-by-Step Guide)

Let’s go step by step and get your game back to running smoothly.


1. Understanding the DirectX Error in Battlefield

Before applying any fix, it helps to understand why this happens.

The DXGI Device Hung/Removed/Reset errors indicate that DirectX lost connection with your GPU during rendering. This can happen if:

  • The GPU driver stops responding or crashes.
  • The game requests a graphics feature your hardware or driver can’t handle.
  • Overclocking or overheating causes GPU instability.
  • Certain settings in Battlefield (like DirectX 12 or DX12 rendering) conflict with your system.
  • Overlays or background apps interfere with the DirectX pipeline.

Essentially, the game’s communication with your GPU “breaks,” and DirectX forces it to reset to prevent a complete system crash.

So, let’s start addressing it — one fix at a time.


2. Step 1 — Enable or Disable DirectX 12 in Battlefield

One of the most effective early fixes is to manually toggle DirectX 12 (DX12) settings.

Let’s go through it carefully.

  1. Open File Explorer on your computer.
  2. Navigate to the following folder: Documents > Battlefield 2042 (or Battlefield 6) > Settings
  3. Inside the folder, look for a file named PROFSAVE_profile.
  4. Right-click this file → choose Open with > Notepad.
  5. Press Ctrl + F and search for: GstRender.Dx12Enabled
  6. You’ll see a line like: GstRender.Dx12Enabled 0
    • If it’s set to 0, change it to 1 (to enable DX12).
    • If it’s already 1, try changing it to 0 (to force DX11).
  7. Go to File > Save, then close Notepad.
  8. Launch the game again.

For many users, simply toggling this value helps Battlefield run smoothly without the DXGI crash.


3. Step 2 — Rename or Reset the Battlefield Configuration Folder

If the first step doesn’t help, let’s reset the game configuration to create new, default settings.

  1. Go to your Documents folder.
  2. Find the Battlefield 2042 folder.
  3. Right-click it → select Copy and paste it somewhere safe (like your desktop) to back it up.
  4. Once backed up, rename the original folder to something like: Battlefield 2042_old
  5. Launch the game — it will automatically create a fresh settings folder.

This often fixes configuration corruption issues, especially after driver or update changes.


4. Step 3 — Turn On Debug Mode in NVIDIA Control Panel

Now that we’ve reset the basics, let’s ensure your GPU is running with stable clock speeds.

If you use an NVIDIA graphics card, follow these steps:

  1. Right-click on your desktop → select NVIDIA Control Panel.
  2. In the top menu, click Help.
  3. Check the box for Debug Mode.

Debug Mode disables any GPU factory overclocking and forces it to run at reference clock speeds — which helps prevent instability that triggers DXGI errors.

After enabling it, restart your PC and try launching Battlefield again.


5. Step 4 — Switch Loadout Faction (PAX / NATO) or Class

Believe it or not, some players have found success by switching in-game factions or loadout classes that occasionally cause rendering bugs.

Here’s what to do:

  1. Launch Battlefield and go to Loadouts.
  2. If your faction is PAX, switch it to NATO.
  3. If it’s already NATO, switch it back to PAX.

Then, check if the error disappears.

You can also try switching your loadout class (for example, from Engineer to Assault, or vice versa). Some weapon configurations seem to cause data corruption, and switching forces the game to reload default assets.


6. Step 5 — Change Primary Weapon or Visual Settings

If the issue persists, try adjusting your main weapon and graphical settings.

  • Change your primary weapon to a different type — for example, switch from an Assault Rifle to an SMG or Sniper.
  • Then, go to Settings > Graphics > Quality Settings, and scroll down.

Turn Screen Space Ambient Occlusion (AO) and Global Illumination (GI) OFF.

These features can heavily stress GPUs and cause stability issues on certain hardware setups.


7. Step 6 — Adjust Display Mode and Cap FPS

Now that we’ve tuned the visuals, let’s stabilize performance.

  1. Go to Settings > Graphics > Display in the game.
  2. Change the Display Mode to Borderless.
  3. If it still crashes, try Windowed Mode.

Next, cap your FPS:

  • Under Advanced Graphics Options, find Frame Rate Limiter.
  • Set it to 120 FPS or 60 FPS to reduce GPU strain.
  • You can also lower your graphics preset from Ultra to High or Medium.

A more consistent frame rate often prevents the DXGI device reset errors.


8. Step 7 — Disable Smooth Motion (NVIDIA App)

If you use the NVIDIA App (GeForce Experience or the new NVIDIA Control Hub), disable Smooth Motion for Battlefield.

  1. Open the NVIDIA App.
  2. Click on Battlefield 2042 under your installed games.
  3. Scroll to the Graphics section.
  4. Turn Smooth Motion OFF both in the per-game and Global Settings.

This option sometimes interferes with frame pacing and causes DirectX crashes.


9. Step 8 — Force Launch Using DX11 or DX12

If your configuration file changes didn’t stick, you can force the game to use a specific DirectX version through launch options.

For Steam Users:

  1. Go to your Steam Library.
  2. Right-click Battlefield 2042Properties.
  3. In the Launch Options box, type: -dx11 Then, launch the game.
  4. If it still crashes, go back and replace it with: -dx12

For EA App Users:

  1. Open the EA App.
  2. Go to My Library → click the three dots (…) on Battlefield.
  3. Select View Properties > Advanced Launch Options.
  4. Type -dx11, save, and relaunch the game.
  5. If needed, repeat with -dx12.

10. Step 9 — Perform a Clean Installation of Your Graphics Driver

If none of the above steps worked, your GPU drivers may be corrupted. Let’s reinstall them cleanly.

For NVIDIA Users:

  1. Visit the official driver page: https://www.nvidia.com/Download/index.aspx
  2. Select your GPU model and operating system.
  3. Click Find, then download the latest Game Ready Driver.
  4. Once downloaded, run the installer.
  5. Choose Custom (Advanced) → then check Perform a clean installation.
  6. Click Next and let it finish.
  7. Restart your PC afterward.

For AMD Users:

Go to https://www.amd.com/en/support and follow the same clean-install process.

Clean installs remove outdated or conflicting driver files that often cause DirectX errors.


11. Step 10 — Run the Game on Dedicated GPU

Now let’s make sure Battlefield is actually using your dedicated GPU.

  1. Type Graphics Settings in the Windows search box.
  2. Click Add Desktop App → navigate to your Battlefield installation folder.
  3. Select the main Battlefield2042.exe file.
  4. Once added, click Options → select High Performance → Save.
  5. Do the same for other Battlefield .exe files (like the single-player launcher).

Also, if you’re on a desktop, ensure your HDMI or DisplayPort cable is connected directly to your graphics card output, not the motherboard’s display port.


12. Step 11 — Disable Integrated Graphics (Optional)

If your system has both Intel integrated graphics and a dedicated GPU, disabling the integrated one may help.

  1. Press Windows + X → select Device Manager.
  2. Expand Display Adapters.
  3. Right-click your Intel UHD Graphics or similar → click Disable device.

After playing, you can re-enable it the same way.


13. Step 12 — Adjust Power Settings

Sometimes power management causes GPU throttling, which triggers DirectX errors.

  1. Open Control PanelHardware and SoundPower Options.
  2. Select High Performance or Power Saver, then test both modes.
  3. Restart your PC and relaunch the game after each change.

14. Step 13 — Tweak GPU Scheduling

Windows 10 and 11 include Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling (HAGS). It can improve performance — but sometimes conflicts with certain games.

  1. Type Graphics Settings in the search box.
  2. Scroll down to Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling.
  3. If it’s off, turn it on and restart.
  4. If it’s already on, try turning it off and restart.

This small toggle has helped many Battlefield players.


15. Step 14 — Disable Overclocking and Overlays

If you’re using overclocking tools like MSI Afterburner, EVGA Precision X1, or RivaTuner, close them completely. Battlefield can crash even from mild GPU overclocking.

Also, disable all overlays:

  • Steam Overlay: Right-click Battlefield → Properties → uncheck “Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game.”
  • EA App Overlay: Go to Settings > Application > In-game Overlay, and turn it off.
  • Discord Overlay: Open Discord → Settings > Game Overlay → toggle off.
  • NVIDIA Overlay: Disable In-Game Overlay in GeForce Experience settings.

Close all unnecessary background utilities before launching Battlefield again.


16. Step 15 — Update Windows and BIOS

Now that we’ve addressed software conflicts, let’s ensure your operating system and firmware are current.

  • Go to Settings > Windows Update > Check for Updates.
  • Install everything available and restart your PC.

If the problem persists, visit your motherboard manufacturer’s website (Dell, Lenovo, HP, ASUS, etc.) and check for BIOS updates. Follow the official instructions carefully.


17. Step 16 — Verify Battlefield Game Files

Finally, let’s make sure your installation isn’t corrupted.

For EA App Users:

  1. Go to My Library.
  2. Click Manage > Repair.

For Steam Users:

  1. Right-click Battlefield → select Properties.
  2. Go to Installed Files → click Verify Integrity of Game Files.

This process rechecks every game file and redownloads missing or damaged ones.


18. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Why does my Battlefield crash with DXGI Error even after updating drivers?
It’s often due to leftover configuration files or hardware instability. Try enabling Debug Mode or performing a clean driver reinstall.

Q2. Should I use DirectX 11 or DirectX 12?
If you’re facing crashes, DX11 is usually more stable. DX12 offers better performance but can be sensitive to GPU driver issues.

Q3. Can overheating cause this error?
Yes. High GPU temperatures can cause rendering interruptions. Monitor temps using tools like MSI Afterburner and clean your PC fans.

Q4. Do I need to reinstall Battlefield?
Only if verifying files and driver reinstalls don’t fix it. In most cases, resetting settings or updating drivers is enough.


19. Final Thoughts

The DXGI Error Device Hung / Device Removed / Device Reset problem in Battlefield can be stubborn, but it’s almost always software-related. By carefully following these fixes — from toggling DirectX versions and resetting your settings folder to reinstalling GPU drivers — you can eliminate the issue permanently.

Take your time with each step, reboot after changes, and avoid running overlays or overclock tools while testing. Once stable, you can slowly restore features like overlays or DX12 if you prefer better visuals.

With these solutions in place, your next Battlefield session should be smooth, stable, and crash-free.


Disclaimer:
Follow each step carefully. Changing BIOS or disabling components should only be done if you understand the process. Always back up important data before making major configuration changes.


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Jonathan Reed

Jonathan is a US-based gaming journalist with more than 10 years in the industry. He has written for online magazines and covered topics ranging from PC performance benchmarks to emulator testing. His expertise lies in connecting hardware reviews with real gaming performance, helping readers choose the best setups for play.

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