Driver overran stack buffer error is a type of Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) that appears when a device driver on your system writes more data to a memory buffer than it’s supposed to. This is known as a stack buffer overrun or overrun of stack based buffer.
When this happens, Windows detects the unsafe memory operation and immediately shuts down to prevent further damage or data loss. The error is often accompanied by the stop code: DRIVER_OVERRAN_STACK_BUFFER.
Why Does This Happen?
- Faulty or outdated drivers (most common)
- Corrupted system files
- Malware or rootkits
- Hardware issues (RAM, SSD, motherboard)
- Conflicts with third-party software
“I was gaming when my PC suddenly crashed with a ‘driver overran stack buffer’ error. Updating my graphics driver fixed it instantly!”
How Does a Stack Buffer Overrun Work?
A stack buffer is a reserved area of memory used by programs to store temporary data. If a driver (like lgvirhid.sys) tries to write more data than the buffer can hold, it “overruns” the buffer, potentially overwriting other important data. This can lead to unpredictable behavior, crashes, or even security vulnerabilities.
Windows is designed to catch these overruns and stop the offending process, which is why you see the blue screen.
Common Culprits: Which Drivers Cause This Error?
While any driver can theoretically cause a driver overran stack buffer error, some are more notorious than others. In 2025, the most common offenders include:
- Graphics drivers (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel)
- Network drivers
- USB device drivers
- Third-party peripheral drivers (like gaming mice or keyboards)
- lgvirhid.sys (often linked to Logitech devices)
If you see a specific file name like lgvirhid.sys mentioned on your blue screen, that’s a big clue about which driver is causing the problem.
How to Fix Driver Overran Stack Buffer: Step-by-Step Solutions
Ready to get your PC back to normal? Here’s a step-by-step troubleshooting guide, starting with the easiest fixes.
Restart Your Computer
It sounds simple, but sometimes a quick reboot clears up temporary glitches.
Update All Device Drivers
Outdated or buggy drivers are the #1 cause of this error. Here’s how to update them:
- Open Device Manager (right-click Start > Device Manager)
- Expand each category and right-click devices to “Update driver”
- Visit manufacturer websites for graphics, network, and peripheral drivers
- Pay special attention to drivers like lgvirhid.sys if you use Logitech devices
Uninstall Problematic Drivers
If you recently installed new hardware or software, try uninstalling its driver:
- In Device Manager, right-click the device and select “Uninstall device”
- Restart your PC and let Windows reinstall a fresh driver
Run Windows Update
Microsoft regularly releases patches for driver and system issues. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and install all available updates.
Scan for Malware
Malware can corrupt drivers or system files, leading to stack buffer overruns. Run a full scan with Windows Defender or your preferred antivirus.
Check for Corrupted System Files
Open Command Prompt as administrator and run:
textsfc /scannow
This will scan and repair corrupted system files that might be causing the error.
Test Your RAM
Faulty memory can trigger buffer overruns. Use the built-in Windows Memory Diagnostic tool:
- Type “Windows Memory Diagnostic” in the Start menu
- Choose “Restart now and check for problems”
Disconnect External Devices
Unplug all unnecessary USB devices and peripherals. If the error stops, reconnect them one by one to find the culprit.
Roll Back Recent Changes
If the error started after a recent update or driver install, use System Restore to roll back your system to a previous state.
Advanced: Check for Overclocking or BIOS Issues
If you’ve overclocked your CPU, GPU, or RAM, revert to default settings. Also, check for BIOS updates from your motherboard manufacturer.
Special Case: lgvirhid.sys and Gaming Peripherals
In 2025, lgvirhid.sys is a common cause of the driver overran stack buffer error, especially for users with Logitech gaming devices. This driver controls virtual HID (Human Interface Device) functions for Logitech software.
How to Fix lgvirhid.sys Issues
- Update Logitech G HUB or SetPoint software
- Uninstall and reinstall Logitech drivers
- Disconnect Logitech devices and test for stability
- Contact Logitech support if the issue persists
Overrun of Stack Based Buffer: The Technical Side
A stack-based buffer overrun is a classic programming error where a program writes more data to a buffer on the stack than it can hold. This can overwrite adjacent memory, leading to crashes or even allowing attackers to execute malicious code.
Windows’ modern security features (like DEP and ASLR) help prevent exploitation, but the system will still crash to protect itself if a driver triggers an overrun.
Real-Life Example: How One User Solved Driver_Overran_Stack_Buffer
A user shared:
“My laptop kept crashing with the driver_overran_stack_buffer error every time I plugged in my USB headset. I updated the USB drivers and the problem disappeared. Turns out, the old driver wasn’t compatible with the latest Windows update.”
Risks and Downsides: What Happens If You Ignore This Error?
Ignoring a driver overran stack buffer error isn’t just annoying—it can be risky. Here’s why:
- Data loss: Frequent crashes can corrupt files or cause you to lose unsaved work.
- Security risks: Buffer overruns can be exploited by malware.
- Hardware damage: In rare cases, repeated crashes can stress your hardware.
Always address the root cause rather than just rebooting and hoping for the best.
Features and Usability: How Windows Handles Stack Buffer Overruns in 2025
Windows 11 and 12 have improved error detection and reporting for buffer overruns. You’ll often see more detailed error messages, including the specific driver (like lgvirhid.sys) that caused the crash. The system is also better at rolling back problematic updates automatically.
Prevention: How to Avoid Driver Overran Stack Buffer Errors
- Keep all drivers up to date
- Install Windows updates promptly
- Avoid installing untrusted third-party drivers
- Use reputable antivirus software
- Regularly back up your data
FAQs
Q. What does “driver overran stack buffer” mean?
A. It means a device driver wrote more data to a memory buffer than it should have, causing Windows to crash to prevent further damage.
Q. How do I fix the driver_overran_stack_buffer error?
A. Update your drivers, run Windows Update, scan for malware, and check for hardware issues. If a specific driver like lgvirhid.sys is mentioned, update or reinstall it.
Q. Can a faulty RAM cause this error?
A. Yes, bad RAM can lead to buffer overruns and blue screen errors. Run a memory diagnostic to check your RAM
Q. Is it safe to keep using my PC after this error?
A. It’s not recommended. Frequent crashes can lead to data loss or hardware issues. Fix the underlying problem as soon as possible.
Final Thoughts
The driver overran stack buffer error can be scary, but it’s almost always fixable with the right steps. Start with driver updates, check for malware, and don’t ignore specific files like lgvirhid.sys. If you’re still stuck, consider reaching out to a tech professional or your device manufacturer.
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