DaVinci Resolve Keeps Crashing or Freezing

How to fix it

Try these in order — the most common fix is first.

1. 1. Update Resolve

   Copy steps
   1. Install the latest 21.0.x update; the NVIDIA decode issues were reportedly fixed in 21.0.2
   2. Note: projects opened in 21 cannot go back to 20
   Did this fix it? Yes No

2. 2. Remove third-party plugins

   1. Move the OFX plugins folder out, test, then add plugins back one by one
   Did this fix it? Yes No

3. 3. Update the graphics driver

   1. Use a current Studio/stable driver, change one thing at a time
   Did this fix it? Yes No

4. 4. Lower the load

   1. Use proxies and Timeline Proxy Resolution at Half; clear the render cache
   Did this fix it? Yes No

5. 5. Test with a new project

   1. Create a new project and paste or import the timeline to rule out corruption
   Did this fix it? Yes No

Symptoms

Resolve crashes while editing, dragging clips, applying effects, or exporting 4K; the app freezes.

Why it happens

• Third-party plugins (Topaz Video AI, Waves components, third-party LUTs) named in Blackmagic forum threads
• NVIDIA driver problems; 21.0 had NVIDIA H.264/H.265 decode problems reportedly fixed in 21.0.2
• Low RAM or VRAM
• Corrupt project or cache
• Bug in a specific release

This guide also covers

• davinci resolve crashing
• davinci resolve keeps crashing
• davinci resolve freezing
• davinci resolve crash when exporting

The same problem in other apps

All crashes, freezes & blank screens guides →

• Premiere Pro Keeps Crashing (Adobe Premiere Pro)
• Final Cut Pro Library Won't Open or Is Damaged (Final Cut Pro)
• CapCut Lagging and Freezing (CapCut)
• LumaFusion Keeps Crashing (LumaFusion)

Other DaVinci Resolve errors

• DaVinci Resolve "GPU Memory Is Full" Error
• DaVinci Resolve Media Offline Error
• DaVinci Resolve Crashing on Startup
• DaVinci Resolve Playback Choppy or Laggy
• DaVinci Resolve Render Job Failed Error
• DaVinci Resolve No Audio on Linux (AAC Codec)
• DaVinci Resolve "Unsupported GPU Processing Mode" Error
• DaVinci Resolve Studio License Activation and Transfer