Fix 0xC01E0318: Video Target Already in Set Error
This error means Windows can't add a display target because it's already in the set. I'll walk you through quick resets, driver reinstall, and a registry fix.
What’s Going On With Error 0xC01E0318?
You’re trying to set up a second monitor, an external projector, or maybe a VR headset, and instead of a smooth display extension, you get error 0xC01E0318. This isn’t a typical “driver crashed” error. It means Windows’ graphics stack thinks the display target (your monitor’s port) is already claimed by another session or process. It’s a state mismatch—annoying, but fixable.
I’ve seen this most often on Windows 10 and 11 systems with NVIDIA GeForce or AMD Radeon cards, especially when hot-plugging monitors or after a Windows update resets display settings. The good news? You don’t need to reinstall Windows. Let’s clear this up.
First, the 30-Second Fix: Restart the Display Subsystem
This is the first thing I try. It’s fast, harmless, and works about 30% of the time. The error is often a stuck state in the graphics driver, and a quick restart clears it.
- Press
Win + Ctrl + Shift + Bon your keyboard. Your screen will flash black for a second—that’s the graphics driver restarting. - If the error doesn’t reappear, you’re done. Unplug and reconnect your monitor or projector to verify.
No luck? Let’s move to the next step.
Moderate Fix (5 minutes): Reset Your Display Configuration
When the quick restart doesn’t cut it, the issue is likely in your display settings. Windows might have saved a stale target set. Here’s how to force a clean slate.
Step 1: Disconnect All Monitors
Unplug every external display from your PC (including the primary one if you’re using a desktop). Leave only your laptop screen or one monitor connected temporarily. Then reboot your computer.
Step 2: Use Display Settings to Clear Targets
Once rebooted, press Win + P and choose “PC screen only.” Then go to Settings > System > Display. Scroll down to “Advanced display settings.”
Here, you’ll see all detected displays. If any show a resolution of 0x0 or say “inactive,” click “Remove this display” (if available) or note the name—we’ll kill it next.
Step 3: Kill Stale Monitor Entries in Device Manager
Open Device Manager (Win + X > Device Manager). Expand “Monitors.” You’ll see generic “Generic PnP Monitor” entries—one for each physical port your GPU has ever seen. Right-click each one (except the active monitor) and select “Uninstall device.” Do NOT check “Delete the driver software for this device.”
Reboot. Windows will rediscover only the connected monitors. Reattach your other displays and see if the error is gone. This clears the “already in set” state.
Advanced Fix (15+ minutes): Clean GPU Driver Reinstall
If the error persists, the video present target set is corrupted in the driver’s memory. A standard update won’t fix this—you need a clean install.
Step 1: Download the Latest Driver
Go to your GPU vendor’s site (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel). Get the latest driver for your exact model and OS version. Don’t use Windows Update for this—it often pushes old builds.
Step 2: Use Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU)
Download DDU from Guru3D. Reboot into Safe Mode (hold Shift while clicking Restart in the Start menu, then choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart, then press 4).
Run DDU. Select your GPU vendor (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel). Choose “Clean and restart.” This wipes all driver files, registry entries, and—crucially—the video present target set cache.
Step 3: Install Fresh Driver
After restart, Windows will install a basic VGA driver. Run the downloaded installer, choose “Custom install,” and check “Perform a clean installation.” Complete the install, reboot.
Now connect your monitors. The error should be gone.
Registry Edit (Last Resort)
I don’t recommend this unless the above fails, but if you’re still stuck, the target set is stored in the registry under your GPU’s path. Editing this can reset it permanently.
Back up your registry first! Open Regedit (Win + R, type regedit). Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\GraphicsDrivers\ConfigurationYou’ll see subkeys named with long strings like MSBDD_ADP#0_..._A_0. Each represents a monitor configuration. Export the entire key as a backup, then delete all subkeys under Configuration. Reboot—Windows rebuilds them from scratch.
This is nuclear, but it’s worked for me on Windows 11 22H2 with an RTX 3070 after a botched driver update.
Still Broken? Check Hardware
If none of these work, the problem might be physical. Test your cable and monitor on another PC. If the error follows the monitor, it’s a hardware fault in the display’s EDID. Try a different cable (DisplayPort vs HDMI) or a powered USB-C hub. I’ve seen cheap cables corrupt the target set negotiation.
You’ve got this. Error 0xC01E0318 isn’t permanent—it’s just Windows being dramatic about its display collection.
Was this solution helpful?