Nvidia Graphics Card Not Detected in Windows 10 (Easy Fix!)

Nvidia Graphics Card Not Detected. It’s not fun to see an error such as this, particularly if you aren’t very knowledgeable about the specifics of the interaction between software and hardware. We’re here to assist you.

Many possible causes could be the reason your GPU isn’t detected and you may experience this issue in a variety of places, adding more confusion.

This isn’t a big issue if you encounter a Graphics card that is not recognized problem on your computer. This GPU not detected error is usually encountered when working on a Windows 10 PC. Graphic drivers that are out of date usually cause this issue. Therefore, you must update your graphics driver for Windows 10.

A brand new GPU driver that is malfunctioning, or an incompatible driver for your graphics card is among the main causes for the detection of graphics cards. Although it’s not an overwhelming task it is possible for leaves to become tired and frustrated.

This article can help you find a solution to Graphics Card’s inability to be recognized errors.

GPU Not Detected In Windows – What’s The Cause?

The issue can arise for various causes, however, it’s extremely frustrating when Windows automatically changes over to an integrated GPU and you don’t notice it until you play games. This shouldn’t be happening often but it is a good illustration of the issue.

It may also happen due to apparent random reasons, but the fact is that there’s a reason for everything that happens on your computer and this is no different. If you’re in the middle of playing a graphically demanding video game or application, the GPU may be overheated and shut down temporarily. Sometimes, it won’t get back online, leaving the user with an empty screen.

Fortunately, the majority of new computers (excluding Ryzen) come with an integrated graphics card. It’s as easy as switching your display to the output (which you will find on the backplate of your motherboard, alongside every other device input like USB and PS/2). In this way, you’ll be able to solve the problem “from the inside”.

How To Fix Nvidia Graphics Card Not Detected (Solutions)

The graphics card in your computer is essential. It’s the one responsible for rendering pictures onto your screen. Many users have reported that Windows does not recognize your graphics cards. If you’re struggling with something similar to this, we’ve provided several solutions which could aid you.

Solution 1: Update to Latest Nvidia Drivers

1. Open the Settings app, then go to the Apps section.
2. Find Nvidia drivers and then delete any software that is associated with Nvidia.
3. Click on the program you’d like to get rid of and then select Uninstall.

4. Follow the on-screen directions to take off the driver.

If you find that the Nvidia graphics card isn’t being detected in Windows 10, you can resolve the issue by downloading the most recent drivers to your computer. Before you do that, make sure to remove all older Nvidia drivers you’ve installed.

Some users suggest using the Display Driver Uninstaller software to completely uninstall this Nvidia driver from the computer.

Once you’ve removed the Nvidia driver, visit the Nvidia website to download the latest driver for the graphics card you have. When installing drivers, make certain you select the Fresh Install option.

Although the process is typically easy, some users may be having issues downloading the right driver for the graphics card.

Also, you could get in trouble if your NVIDIA driver isn’t suitable for your Windows version.

We highly recommend employing professional software to upgrade your drivers to protect your computer through manual downloading of drivers that are not compatible with your system.

To ensure that everything is running smoothly and to avoid any form of GPU driver issues, make sure to utilize a full driver update tool that can fix your issues with only a few clicks and we highly recommend DriverFix. Follow these steps to update your drivers:

• Download and install DriverFix.
• Start the program.
• Wait for DriverFix to identify the drivers that are not working.
• The program will display the drivers with problems, and you have to choose those you’d like to have to be fixed.
• The app will update and download the most recent drivers.
• Reboot your computer to allow the changes to be in effect.

Solution 2: Enable The GPU

It is possible that your GPU is not functioning properly in the Windows settings, meaning that all functions have been disabled for reasons, and you’ll need to turn it on it to allow it to function again.

1. Click the Windows button, followed by R.
2. Type “devmgmt.msc”.
3. Check for your card in the Display adapter selection.
4. Right-click it, and choose to enable it.

If you do not see the option to turn on this graphics device, it’s because it’s already turned on. If you don’t see it in the display adapters it could be that there’s something else that’s keeping it from being recognized. It is recommended to restart your PC afterward.

In this case, you can attempt to remove your GPU before installing it correctly. Most often, it’s the device itself that’s not properly inserted into the PCIe slot first place.

Solution 3: Use Command Prompt (CMD)

If the method mentioned above doesn’t produce positive results, then you’ll need to get your system to recognize your graphics card using Command Prompt (or PowerShell) in Windows.

At times, it is the case that your computer may not recognize the graphics card even though it’s installed A hard refresh is required to help your system put its act together and identify the GPU correctly. To accomplish this you must,

• Click the Windows button, followed by X.
• Choose”Command Prompt (admin) selection. OR, Windows PowerShell (admin).
• Enter “bcdedit /set PCI-Express force disable” and then press Enter.

This will trigger the command and cause the computer’s memory to recognize the display card. Make sure to restart your computer following this and make sure that you are running the latest drivers.

Solution 4: Make Sure the Discrete GPU Is Enabled in BIOS

If you’re using discrete and integrated graphics you must enable the discrete graphics in BIOS, or Windows may not recognize it.

1. Restart your PC by pressing F2 or Del as soon as the logo of your manufacturer appears to appear in BIOS.
2. Open the Chipset menu, dGPU configuration, and then enable the dGPU feature. enable.

Tips: DGPU option sometimes appears as Switchable graphics. Pay attention in case you are unable to find the dGPU configuration.

3. Save and Exit BIOS.

Tips: The specific keys that change BIOS settings could differ following the model you have. Follow the directions on the screen to complete the procedure.

Solution 5: Check Your Physical Installation

As I said before that your GPU may be installed incorrectly or unintentionally within your motherboard. So, take a thorough check to determine what’s going on.

There may be a lag in your graphics processing unit or perhaps the device isn’t been properly attached to the PCIe slot make sure you check any suspicious signs and repair it.

To ensure you are practicing good troubleshooting I suggest you take out and install your graphics unit to reset everything by hand.

I also suggest checking the PCIe slot and determining whether it’s defective or damaged. Take your video card from the slot before connecting it to a second slot to determine if it is working.

Solution 6: Restore BIOS settings to their default settings

Certain BIOS settings could interfere with the recognition of graphics cards. If this is the scenario, you could reverse your settings by setting your BIOS settings to the default. To do that navigate to the BIOS settings and search for an option called Load factory default settings and similar. Close BIOS when you have saved the BIOS settings.

Then, verify to see if the graphics card can be identified after restarting the computer. If it is not continue to step.

Solution 7: Check BIOS Settings

BIOS or Basic Input/Output System is the initial and secure connectivity to your PC. It is a minimal overview of the settings and configurations of your PC before installing any operating system is installed on it.

When you first start your computer, you’ll be able to be presented with the BIOS of your motherboard manufacturer where you can verify whether all components in your system are properly installed and functioning properly.

In some cases, the GPU could be disabled in BIOS as the motherboard is using the graphics onboard of your CPU, not the dedicated or discrete one from your video card, thereby not being recognized by Windows.

In other cases, the video card may have been installed incorrectly, which is why it’s not appearing in Windows BIOS as well as Windows. To verify if the card is properly installed or enabled you can follow this guideline.

You can boot into your BIOS by shutting off your computer, then turning it back on, then pressing F2 or the delete key repeatedly. Once you are inside, go to the settings for your chipset and then select dGPU Configuration and turn on this option.

Then, save the new settings and then reboot your PC. This will enable your system to run by the dedicated GPU within your PC, in place of integrated features within your system.

Notice: If there’s an option to choose PEG (or PCIe) as the primary graphics option then you’ll need to select it as well.

Solution 8: Update Your BIOS

BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) handles the initialization of the hardware and then jumpstarts the processes in the process of booting your system. We can then try to update our BIOS to see if this can resolve this issue with the graphics card that is not appearing on Device Manager in Windows 10/8/7 issue.

Important: Updating the BIOS incorrectly could lead to damage to your data or more serious issues. Therefore, be cautious or seek assistance from a professional in this BIOS upgrading process.

On your keyboard, use the Windows logo key and the R simultaneously after which copy and paste msinfo32 in the box and hit Enter.

The information is in BIOS Version/Date. Go to the official site of the manufacturer.

Check out the Support (or Download) section and look for the most recent BIOS update.

Download the file and install it correctly.

Restart your computer and then check to see if the issue resolves itself.

Solution 9: BIOS/UEFI Issue And Fix

UEFI is a replacement for BIOS. But, because of how BIOS was ingrained in our brains, it’s popular, even though it’s now used to refer to UEFI instead of BIOS. We’ll use the term UEFI instead of BIOS to avoid unnecessary confusion.

BIOS is the one who controls the hardware in your system and should be the initial step to determine whether your GPU is not functioning. If your display isn’t able to recognize the GPU, and instead shows black screens it is possible to use the GPU integrated to connect to BIOS.

If you’re lucky enough, BIOS will recognize your GPU as discrete, and let you enable this by making it switch to disabled. If your GPU isn’t identified at all, and BIOS shows the PCIe slots as unfilled, you are in a much bigger problem to deal with. Do not worry, for every PC issue there is an answer.

Be aware that various motherboard manufacturers use different BIOS. This solution for this BIOS problem is different between motherboards.

If you are unable to locate an option to activate the GPU then refer to the manual for your motherboard.

Before opening the case, we should verify that your BIOS is up to the latest version. This is a complicated process therefore it is recommended to follow the guidelines from the manufacturer of your motherboard. Even if your BIOS is current having your BIOS changed could solve the issue.

Solution 10: Enable the “Show Hidden Device” Option

Likely, your brand-new video card isn’t being displayed on your PC because it’s hiding at present. To ensure that it’s not appearing because of its inscrutable hidingplace.

1. Click the Windows button and then R
2. Type “devmgmt.msc” and press Enter
3. Then, go towards the uppermost window and then select View
4. Select “Show Hidden Devices” and then click on the “Show hidden devices” option.

Check whether your GPU is listed in the “Display adapters” option. If it does, activate it and reboot your system.

If it’s not showing up, select an option called the Display adapters option. Then (on the right side of the screen) click Action.

Click on the “Scan” or “scan for hardware changes” option, and then check whether it’s showing up. If it’s not recognized, continue through this tutorial to test other options.

11. Solution: Examine the power supply to fix the graphics card that is not being identified error

If you’re testing your video card’s capabilities for the very first time, and are certain that it’s operating well, the issue might be in the power supply. 

The graphics card typically requires more power than the power source can provide. Although the graphics card seems to be working, that doesn’t mean that your power source supplies enough power to the graphics card.

We’re not able to say the amount of power that will be required, as it is contingent on the graphics card you’re using as well as your power source. Certain graphics cards require greater performance than the others. 

Examine the power ratings of your power supply and determine how much power your graphic card will require. If your supply meets the minimum requirements it is time to buy a new one. Make sure that the power supply can provide more watts than your graphics card needs.

Also, make sure your graphic card running and connected to the power source. If the fans on your graphics card aren’t a guarantee that your power cable is properly connected. This issue may be due to an image card that’s not fully powered.

Solution 12: Update Windows (Latest)

It’s a given however I’m still repeating it: Keep your software up-to-date. Drivers, BIOS, and applications as well as your OS itself each fall within this umbrella. There’s a reason each of these companies is regularly updating their software. They can avoid security and performance bugs, issues, as well as any other issues that may arise.

Operating on old versions of Windows particularly seven or XP is not acceptable in the present day as it can severely impact the performance of your game and create strange issues like the GPU not being detected for instance.

Therefore, keep your Windows updated and stay on top of the game on pertinent forums as well as social networks regarding any problems or issues that are appearing in the latest versions of Windows to be able to stay clear of these issues. It’s the perfect time to select the “Update now” option instead of “Remind me later.”

Solution 13: Motherboard Compatibility

It’s time to break. If you are unable to get your graphics unit to work regardless of the method you use, your motherboard may not be compatible with the graphics unit. This isn’t a common scenario, but it’s feasible.

The one thing you should test is to install a new BIOS (or upgrade the one you have) and then see if it resolves the issue.

The PCIe slot on your motherboard could be damaged or defective as well, but you’re not able to do anything about it, other than trying to put the GPU into a different slot (refer to the 4th point). If not, it’s time to invest some money in an upgrade to your motherboard.

Solution 14: Open The CPU Case

We’re now getting messy. Opening the case is difficult If you’ve never attempted it but don’t worry this isn’t that difficult.

The first step is to ensure that your power cable is correctly connected to the GPU. Even if they’re not because of poor management of cables (no judgment here) they may be bent to an odd angle, causing them to lose contact.

Then, you should verify that your graphics card has been correctly positioned in the PCIe x16 lanes. An easy way to know whether it’s properly seated is to determine if the rear I/O panel is seated snugly against the back of your case. If it’s not with a space between GPU’s back panel and case, lightly apply a little pressure to the GPU to bring it closer to the motherboard.

If the GPU was not properly seated before it was properly seated, you should be hearing a “click” sound. This means that the GPU is now sitting properly.

It’s also possible to follow the conventional method of shutting it off and turning it back on which requires you to take out the GPU and after that, put it back in but this isn’t likely to resolve the issue.

Also, make sure that your PSU can handle the GPU’s greatest demands. In general, the GPU’s usage of power is around 40% of the PSU’s power capabilities which allows the possibility to use 50% of available power for heavy-duty processes.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Conclusion

From now on the situation will only get worse.

If you’re not found to pinpoint the issue the only solution is to take the GPU off and run it through another computer that you’re sure is working.

If your GPU operates there, it’s likely there’s an issue with the other hardware on your system. It could be the motherboard or RAM, PSU, or even your CPU.

The most simple solution here is to repair the damaged hardware, which is another issue.

If your GPU isn’t working on the other computer and you don’t know why, you’ll have to be sure that your warranty will cover any damage that occurred, or you’ll be required to fix it on your own. Or, it could be time to search for new graphics cards.