The mistake of your graphics card not being identified is frightening and challenging to diagnose and resolve. Whether it’s a Windows error, a BIOS/UEFI error, or anything else, this tutorial will help you fix it.
No graphics card was found. Nobody likes seeing an error like this, especially if they are unfamiliar with how hardware and software interact. Be at ease; we are here to assist.
Your GPU might not be identified for many reasons, which adds to the confusion. You may also run into this problem in various locations.
Let’s get started!
How to Proceed If a Graphics Card Is Not Detected
When your graphics card is faulty, there are several things you need to take into consideration. You should be able to resolve this issue if you follow the suggestions I have given below.
Method 1: Check the graphics card slot
Sometimes the graphics card slot may be the problem. Your motherboard has slots where you can install your graphics card. One of these slots might be broken, resulting in this problem.
Note: We still urge you to check the slots even if your graphics card is functioning correctly. The slots themselves may also suddenly become faulty or broken. Therefore, even if your GPU slot was fine, there is a potential that the issue is related to it.
- Open your computer’s back cover.
- Examine the slots for the graphics card and the motherboard. Check if the graphics card is running by turning on the computer and listening to the fan.
- If the graphics card doesn’t power on, the slot itself may be the problem; it may be broken or defective.
- Take remove the graphics card after turning off your computer. Check if the graphics card works by inserting it into a different slot.
If you have several slots available and the graphics card is still not identified, try each one. There may occasionally be several broken or malfunctioning slots.
Method 2: Enable Graphics Driver
Let’s say your computer suddenly stops identifying your graphics driver or automatically switches to the integrated graphics.
In that scenario, you need to see if the Device Manager has the dedicated graphics driver disabled.
Here’s how to accomplish it, which is fairly easy to do:
- In the Windows search box, enter “Device Manager” and click the first result.
- Expand the Display Adapters selection by searching for it.
- Select the Enable Device option by performing a right-click on the graphics driver.
NOTE: The graphics driver has already been activated if the Enable Device option is not present and is disabled. Simply go on to the next option.
Your computer ought now recognize the graphics card once you enable the graphics driver.
Method 3: Uninstall and Reinstall Graphics Drivers
Make sure the drivers for your graphics card are installed and updated. It would be best to reinstall the drivers if you have them installed (probably a clean install) and see if it fixes the problem.
You can uninstall and reinstall your graphics drivers in accordance with our article’s instructions without leaving any traces of the old drivers behind. Many problems can be solved by installing the drivers completely.
Check to see if this fixes the problem when you’ve finished.
Note: The referred post details how to install the AMD drivers completely. The procedures may differ slightly if a different manufacturer makes your graphic card. The fundamental steps remain the same, though. The most recent drivers for your graphic card model should be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website. Find a cleanup tool that removes all the files connected to the old driver. Enter Safe Mode, uninstall the drivers, run the uninstall tool, restart, install the most recent drivers, and then exit Safe Mode.
Method 4: BIOS/UEFI Issue And Fix
A replacement for BIOS is UEFI. The term “UEFI” is still frequently used, even though it now refers to UEFI rather than BIOS, because of how deeply it has been embedded in our minds. To prevent any unnecessary confusion, we’ll refer to UEFI as BIOS.
Since BIOS controls your hardware, it seems sensible to start there when figuring out whether your GPU is disconnected. You can access BIOS via the integrated GPU if your monitor cannot identify the GPU and displays a black screen.
If you’re lucky, BIOS will recognize your discrete GPU and allow you to turn it on by simply changing its status from disabled. You have a bigger problem if your GPU is not detected and the BIOS displays the PCIe slot as vacant. Be at ease. There is a fix for every PC issue.
Be aware that different motherboard manufacturers use various BIOS. Each motherboard will have a unique approach to fixing this BIOS issue.
Consult the motherboard’s manual if you can’t locate an option to turn on the GPU.
It’s a good idea to verify that your BIOS is up to date before opening your case. Because this is a complicated procedure, carefully following the manufacturer’s instructions for your motherboard is recommended. Getting your BIOS reflashed could solve the issue, even if it is up to date.
Method 5: Check For Additional Hardware Issues
If the BIOS update doesn’t resolve the problem, there may be a hardware problem. The PCIe slot in which you installed your graphics card is one of the main suspects.
Try placing the graphics card in one of the additional PCIe x16 slots on your motherboard to see whether the computer recognizes it.
Make that the SATA wires are correctly connected and are not torn.
Method 6: Set your Graphics Card to Default
Setting your graphics card as the default graphics sometimes solves the issue quickly. Those who can view their graphic card on their NVidia panel should choose this option (or other graphic card panels).
Please take note that the directions provided below are for NVidia graphics cards. There will be different procedures for changing the default graphics card for other manufacturers.
- Navigate to the NVIDIA control panel. You may pick NVIDIA Control Panel by performing a right-click on your desktop.
- Toggle 3D Settings.
- Manage 3D Settings can be found in the left pane. It ought to be found in 3D Settings.
- Select the tab for program settings.
- Choose the software you want to choose your graphics card for right now. The software can be chosen from the drop-down list in Choose an application to modify the drop-down menu section
- pick High-performance NVidia processor. For this program part, choose your preferred graphics processor.
Close the panel after you’re finished, then attempt to launch the program with the NVidia graphics card set as the default device. If everything goes smoothly, follow the same procedure for the remaining essential apps.
Method 7: Opening Up The Case
We’re currently in the gritty part. If you’ve never opened a case before, it can seem daunting, but don’t worry—not it’s that complicated.
First, make sure the GPU’s power wires are connected incorrectly. Even if they are, lousy cable management (no judgment here) may have caused them to be bent at an unnatural angle, which causes them to lose contact.
Next, check that your graphics card is installed correctly in the PCIe x16 channel. The back I/O panel should fit tightly against the back of the case to indicate that it is appropriately positioned. Try lightly pushing the GPU if there isn’t one already and room between the rear panel of the GPU and the case.
You should hear a “click” sound if the GPU wasn’t initially installed correctly. The GPU is now correctly positioned, according to this.
The conventional method of turning it off and on again necessitates completely removing the GPU before reinstalling it, although this is unlikely to resolve the issue.
Additionally, ensure your PSU has sufficient strength to meet the utmost demands placed on your GPU. The GPU can often use 50% of the available power when performing intensive tasks because its base power consumption is typically 40% of your PSU’s power capacity.
Things only get worse from here.
Your only choice is to remove the GPU and test it on a new PC that you are sure is working if you still can’t identify the issue.
If the GPU functions there, your system’s other hardware is probably malfunctioning. It can be your CPU, RAM, power supply unit, or motherboard.
The most straightforward answer, in this case, is to replace the damaged hardware, which presents a new set of challenges.
If your GPU doesn’t function in the other PC, you’ll either need to pay for the repair out of pocket or cross your fingers that your warranty covers the damage. Or perhaps you should start shopping for a new graphics card.
Method 8: Repair Or Buy A New Graphics Card
If none of the suggestions above worked to resolve your problem, your graphics card is probably broken or inoperable. Take the card to any nearest service center to have it fixed if it still has a warranty.
You would be better off purchasing a new graphics card if the one you have is no longer under warranty or has expired.
Conclusion
That’s all there is to it. Now you know what to do if your graphics card cannot be found. Don’t forget to comment with your thoughts and to keep in touch.
