Turning on your computer only to find out that your graphics card is not detected. Can be scary and frustrating and the first thing you are going to want to get to the bottom of it as fast as possible. We will go through some of the most common reasons you are experiencing this issue and a way to fix it. Hopefully, it is an easy fix and you don’t have a faulty GPU on your hands.
The reason you may be experiencing this error
There are several possible reasons why a graphics card may not be detected. If this is your first time booting up your computer it could be related to an incorrect installation. If this is an older computer and you turn on your PC one day to find this error. The issue could be software related or worse you have a faulty GPU that might need to be replaced.
- Incorrect installation: The graphics card is not properly seated in the motherboard. If this is your first time starting up the computer there is a potential you didn’t secure the GPU to the motherboard properly.
- Power supply issues: The graphics card may not have enough power to function properly. Either from not drawing enough power from the power supply unit or not being correctly plugged into the PSU.
- Driver issues: Outdated drivers can cause a number of different issues. Even causing your GPU not be detected.
- BIOS settings: Check the BIOS settings to ensure that the computer is using the correct graphics card.
- Hardware incompatibility: The graphics card may not be compatible with the motherboard or the rest of the computer’s components.
- Faulty graphics card: The graphics card may be faulty and needs to be replaced.
- Incorrect cables: Make sure the monitor is connected to the correct port on the graphics card.
- Windows updates: Windows updates can cause conflicts with the GPU drivers and cause the GPU to not be recognized.
- Overheating: The graphics card may be overheating and causing it to shut down or malfunction.
How to fix Graphics card not detected
There are a few potential causes for a graphics card not being detected. From having a faulty graphics card to simply missing a step while setting up your new GPU. listed below is the most common reason your graphics card is not being detected and how to solve them.
- Make sure the graphics card is properly seated in the motherboard.
When connecting your GPU to the motherboard. You will be placing the GPU into the PCIe slot. The PCIe slot has two secure locks located on each side of the PCIe slot. These should snap in when placing the graphics card into the slot. You will have to apply strong pressure onto the GPU in order to get this in securely.
- Check the power connections to the graphics card. Make sure it’s getting enough power.
Always check that the power cables leading to the GPU are securely fastened. When plugging a power cable into the graphics card there should be a clicking noise when the safety latch is secured to the GPU. Most graphics cards require a minimum of one power connection from the power supply unit (PSU) in your computer in order to operate. The type of power connection required depends on the graphics card model and its power consumption. Most modern graphics cards require a 6-pin or 8-pin PCIe power connector from the PSU. The number of connectors required depends on the power consumption of the graphics card. So making sure you have the right connection cable is important.
- Make sure the drivers for the graphics card are properly installed and updated.
Having the most up-to-date drivers can help your GPU run more effectively. Updating your graphics card drivers is an important step to ensure that your system is running optimally and taking advantage of the latest performance improvements and bug fixes. First, we will have to determine your graphics card manufacturer. The most common graphics card manufacturers are NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel. Once you know the manufacturer visit their website and look for the “Support” or “Downloads” section. Look for the latest drivers for your specific model of graphics card and operating system. Make sure to download the correct drivers for your system (32-bit or 64-bit). Once the drivers have been downloaded, follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to install them. This usually involves double-clicking on the downloaded file and following the on-screen instructions. After the drivers have been installed, it is recommended to restart your computer to ensure that the changes take effect.
- Check the BIOS settings to ensure that the computer is using the correct graphics card.
To ensure that your computer is using the correct graphics card, you may need to check the BIOS (basic input/output system) settings. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS: To enter the BIOS, you’ll need to restart your computer and press a key (usually Del, F2, or Esc) to access the setup screen. The key you need to press will be displayed on the screen during boot-up, so keep an eye out for it. Once you’re in the BIOS, look for the “Integrated Peripherals” or “On-board Devices” section. Here, you should see options to select the primary graphics card.
Choose the correct graphics card: If you have multiple graphics cards installed in your system, you’ll need to select the one that you want to use as the primary card. The options in the BIOS will typically be labeled as “Integrated Graphics,” “PCI Express Graphics,” or “Discrete Graphics.”
Once you’ve selected the correct graphics card, save your changes and exit the BIOS. Your computer should then automatically use the correct graphics card.
- Make sure the monitor is connected to the correct port on the graphics card.
Always double-check your monitor to ensure that the monitor is connected to the correct port on your graphics card, you’ll need to check the connections and make sure they match. The ports on your graphics card will typically be located on the back of the card and may include HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, and VGA ports. Your monitor will have some of these ports at the back of the monitor. When setting up the Graphics card you want to make sure you are plugging the monitor into the motherboard and are indeed using the GPU to make the connection.
- Try booting the computer in safe mode and check if the problem persists.
Booting your computer in safe mode can help you troubleshoot and resolve problems with your graphics card. When you boot in safe mode, your computer starts with a minimal set of drivers and services, which can help you identify and fix problems. To start your computer in safe mood
Click on the “Start” button, then click on “Power” and “Restart” while holding down the “Shift” key. After restarting, you’ll see the “Choose an option” screen. Click on “Troubleshoot.” In the “Troubleshoot” menu, click on “Advanced options.” In the “Advanced options” menu, click on “Start-up Settings.” Then, click on the “Restart” button. After restarting, you’ll see a list of start-up options. Press the “4” key on your keyboard to start in safe mode.
If none of these steps resolve the issue, it’s possible that the graphics card is damaged and needs to be replaced.