Graphics card is not recognized: what to do?

If the graphics card is no longer recognized, the shock is great. In most cases, the error can be rectified. We will show you step by step how to solve the problem.

Step 1: update graphics card driver

In most cases it helps to update the graphics card driver:

1. Press the "Windows" and "R" keys simultaneously so that "Run" opens.
2. Enter "devmgmt.msc" in the input field and click "OK". Then the Device Manager opens.
3. Here you have an overview of the entire installed hardware. Under the point "graphics card" you will find the installed graphics card (see picture). There may also be two.
4. Right-click on it so that the context menu opens. There, select the item "Update driver software".
5. A new window opens in which you can use the above option to let the computer search for new software online. If it does not find a new driver version, follow the instructions in the next paragraph. If an update is available, have it carried out.

Step 2: Uninstall graphics card driver

If there is no improvement after the update, it is recommended to completely uninstall the graphics card:

• To do this, right-click the graphics card again in Device Manager. Instead of the update, select the item "Uninstall" in the context menu and follow the further instructions.
• Since the associated software for the graphics card is most likely still installed, it should be removed. Detailed instructions on how to uninstall programs from your Windows version can be found here. Look for software that bears the name of the manufacturer of your graphics card - for example Nvidia or ATI.

Step 3: install graphics card driver

When all traces of the graphics card have been removed, you should restart the computer.

1. Then, as in step 1, open the device manager via "Windows" + "R" and the command "devmgmt.msc".
2. Right-click on the graphics card and click "Install Driver Software".
3. Have the latest driver version searched online and installed. If that doesn't work, you can alternatively import the driver yourself using the second option. You have to download it yourself.
4. You can find the latest drivers on the manufacturer's website. We have linked the download portals of the largest manufacturers for you here: AMD, Nvidia, Intel, ASUS and MSI.

Step 4: resolve conflict between two graphics cards

If you have two graphics cards installed in your computer or you have an on-board and independent graphics card, this may have caused the conflict.

1. Open the device manager again via "Windows" + "R" and the command "devmgmt.msc".
2. Click with the right mouse button on one of the operated graphics cards and select the item "Deactivate". Then confirm the process.

Step 5: examine the hardware

If the problem is not with the software, you should look for it in the hardware. The following instructions should only be performed on Dekstop computers, not on laptops:

1. Turn off your computer, flip the power switch on the back of the case, and disconnect the computer from the power cable.
2. Unscrew the PC and check whether the card is correctly seated in the slot and whether all cables of the graphics card are seated correctly. Loose contacts can often cause the problem.
3. If this is not the case, unscrew the graphics card from the back of the computer if possible. Carefully remove them from the slot, blow away any dust.
4. Caution: Please do not touch the gold-colored contacts on the graphics card or the main board. Even the slightest damage can paralyze the entire computer.
5. Then screw the computer back together and check the result.
6. If the error still occurs, there may be a defect in the graphics card. You can check this by inserting it into another PC or inserting a different graphics card into your PC.

Read this practical tip to find out how to check your graphics card for errors.

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