Fix Nvidia Graphics Card Not Detected in Windows 11 [Tested]

Written By Steven Arends

You come home early to play Elden Ring on your PC, but it starts stuttering so much. After trying to find out the leading problem, you realize your Nvidia GPU is not detected!

It’s normal that you feel betrayed by your GPU and want to solve the error ASAP! That’s why to ease your pain, I have come up with some working fixes which will work as a remedy for your GPU not detected issue.nvidia-graphics-card-not-detected-in-windows-11

So without skipping any portion, let’s dive!

Why is your Nvidia Graphics Card Not Being Detected on Windows 11?

Your Nvidia GPU can become undetected when the graphics drivers are not updated, or the graphics card is disabled in the Device Manager. Plus, faulty installation of Windows, defective BIOS, and displacement of the GPU from the slot can cause the same error.

All the reasons are given below so that you clearly understand why the issue appears.

Here are the reasons for the Nvidia graphics card not being detected:

  • Out-of-date Graphics driver.
  • Faulty installation of Windows.
  • Incorrect installation of BIOS.
  • GPU does not synchronize in BIOS.
  • Out-of-date BIOS.
  • Misplacement of the GPU card slot.
  • Defective GPU card slot.

Now you know why the error hampered your gaming life. It’s time to learn how to fix this problem, and to do that, follow the rest.

How to Fix Nvidia Graphics Card Not Showing Up or Not Detected in Windows 11

When you face the Nvidia GPU not detected on your Windows 11 error, it will dazzle your mind. In that moment of distress, Enable the Show hidden devices or update graphics drivers. Also, disable PCI-Express with CMD, update BIOS and check your GPU card and its slots.

Don’t be overwhelmed by the fixes. All are pretty simple to execute and will definitely solve your issue with Nvidia GPU.

Here are the fixes to solve the Nvidia graphics card not being detected on Windows 11:

1. Change Power Saving Mode to Standard or Turbo

As Gamers, we all use motherboard controllers like Armory Crate or Afterburner. Sometimes, those controllers set the Power Saving mode to ECO for battery-saving purposes. That’s why the graphics card becomes undetected. Change the mode to Standard or Turbo to solve the problem.

Here is the procedure to change Power Saving Mode to Standard or Turbo:

  • Open Armoury Crate or Afterburner.
  • Select the Home tab.
  • Set the GPU usage mode to Turbo, Performance or Standard.turbo-standard-mode-on-armory-crate
  • Check your GPU.

You will find your graphics card problem now dissolved. This method is highly recommended if you are an Asus user. And if you are using the Afterburner program on MSI, and the app does not function perfectly. Then fix your Afterburner not working issue, and later apply the changes.

2. Enable the Show Hidden Device from the Device Manager

Numerous users claimed that when they enable the Show hidden devices option from Device manager, their Nvidia GPU is installed back on their system. So try this fix out to remove your issue.

Here’s the way to enable the Show Hidden Devices:

  • Right-click on the Windows Start icon.
  • Choose Device Manager.device-manager-win-11
  • Click on the View tab.
  • Select Show hidden devices option.show-hidden-devices-win-11
  • Check whether your GPU is back again or not. When it is still in disappear mode, try the next step.
  • Move to the Action tab.
  • Click on the Scan for hardware changes option.scan-for-hardware-changes-win-11
  • Expand the Display adapters and look for Nvidia GPU.display-adapters-nvidia-gpu

If the GPU is detected, then that’s good news for you. But when the issue is still happening, the next fixes will surely eradicate the problem. But when your motherboard does not detect your GPU, don’t panic. Keep calm, solve the issue, and move on to the next method.

3. Uninstall and Reinstall Recent Nvidia Drivers

Driver-related issues can create your Nvidia GPU not to show up problems. That’s why uninstalling your GPU drivers and reinstalling them can give you relief from the irritating error.

Here is the process to uninstall and reinstall Nvidia drivers:

  • Hold Windows+I keys together to launch Settings.
  • Move into the Apps section from the left navigation pane.
  • Select the Apps & features section.apps-and-features-win-11
  • Scroll down and find the Nvidia graphics driver and Nvidia-related softwares.
  • Click on the Three dots next to them and choose the Uninstall option.uninstall-nvidia-drivers-win-11
  • Navigate to the Nvidia Driver Downloads website.
  • Specify your GPU type there and Search for recent drivers.
  • Download the Latest drivers on your PC and Install them.

After completing the process, you will see that your GPU is showing up again. And if you are indecisive on whether uninstalling drivers is worth it, browse do I need to uninstall Nvidia drivers to clear up your thoughts.

4. Disable PCI-Express with CMD Command

Forcibly disabling PCI-Express can cure your GPU errors with Nvidia. And to complete that operation, you can use the Command Prompt. Read on the stated procedures to do that.

Here is the procedure to Disable PCI-Express with CMD Command:

  • Write cmd in the Search box.
  • Select Run as administrator for Command Prompt.cmd-run-as-administrator
  • Copy and paste the following command:
    • bcdedit /set pciexpress forcedisable
  • Hit the Enter button.
  • Restart the device.

Test your GPU, and you’ll find its problem is gone from your system.

5. Install Optional Updates

Often we see many irregularities appear when your Windows system is not up to date. In those crucial times, the GPU card can malfunction. As a result, it becomes undetected. To resolve the issue, look for Optional updates and, when available, install them.

Here’s the process to install optional updates on Windows 11:

  • Press the Windows+I keys to open Settings.
  • Go to the Windows Update tab.
  • Select Advanced options.windows-update-advanced-options
  • Click on the Optional updates section.optional-updates-win-11
  • Check all the available driver updates.
  • Hit Download & install.optional-updates-download-and-install

If your GPU error occurs due to mismatched drivers, the above fix will solve it. Additionally, you can check whether your GPU is working properly and move on to the following fixes.

6. Enable the Graphics Card

If you can access your Nvidia graphics card via Control Panel, you must enable the GPU to eradicate the error.

Here are the steps to enable the Nvidia GPU:

  • Press Win+R and open Run.
  • Type devmgmt.msc and hit Enter.run-devmgmt-win-11
  • Expand the Display adapters.
  • Right-click on your Nvidia graphics card.
  • Choose Enable device. If your GPU is already enabled, disable it first, then enable it.enable-nvidia-drivers-win-11

This simple alteration solves the issue for several users, but don’t lose your heart if your problem persists. You can test if your GPU is failing, which can benefit you. But for now, let’s see a fixing method that solves the error for 14% of the users.

7. Uninstall Recent Updates

Two days back, your Graphics card worked fine, but suddenly it stopped detecting. That happens when your recent updates hampered the GPU. To fix this, you need to uninstall recent updates.

Here are the actions you can take to uninstall recent updates:

  • Open Settings on your Windows 11.
  • Go to the Windows Update section.
  • Click on Update history.windows-update-update-history-win-11
  • Scroll down and choose Uninstall updates.uninstall-updates-win-11
  • Select the update, after which the GPU error comes into existence and Uninstall that.uninstall-option-windows-update-win-11
  • Move to the Windows Update section again.
  • Click on Check for updates button and install the available updates.

Trying out this solution can fix disputes with your Nvidia graphics card.

8. Update BIOS

Graphics cards can create chaos on your PC when the GPU does not synchronize in BIOS. Then the GPU not showing up can arise. Updating your BIOS can help you in this manner.

Here’s how you can update your BIOS:

  • Go to your Motherboard manufacturer’s website.
  • State your model and select the latest BIOS from the software & drivers section.
  • Download the BIOS.
  • Format a flash drive in FAT32.
  • Move the BIOS file to the root of the USB drive.
  • Restart your PC and go to BIOS by pressing the BIOS key repeatedly.
  • Choose the BIOS update and select the file you recently moved to the flash drive.
  • Wait until the flashing process ends.

Hover over to your graphics card, and you will find that it’s working just like before.

Additionally, if you are using a gaming laptop, download the BIOS from the manufacturer’s website. Then install the downloaded file into your Windows 11. It’s as simple as that.

Furthermore, when your BIOS does not detect GPU, you can fix it with some proven techniques. And by doing that, you can make your graphics card appear again on your Windows 11 system.

9. Check Your GPU and Make Appropriate Decisions

Your GPU will remain undetected or not show up when it becomes defective. Also, the issue can appear when the graphics card doesn’t fit correctly in the slots. So if none of the above methods works for you, then make sure the GPU is ok by taking it to a professional or support center.

FAQs

Is Windows 11 worse for gaming?

No, after some recent updates and modifications, windows 11 now performs well on games. But for low-end gaming devices, it sometimes stutters and decreases performance.

Does Windows 11 support Nvidia drivers?

Yes, Windows 11 supports Nvidia drivers; the latest version is 527.56.

Does Windows 11 affect graphics cards?

Yes, if you are playing on a lower-end PC, then Windows 11 will affect the GPU. As a result, you will experience low frame rates, glitches, performance drops and stutters because the Windows 11 system requires more processing power.

Final Thoughts

Graphics cards are the most crucial parts for a gamer. And when they fall into an issue like GPU not detected or showing up surely, it will frustrate them.

However, by applying the fixes, I displayed in this article, your problem with the GPU will evaporate.

For further questions, you can connect with me through a comment.

About The Author
Steven Arends is a computer science graduate and tech enthusiast with over 10 years of experience in the field. He has a vast collection of computer hardware and loves exploring the latest advancements. As a contributing author to 10Scopes, Steven shares his expertise to make the world of technology more accessible and easier to understand for all readers.

Leave a Comment