Start here: if your screen is blank, flickering, or Windows shows errors about the display adapter, the problem is most often software- or driver-related — but it can also be a hardware or configuration issue. This article explains how to troubleshoot Display adapter not working in Windows 10, what causes it, and step-by-step fixes you can try.
You’ll learn 11 common reasons for the problem and practical, beginner-friendly instructions to diagnose and repair each one, plus prevention tips and when to seek professional help.
Key Takeaway
Most display-adapter problems are solved by updating, reinstalling, or rolling back drivers and checking physical connections; if that fails, use Windows repair tools (sfc /scannow and DISM) and verify BIOS/firmware and hardware status before replacing components.
Quick Fix Guide
Quick Fix Guide
| Reason for the Problem | Quick Solution |
|---|---|
| 1. Outdated or corrupted driver | Update or reinstall the display driver via Device Manager or the GPU maker’s website. |
| 2. Windows Update introduced incompatible driver | Roll back the driver or uninstall the update via Settings > Update & Security. |
| 3. Display adapter disabled or unknown in Device Manager | Enable or reinstall adapter in Device Manager > Display adapters. |
| 4. Incorrect display settings or wrong resolution | Reset display settings in Settings > System > Display or use Safe Mode to fix. |
| 5. Hybrid graphics or GPU switching issues | Set preferred GPU in Graphics settings or update switchable-graphics drivers. |
| 6. Corrupted Windows system files | Run sfc /scannow and DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. |
| 7. Third-party software/antivirus conflict | Temporarily disable or uninstall conflicting software and test. |
| 8. Physical cable/port/monitor problem | Test with different cable/port/monitor and reseat connections. |
| 9. BIOS/UEFI or firmware settings wrong | Reset BIOS defaults and update firmware if available. |
| 10. Overheating or GPU hardware failure | Check temperatures, clean fans, test with another GPU or PC. |
| 11. Docking station or adapter incompatibility | Update docking firmware and drivers, try direct connection. |
Detailed Fixes for “Display adapter not working”
1. Outdated or corrupted driver
Why it causes the problem:
Display drivers translate Windows graphics calls to your GPU. If they’re outdated, corrupted, or incompatible, Windows can’t use the GPU correctly, causing black screens, crashes, or poor performance.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Device Manager: press Win + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand Display adapters, right-click your adapter, and choose Update driver.
- Select Search automatically for updated driver software. If Windows finds one, follow prompts and restart.
- If automatic search fails, go to the GPU vendor’s site (Intel, NVIDIA, AMD):
- For Intel: https://downloadcenter.intel.com
- For NVIDIA: https://www.nvidia.com/Download/index.aspx
- For AMD: https://www.amd.com/en/support
Download the correct driver (check your GPU model and Windows 10 version) and run the installer.
- If the adapter still misbehaves, in Device Manager right-click the adapter and choose Uninstall device. Check Delete the driver software for this device if shown, then restart Windows to reinstall default drivers.
Notes/tips:
- Use the OEM (Dell/HP) support page for laptops — sometimes they provide customized drivers.
- For persistent corruption, consider using Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) in Safe Mode (advanced — backup first).
2. Windows Update introduced incompatible driver
Why it causes the problem:
Windows Update sometimes installs new drivers that are incompatible with your hardware or apps.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history and check for driver updates.
- To uninstall a problematic update, go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > See advanced repair options or open Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features > View installed updates, select the update, and uninstall it.
- Roll back the driver: in Device Manager, right-click the display adapter, select Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver (if available).
- Prevent Windows from reinstalling the problematic driver: temporarily pause updates in Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update or use Microsoft’s Show/Hide Updates troubleshooter to hide the driver.
Notes/tips:
- Rolling back is often the fastest fix after an update — try it before heavy troubleshooting.
3. Display adapter disabled or shown as unknown/device error
Why it causes the problem:
If Windows has disabled the adapter or it appears as “Unknown device”, the OS can’t initialize graphics hardware.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Device Manager and look under Display adapters. If the adapter is disabled, right-click and choose Enable device.
- If it appears with a yellow exclamation mark, right-click and choose Properties > Device status to see the error code.
- For codes 43/10/31, try Update driver or Uninstall device then restart to let Windows re-detect it.
- If the adapter is missing, in Device Manager click Action > Scan for hardware changes to force detection.
Notes/tips:
- Device Manager errors often include an error code you can search on Microsoft’s site for targeted fixes.
4. Incorrect display settings or wrong resolution
Why it causes the problem:
An unsupported resolution, refresh rate, or an odd multi-monitor configuration can produce black screens or no signal.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Settings > System > Display and set the correct monitor arrangement and resolution. Choose Recommended resolution.
- If you can’t see anything, boot into Safe Mode (press Shift while selecting Restart, then Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart > press 4 for Safe Mode). Safe Mode uses basic video drivers so you can fix settings.
- In Safe Mode, uninstall the GPU driver via Device Manager or set a lower resolution on Display to restore visibility.
Notes/tips:
- If the problem occurs after connecting a new monitor, check the new monitor’s supported resolutions and refresh rates.
5. Hybrid graphics or GPU switching issues (laptop dual-GPU)
Why it causes the problem:
Laptops often use integrated and discrete GPUs; bad switching or driver mismatches can stop the discrete GPU from functioning.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Settings > System > Display > Graphics settings. Under Choose an app to set preference, add the app and set High performance to force the discrete GPU.
- Update both integrated (Intel) and discrete (NVIDIA/AMD) drivers from the vendors’ sites or laptop manufacturer.
- In Device Manager, ensure both GPUs are enabled. If one is disabled, enable it.
- In some BIOS/UEFI, check for options to handle switchable graphics (e.g., Switchable Graphics, Hybrid, or Discrete Only) — test changing modes if available.
Notes/tips:
- Reinstall both GPU drivers, beginning with the integrated GPU, then discrete GPU, to reduce conflicts.
6. Corrupted Windows system files
Why it causes the problem:
Missing or corrupted system files can prevent drivers or services required for display from functioning.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open an elevated Command Prompt: press Win, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and choose Run as administrator.
- Run System File Checker: type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Wait for the scan to complete and follow any on-screen instructions.
- If SFC reports issues it can’t fix, run DISM to repair the component store: type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter. After DISM finishes, run sfc /scannow again.
- Restart the PC and check the display.
Notes/tips:
- These commands can take time; don’t interrupt them. They are safe and often restore normal operation.
7. Third-party software or antivirus interference
Why it causes the problem:
Security software, system optimizers, or utilities that hook into graphics (overlay, capture tools) can conflict with display drivers.
Step-by-step solution:
- Temporarily disable third-party antivirus or security suites (right-click the icon in the notification area and choose disable) and test the display.
- If you recently installed a new app (game overlay, screen recorder, GPU tuner), uninstall it via Settings > Apps and restart.
- Use Clean Boot to narrow down conflicts: press Win + R, type msconfig, go to Services, check Hide all Microsoft services, click Disable all, then go to Startup and open Task Manager to disable startup items; restart and test.
Notes/tips:
- Re-enable security software once testing is done. If the app is the culprit, look for updates or alternatives.
8. Physical cable, port, or monitor problem
Why it causes the problem:
Faulty HDMI/DisplayPort/DVI cables, damaged ports, or a failing monitor will prevent any display despite correct drivers.
Step-by-step solution:
- Turn off your PC and monitor. Reseat the cable on both ends and power back on.
- Try a different cable or port (e.g., switch from HDMI to DisplayPort) and test alternate monitor if possible.
- On laptops, if using an external monitor via docking station, test with a direct connection.
- Check monitors by connecting them to another computer or use a different monitor with your PC.
Notes/tips:
- Inspect cable pins and port for visible damage. Cheap adapters and passive dongles sometimes fail — try a known-good cable.
9. BIOS/UEFI or firmware settings wrong
Why it causes the problem:
Misconfigured BIOS can disable integrated graphics, set wrong primary GPU, or use outdated firmware that conflicts with Windows.
Step-by-step solution:
- Boot into BIOS/UEFI (typically press F2, Delete or F12 during startup; check your PC manual).
- In BIOS, load Default or Optimized Defaults (usually an option) to reset settings, then save and exit.
- Check settings for graphics or video: ensure integrated or PCIe GPU is enabled as appropriate and check for a Primary Display setting (set it to Auto or PCIe if using discrete GPU).
- If problems persist, check the motherboard/laptop support page for BIOS updates and follow vendor instructions to update firmware.
Notes/tips:
- Updating BIOS carries risk; only do it if a firmware update addresses display issues and follow vendor guidance precisely.
10. Overheating or GPU hardware failure
Why it causes the problem:
Overheated GPUs can throttle or shut down; hardware failure (VRAM, solder joints) can cause artifacts, crashes, or no display.
Step-by-step solution:
- Monitor temperatures with a tool like HWMonitor or MSI Afterburner (if you can boot). Normal idle temps are typically below ~60°C.
- Clean dust from fans and heatsinks; ensure proper airflow. On laptops, consider a cooling pad.
- Test the GPU in another PC if possible, or test your PC with a known-good GPU to isolate the problem.
- If hardware is failing and under warranty, contact the manufacturer; for out-of-warranty hardware, consider repair or replacement.
Notes/tips:
- Sudden failure often means hardware replacement; visual artifacts and driver crashes are common signs.
11. Docking station, adapter, or external GPU incompatibility
Why it causes the problem:
Docking stations, USB-C adapters, and eGPUs add complexity: drivers or firmware might not support your GPU or Windows 10 version.
Step-by-step solution:
- Connect the monitor directly to the PC to verify the display adapter works without the dock or adapter.
- Update docking station firmware (check the dock vendor’s support page) and install the latest drivers.
- For USB-C/Thunderbolt adapters, ensure proper mode (DisplayPort Alternate Mode) and that Windows has relevant drivers.
- For eGPU setups, ensure correct driver versions for both the host and the external GPU enclosure, plus BIOS/Thunderbolt settings in BIOS.
Notes/tips:
- Some docks require vendor-provided drivers to handle video over USB; generic drivers may not be sufficient.
Prevention and When to Get Professional Help
Preventive measures:
- Keep Windows and GPU drivers up to date, but create a restore point before major changes.
- Clean and maintain hardware cooling; use quality cables and tested adapters.
- Avoid untrusted system optimization tools and overlays.
When to seek professional help:
- If hardware tests indicate GPU failure or you see physical damage, contact a repair shop or manufacturer.
- If BIOS update or internal hardware replacement is required and you’re not comfortable opening your PC, seek professional service.
FAQ
How can I tell which GPU Windows is using?
Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), go to the Performance tab and look for GPU 0/GPU 1; this shows active GPUs and usage.
Is it safe to use the Microsoft Basic Display Adapter?
Microsoft Basic Display Adapter is a fallback driver that provides basic display functionality but lacks hardware acceleration; use it only temporarily for troubleshooting.
Will resetting Windows fix display adapter problems?
A Windows reset can fix deep software issues but should be a last resort after backups — try driver reinstallation, SFC/DISM, and Safe Mode first.
Can antivirus or malware cause display problems?
Yes — some malware or security tools can interfere with drivers. Scan for malware and temporarily disable security software while troubleshooting (re-enable afterward).
Is using Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) necessary and safe?
DDU can help remove persistent driver files; it’s effective but advanced. Use it in Safe Mode and follow instructions — back up data and create a restore point before using.
Conclusion
Most instances of Display adapter not working in Windows 10 are resolved by updating, reinstalling, or rolling back drivers, checking settings, and verifying hardware connections. If software fixes don’t help, use Windows repair tools and inspect BIOS/firmware or hardware — and contact professionals if you suspect hardware failure.
