14 reasons why Graphics card doesn’t work in Windows 10 (and how to fix it)

If your Graphics card doesn’t work in Windows 10, the most common causes are driver problems, power or hardware faults, or incorrect Windows/BIOS settings — and most issues can be fixed with a combination of driver reinstall, hardware checks, and simple Windows repairs. In this article you’ll learn the common reasons this happens and step-by-step fixes so you can diagnose and repair the problem safely.

Key Takeaway

The fastest, most effective fix is to confirm hardware is connected and powered correctly, then perform a clean driver reinstall (use DDU in Safe Mode and install the latest drivers from the GPU vendor). If the problem persists after hardware checks and driver cleanup, use diagnostics (temperatures, Event Viewer, PCIe slot swap) to isolate hardware failure and consider RMA/repair.

Quick Fix Guide

Quick Fix Guide

Reason for the Problem	Quick Solution
1. Outdated or corrupt GPU driver	Uninstall the driver with DDU in Safe Mode and install the latest driver from NVIDIA/AMD/Intel.
2. Incorrect or generic driver installed	Roll back or uninstall the generic driver in Device Manager and install the correct vendor driver.
3. Recent Windows Update or driver regression	Roll back driver or uninstall recent Windows update via Settings > Update & Security.
4. GPU not properly seated	Power off, unplug PC, open the case and reseat the GPU firmly into the PCIe slot.
5. Insufficient PSU power or missing cables	Check PCIe power connectors and verify PSU wattage meets GPU requirements.
6. BIOS/UEFI settings wrong (PCIe disabled)	Enter BIOS/UEFI and set Primary Display to PCIe and enable PCIe slots.
7. Integrated GPU active / wrong GPU selected	Disable iGPU in Device Manager or set dGPU as primary in BIOS.
8. Faulty PCIe slot or motherboard issue	Test GPU in another PCIe slot or another PC to rule out slot/mobo problem.
9. Overheating / thermal throttling	Clean fans/heatsink, reapply thermal paste, and monitor temps with HWMonitor.
10. Physical GPU damage	Inspect card for visible damage; if present, avoid using and seek RMA/service.
11. Faulty power adapters or cables	Replace adapters/cables with proper rated PCIe cables (no “cheap” splitters).
12. Display, cable, or monitor input issue	Try a different cable, port, or monitor and confirm input source on the monitor.
13. Corrupted Windows system files	Run sfc /scannow and DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth in an elevated CMD.
14. Malware or third-party software conflict	Scan with Windows Defender or Malwarebytes and uninstall suspect utilities (OC tools).

Detailed Fixes for “Graphics card doesn’t work in Windows 10”

1. Outdated or corrupt GPU driver

Why this causes the problem:
Drivers are the software that lets Windows talk to your GPU; corrupted or outdated drivers can cause black screens, artifacts, or no display at all.

Step-by-step solution:

1. Download Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) from a reputable site and the latest GPU driver package from NVIDIA/AMD/Intel.
2. Reboot into Safe Mode: Start > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart, then press 4 for Safe Mode.
3. Run DDU and choose Clean and restart for your GPU vendor.
4. After restart, install the downloaded latest driver and choose Custom / Clean install if offered.
   Notes: Use the vendor’s official drivers; avoid Windows Update driver for initial troubleshooting (it may be older).

2. Incorrect or generic driver installed

Why:
Windows may use the Microsoft Basic Display Adapter, which lacks GPU features, or a wrong vendor driver causing incompatibility.

Step-by-step solution:

1. Open Device Manager: right-click Start > Device Manager.
2. Expand Display adapters, right-click the adapter and select Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver (if available) or Uninstall device (check Delete the driver software for this device).
3. Reboot and install the correct driver from the GPU manufacturer website.
   Tip: If Windows re-installs a generic driver, use DDU in Safe Mode as described above.

3. Recent Windows Update or driver regression

Why:
A recent update can introduce compatibility regressions or replace a working driver with a faulty one.

Step-by-step solution:

1. Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history and note recent updates.
2. To uninstall a faulty update: Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history > Uninstall updates and select the recent update.
3. To roll back the GPU driver: Device Manager > Display adapters > Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver.
   Tip: Pause Windows updates temporarily: Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Advanced options > Pause updates.

4. GPU not properly seated

Why:
A loose card or connector prevents the GPU from communicating with the motherboard or getting power.

Step-by-step solution:

1. Shut down Windows, unplug the PC, and hold the power button 5 seconds to discharge.
2. Open the case, release the PCIe retention clip, and gently remove the GPU.
3. Inspect the PCIe slot and GPU edge for dust; clean with compressed air.
4. Reinsert the GPU fully until the clip snaps, reconnect all power cables, and tighten screws.
5. Boot and check the display.
   Safety tip: Ground yourself or use an anti-static wrist strap to avoid ESD damage.

5. Insufficient PSU power or missing cables

Why:
Modern GPUs require dedicated 6/8-pin PCIe power connectors and sufficient wattage; without them the card may not turn on or will crash under load.

Step-by-step solution:

1. Check the GPU’s power requirements on the manufacturer page and compare to PSU wattage.
2. Verify that all required PCIe power connectors are plugged firmly into the GPU.
3. Avoid using cheap molex-to-PCIe splitters; use direct PSU PCIe cables.
4. If unsure of PSU quality, test with a known-good higher-wattage PSU.
   Tip: A PSU calculator online can estimate required wattage; include CPU, drives, and peripherals.

6. BIOS/UEFI settings wrong (PCIe disabled)

Why:
BIOS settings can prioritize the integrated GPU or disable PCIe slots.

Step-by-step solution:

1. Reboot and enter BIOS/UEFI (usually Del, F2, or Esc at startup).
2. Find sections like Advanced > Onboard Devices Configuration or Peripherals.
3. Set Primary Display or Initial Display Output to PCIe/PEG.
4. Ensure options like Integrated Graphics are set to Auto or Disabled if using external GPU.
5. Save and exit.
   Note: Consult your motherboard manual for exact menu names.

7. Integrated GPU active / wrong GPU selected

Why:
System may be using the CPU’s integrated GPU (iGPU) instead of the discrete GPU.

Step-by-step solution:

1. Connect your monitor to the discrete GPU output (not the motherboard) to force the PC to use the dGPU.
2. In Device Manager, expand Display adapters, right-click the integrated GPU and select Disable device (if you want).
3. In BIOS, set the primary display to PCIe as above.
   Tip: For laptops, use vendor control panels (NVIDIA Control Panel > Manage 3D settings) to set preferred GPU per application.

8. Faulty PCIe slot or motherboard issue

Why:
A bad PCIe slot or trace on the motherboard will prevent the GPU from working even if the card is fine.

Step-by-step solution:

1. Move the GPU to another PCIe slot (if available) or test the GPU in another known-good PC.
2. If the GPU works elsewhere, the motherboard or slot is likely faulty — consider RMA or service for the motherboard.
3. Check for bent pins on CPU socket (if recent CPU install) and BIOS updates that may fix PCIe compatibility.
   Note: If multiple PCIe devices fail, suspect motherboard/CPU.

9. Overheating / thermal throttling

Why:
If the GPU overheats, it may shut down, throttle heavily, or display artifacts.

Step-by-step solution:

1. Monitor temps with HWMonitor, GPU-Z, or MSI Afterburner.
2. Clean dust from GPU fans and heatsink with compressed air.
3. Improve case airflow or reapply thermal paste if the card is old (only if comfortable doing so).
4. Ensure fan curve is adequate using vendor software.
   Safety tip: Reapplying thermal paste voids warranty for many GPUs; check warranty before proceeding.

10. Physical GPU damage

Why:
Blown components, bulging capacitors, or burn marks indicate irreversible hardware failure.

Step-by-step solution:

1. Power down and visually inspect the PCB, capacitors, and connectors for damage or smell of burned electronics.
2. If you see physical damage, do not attempt to run the card — contact the vendor for RMA or professional repair.
3. If under warranty, gather purchase info and submit an RMA request.
   Note: Attempting DIY board-level repair is risky unless you have electronics expertise.

11. Faulty power adapters or cables

Why:
Aftermarket splitters or damaged cables can fail to deliver required current and cause instability.

Step-by-step solution:

1. Remove any molex-to-PCIe splitters and use native PSU PCIe connectors.
2. Inspect PCIe connectors for bent pins or discoloration.
3. Replace questionable cables with OEM PSU cables or high-quality replacements.
   Tip: For high-power GPUs, never use single-rail splitters beyond manufacturer recommendations.

12. Display, cable, or monitor input issue

Why:
Sometimes the GPU works fine but the monitor input or cable is the culprit.

Step-by-step solution:

1. Try a different cable (HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI) that you know works.
2. Confirm the monitor input source is set correctly (use the monitor’s OSD).
3. Test with a different monitor or connect the GPU to a TV to isolate the issue.
   Tip: Some GPUs require DisplayPort 1.4 / HDMI 2.0 for certain resolutions/refresh rates; mix-and-match ports to test.

13. Corrupted Windows system files

Why:
Windows system file corruption can prevent drivers or display services from running properly.

Step-by-step solution:

1. Open Command Prompt (Admin): right-click Start > Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
2. Run: sfc /scannow and wait for completion.
3. If SFC reports issues, run: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and then rerun sfc /scannow.
4. Reboot and test GPU functionality.
   Note: These commands repair Windows component store and system files.

14. Malware or third-party software conflict

Why:
Malicious software or overclocking tools can interfere with GPU drivers or services.

Step-by-step solution:

1. Run a full scan with Windows Defender: Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Quick scan (or Full scan).
2. Optionally scan with Malwarebytes for a second opinion.
3. Uninstall recent third-party utilities (OC tools, monitoring apps) that started before the issue: Settings > Apps.
4. Reboot and test.
   Tip: Boot into Safe Mode with Networking to remove persistent malware using specialized tools.

Additional resources: diagnostic tools and when to replace the GPU

Useful diagnostic tools:

• GPU-Z — GPU sensor details and clock speeds.
• HWMonitor — Temperatures and voltages.
• FurMark (stress test cautiously) — tests GPU stability/temperatures; use brief runs to look for crashes.
• Event Viewer — Windows Logs > System to find display driver (Display or nvlddmkm) errors.
• MemTest86 and CPU stress tools — to rule out system memory/CPU issues that mimic GPU problems.

When to replace or RMA:

• If the GPU fails in multiple motherboards or shows clear physical damage, request RMA.
• If tests (stress tests, temps, artifact checks) show instability and you’ve tried known-good PSU and drivers, replacement is likely.
• Keep purchase date, warranty info, and photos of damage for RMA requests.

Tips for safe testing:

• Always back up important data before system-level diagnostics.
• Avoid prolonged GPU stress tests if temperatures are unstable.
• If unsure, seek professional diagnosis to avoid voiding warranties.

FAQ

Can I use Windows 10 without a discrete GPU?

Yes — if your CPU has an integrated GPU you can connect to the motherboard’s video outputs and use Windows 10 normally, but gaming and GPU-accelerated tasks will be limited.

How can I tell if the GPU is failing vs. driver/software issues?

If the GPU fails in multiple PCs or shows physical artifacts (stripes, colored blocks) even after clean driver installs and different cables, it’s likely hardware failure; software issues usually resolve with DDU/driver reinstall.

How often should I update my GPU drivers?

Update when you need new game optimizations, bug fixes, or when troubleshooting a problem; avoid updating mid-competition or when stability is critical unless a fix is required.

Can I repair a damaged GPU at home?

Minor fixes like cleaning fans are safe; board-level repairs (replacing capacitors, reflowing chips) require electronics skills and usually void the warranty — use professional repair services instead.

What should I check first after building a new PC with GPU issues?

Confirm power connectors, ensure the GPU is seated in the correct PCIe slot, connect display to the GPU output (not motherboard), and boot to BIOS to see if the GPU is recognized.

Conclusion

Most cases where a Graphics card doesn’t work in Windows 10 are resolved by verifying hardware connections, ensuring adequate power, and performing a clean driver reinstall (DDU + vendor driver). If software and basic hardware checks don’t fix the issue, use diagnostic tools and slot/PC swaps to isolate hardware failure and pursue RMA or professional repair as needed.