Intel graphics doesn’t work in Windows 10
If your Intel integrated graphics suddenly stop working on Windows 10 — black screen, low resolution, missing options, or the GPU not appearing in Device Manager — the cause is usually software (drivers, Windows updates, or settings) but can also be hardware or firmware. This article explains the common causes and gives step-by-step fixes so you can restore display functionality.
You will learn why Intel graphics fails, how to update or reinstall drivers, check firmware and BIOS settings, remove conflicts with discrete GPUs, repair Windows system files, and when hardware or OEM drivers are the remedy.
Key Takeaway
The most reliable fix is to remove the incorrect or corrupted display driver, install the correct Intel driver from your PC manufacturer (or Intel support if appropriate), and ensure integrated graphics is enabled in BIOS; run SFC/DISM to repair Windows files and use Device Manager to update or rollback drivers if necessary.
Quick Fix Guide
| Reason for the Problem | Quick Solution |
|---|---|
| Outdated or incompatible Intel driver | Download and install the latest OEM-recommended Intel graphics driver. |
| Generic Microsoft Basic Display Adapter installed | Uninstall the adapter and install the Intel driver from Device Manager or Intel/OEM website. |
| Conflicting NVIDIA/AMD drivers | Cleanly uninstall discrete GPU drivers (use DDU in Safe Mode if needed) and reinstall correct drivers. |
| Windows Update or feature update broke drivers | Roll back the driver or use the OEM Intel driver compatible with your Windows 10 build. |
| Corrupted driver files or registry entries | Uninstall driver, run sfc /scannow and DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth, then reinstall. |
| Integrated GPU disabled in BIOS/UEFI | Enable integrated graphics in BIOS/UEFI settings and save changes. |
| Faulty cable, port, or monitor | Test with a different cable/port/monitor and confirm the display works. |
| Power settings or sleep issues | Turn off Fast Startup and adjust sleep/power plan to default. |
| Fast Startup prevents driver initialization | Disable Fast Startup in Control Panel > Power Options. |
| Security software or driver signature enforcement | Temporarily disable antivirus or install signed drivers; use Test Mode only as last resort. |
| Hardware failure (GPU/motherboard) | Test with external monitor or service the laptop/PC; run hardware diagnostics. |
| Incorrect display output or hybrid graphics | Select correct output or adjust GPU switching in BIOS/OEM control panel. |
Detailed Fixes for “Intel graphics doesn’t work in Windows 10”
1. Outdated or incompatible Intel graphics driver
Why it causes the problem:
Intel periodically updates drivers for improvements and Windows 10 compatibility. Old drivers may fail after Windows updates or when running newer apps.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Start > Device Manager.
- Expand Display adapters, right-click the Intel device (e.g., Intel UHD Graphics), select Update driver.
- Choose Browse my computer for drivers only if you have a downloaded driver, otherwise choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
- For a reliable driver, visit your PC maker: Dell / HP / Lenovo support site → Drivers & Downloads → Graphics and download the recommended Intel driver for your exact model and Windows 10 build.
- Run the downloaded installer and restart when prompted.
Notes:
- Prefer OEM drivers for laptops — they may include power/thermal optimizations not in generic Intel installers.
2. Generic Microsoft Basic Display Adapter installed
Why it causes the problem:
Windows may revert to a low-functionality generic driver if the Intel driver fails, producing low resolution and missing features.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Device Manager.
- Under Display adapters, if you see Microsoft Basic Display Adapter, right-click it and choose Uninstall device.
- Check Delete the driver software for this device if available, then click Uninstall.
- Reboot PC. Windows will try to reinstall drivers; if it reinstalls the generic driver, manually install the OEM/Intel driver downloaded from the vendor or Intel Download Center.
Tip:
- Installing the correct driver usually restores higher resolutions and hardware acceleration.
3. Conflicting discrete GPU drivers (NVIDIA/AMD)
Why it causes the problem:
Old or corrupt discrete GPU drivers can conflict with Intel integrated drivers, especially on laptops with hybrid graphics (Optimus or Enduro).
Step-by-step solution:
- Back up important data.
- Download the latest Intel and discrete GPU drivers from OEM or vendor sites.
- Boot into Safe Mode: Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Restart now > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart, then press 4 for Safe Mode.
- Run Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) (third-party tool) to fully remove NVIDIA/AMD drivers — follow DDU instructions and choose Safe Mode cleanup.
- Reboot normally, install Intel driver first, then install discrete GPU driver if needed.
Note:
- Use DDU with care and only from reputable sources — it’s the most thorough method to clear GPU driver conflicts.
4. Windows Update or feature update broke drivers
Why it causes the problem:
Major Windows 10 updates can change driver models and break older drivers.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for driver updates.
- If Intel graphics stopped working after a specific update, go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery and choose Go back to the previous version of Windows 10 if available.
- Alternatively, open Device Manager, right-click the Intel adapter, choose Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver.
- After rollback, go to the OEM website and download a driver compatible with that Windows 10 version.
Tip:
- Pause Windows updates for 7 days temporarily (Windows Update > Advanced options > Pause updates) while stabilizing drivers.
5. Corrupted driver files or registry entries
Why it causes the problem:
Corruption in driver files or registry entries prevents proper initialization.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Command Prompt (Admin): right-click Start and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
- Run: sfc /scannow and wait for completion.
- Then run: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.
- After these complete, go to Device Manager, uninstall the Intel display adapter (check Delete the driver software), reboot and reinstall the Intel/OEM driver.
Note:
- SFC/DISM repair Windows system files that drivers depend on.
6. Integrated GPU disabled in BIOS/UEFI
Why it causes the problem:
Some systems allow disabling integrated graphics in BIOS; if disabled, Windows won’t detect Intel graphics.
Step-by-step solution:
- Enter BIOS/UEFI on boot (common keys: F2, Del, F10; check your vendor).
- In BIOS, look for Graphics Configuration, Video Configuration, IGD, or similar.
- Ensure Integrated Graphics, iGPU or Internal Graphics Device is Enabled or set to Auto.
- Save and exit (usually F10).
Tip:
- On hybrid systems, ensure Primary Display or Initial Display Output is set to Auto or IGFX if you want integrated graphics first.
7. Faulty display cable, port, or monitor
Why it causes the problem:
A bad HDMI/DP/VGA cable, damaged port, or monitor can appear as a GPU issue.
Step-by-step solution:
- Test with a different cable and a different port (HDMI ↔ DP).
- Connect to another monitor or TV to confirm.
- If using a docking station or adapter, test direct connection to the PC.
Note:
- Laptops: test both built-in screen and an external monitor — if built-in works but external doesn’t, suspect cable/port or adapter.
8. Power settings or sleep issues causing black screen
Why it causes the problem:
Aggressive power plans or buggy sleep states can stop the GPU from resuming correctly.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Control Panel > Power Options.
- Click Change plan settings next to your active plan, then Change advanced power settings.
- Expand PCI Express > Link State Power Management and set to Off.
- Under Display, set Turn off display to a longer time or Never to test.
- Also disable USB selective suspend under USB settings if external displays use USB adapters.
Tip:
- Test with a balanced or high-performance power plan while troubleshooting.
9. Fast Startup prevents driver initialization
Why it causes the problem:
Windows Fast Startup can cache drivers and prevent fresh initialization, causing display driver issues on cold boot.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do.
- Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.
- Uncheck Turn on fast startup (recommended), then Save changes.
- Reboot and verify display behavior.
10. Security software or driver signature enforcement blocking driver
Why it causes the problem:
Third-party security tools or strict signature enforcement may block unsigned or modified drivers.
Step-by-step solution:
- Temporarily disable antivirus/firewall and attempt driver installation.
- If driver signature enforcement blocks drivers, avoid disabling signature enforcement permanently; instead obtain a properly signed driver from OEM or Intel.
- To temporarily disable driver signature enforcement (for advanced users), reboot and choose Advanced startup > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart, then press 7 to disable driver signature enforcement — install the signed driver immediately.
Warning:
- Disabling driver signature enforcement reduces system security; use only for troubleshooting and revert afterward.
11. Hardware failure (GPU or motherboard)
Why it causes the problem:
Integrated GPU circuitry or motherboard components can fail, especially after overheating or power surges.
Step-by-step solution:
- Run your vendor’s hardware diagnostics (e.g., Dell SupportAssist, HP PC Hardware Diagnostics).
- Boot a Linux live USB (e.g., Ubuntu) and check if the display works — helps separate Windows vs hardware issues.
- If diagnostics indicate failure or the live USB also shows no graphics, contact your PC vendor or a repair shop; on desktops test with another motherboard or CPU with integrated graphics if possible.
Note:
- Laptops with soldered GPUs often require motherboard replacement.
12. Incorrect display output selected or hybrid graphics misconfiguration
Why it causes the problem:
Some systems route external outputs through the discrete GPU; if the discrete GPU is disabled or its driver fails, the display may be blank even though the integrated GPU is working.
Step-by-step solution:
- On laptops, check the OEM control panel (e.g., NVIDIA Control Panel, AMD Radeon Settings, or Windows Graphics Settings) and set preferred GPU for apps.
- In Settings > System > Display, scroll to Multiple displays and click Detect.
- If using multiple GPUs, open BIOS and check for Switchable Graphics settings — set to Dynamic or Integrated as needed.
- Reinstall discrete GPU drivers if the external outputs rely on that GPU.
Tip:
- For docking stations, ensure dock firmware and drivers are up-to-date.
Additional tips and advanced options
- Always prefer OEM drivers on branded laptops/desktops — Intel generic drivers sometimes lack OEM-specific power or hotkey support.
- Keep a copy of a known-good driver installer on a USB drive before applying major Windows updates.
- Use System Restore to return to a previous restore point if issues started after a recent change: Control Panel > Recovery > Open System Restore.
- Before major BIOS updates, read OEM release notes; BIOS updates can resolve GPU initialization bugs but carry risk — follow vendor instructions exactly.
- If you are comfortable with advanced tools, use Event Viewer (Windows Logs > System) to inspect driver-related errors (search for Display, igdkmd64.sys, or nvlddmkm).
FAQ
What should I do before updating my Intel graphics driver?
Create a System Restore point: Control Panel > System > System Protection > Create. Also note your current driver version in Device Manager > Display adapters > Properties > Driver.
Can I use Intel Driver & Support Assistant (IDSA)?
Yes — Intel Driver & Support Assistant can automatically detect and recommend drivers, but for laptops use OEM drivers when available because they may be customized.
How do I know if the GPU hardware is failing?
Run vendor diagnostics and test with a Linux live USB; consistent failures across OSes and visual artifacts usually indicate hardware failure.
Is it safe to disable Fast Startup permanently?
Disabling Fast Startup is safe and can solve driver initialization issues, but boot times may be slightly longer.
When should I perform a clean Windows reinstall?
Consider reinstalling Windows only after all driver, BIOS, and hardware checks fail — back up data first. Reinstalling removes system-level corruption that SFC/DISM can’t fix.
Conclusion
Most display problems labeled Intel graphics doesn’t work in Windows 10 are caused by driver issues, Windows updates, BIOS settings, or hardware faults. Start with driver cleanup and reinstall, verify BIOS/UEFI settings, run SFC/DISM, and test hardware before pursuing repairs or replacements. Reinstalling the correct OEM Intel driver and ensuring integrated graphics is enabled resolves the majority of cases.
