How to Fix NVIDIA Graphics Card Not Detected in Windows 11

Are you having problems with your NVIDIA graphics card on Windows 11? Is your graphics card not detected by your operating system or drivers? If yes, then you are not alone. Many Windows 11 users report that they are facing the same issue with their NVIDIA graphics cards.

There are several possible reasons why your NVIDIA graphics card is not detected in Windows 11, such as:

• Your graphics card driver is corrupted, outdated, or incompatible with Windows 11.
• Your BIOS or UEFI settings are incorrect or do not support your graphics card.
• Your PCI-E slot or graphics card power cable is damaged or loose.
• Hardware or software conflicts between your graphics card and other components in your PC.

Fortunately, there are several solutions you can try to fix this problem and make your NVIDIA graphics card work properly on Windows 11. In this article, we will show you some methods that have been proven to work for many users. Follow the steps below carefully and try them one by one until you find one that works for you.

Method 1: Update Your NVIDIA Graphics Card Driver

One of the most common reasons why your NVIDIA graphics card is not detected in Windows 11 is because your drivers are corrupted, outdated, or incompatible with the latest version of the operating system. Therefore, the first step you should take is to check and update your NVIDIA graphics card drivers.

There are two ways to update your NVIDIA graphics card driver: manually or automatically.

Manual Way

To manually update your NVIDIA graphics card drivers, you need to visit the official NVIDIA website and download the latest driver that corresponds to your Windows 11 model and version. Here are the steps you should follow:

1. Open your favorite web browser and visit the NVIDIA website.
2. Under the Manual Search option, select the Product Type, Product Series, Product, Operating System, Download Type, and Language that corresponds to your Nvidia graphics card and your Windows 11. Then, click SEARCH.
3. On the search results page, click DOWNLOAD to download the latest available driver for your NVIDIA graphics card.
4. Once the download file is complete, open the file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the new driver on your PC.
5. Once the installation process is complete, restart your PC and check if your NVIDIA graphics card has been detected by Windows 11.

Automatic Way

If you don’t want to bother searching for and downloading the right driver for your NVIDIA graphics card, you can use an automated tool that will do it for you. One such tool is Driver Easy, which is software that can scan your PC and detect corrupted, outdated, or missing drivers, and then download and install the latest Windows 11-compatible drivers for you.

Here are the steps you must follow to use Driver Easy:

1. Open your favorite web browser and visit the Driver Easy website.
2. Click Download Now to download the free version of Driver Easy, or click Buy Now to get the pro version that offers additional features such as automatic driver updates, 24/7 technical support, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
3. Once the download file is complete, open it and follow the on-screen instructions to install Driver Easy on your PC.
4. Once Driver Easy is installed, run the program and click Scan Now. Driver Easy will scan your PC and detect problematic drivers.
5. Once the scan is complete, you’ll see a list of drivers that need updating. You can choose which drivers you want to update by clicking the checkbox next to it, or you can select all drivers by clicking Select All. Then, click Update to download and install the latest driver for your PC. (Note: You need the pro version of Driver Easy to be able to update all drivers at once. If you’re using the free version, you’ll need to update drivers one by one.)
6. Once the update process is complete, restart your PC and check if your NVIDIA graphics card is detected by Windows 11.

Method 2: Check Your BIOS or UEFI Settings

If updating your NVIDIA graphics card driver doesn’t help, then you may need to check your BIOS or UEFI settings. BIOS or UEFI is software that controls your PC’s hardware and allows you to change some basic settings, such as boot order, SATA mode, and graphics options. If your BIOS or UEFI settings are incorrect or don’t support your NVIDIA graphics card, then Windows 11 may not be able to detect your graphics card.

To check and change your BIOS or UEFI settings, you need to enter the BIOS or UEFI menu when your PC starts booting. The way to do this may differ depending on the make and model of your PC, but it usually involves pressing a specific key, such as Del, F2, F10, or F12, when the first screen appears. You can look for specific instructions for your PC on the internet or in your user manual.

Once you enter the BIOS or UEFI menu, you should look for settings related to your graphics card, such as:

• Primary Display or Initiate Graphic Adapter: This setting determines which graphics card to use as the primary display. You’ll need to choose the option that suits your NVIDIA graphics card, such as PCI-E or PEG.
• Integrated Graphics or iGPU Multi-Monitor: This setting determines whether or not the built-in graphics card in your motherboard will be enabled. If you only use your NVIDIA graphics card, you can disable this option. If you use the built-in graphics card and NVIDIA at the same time, you need to enable this option.
• Secure Boot or CSM: This setting determines whether your PC will verify the digital signature of the operating system and drivers before loading it. If this option is enabled, your PC may not be able to load uncertified or incompatible NVIDIA drivers. You can try disabling this option to see if that helps.

Once you’ve changed the appropriate settings, save and exit the BIOS or UEFI menu, and restart your PC. Then, check if your NVIDIA graphics card has been detected by Windows 11.

Method 3: Check Your PCI-E Slot and Graphics Card Power Cable

If the previous method didn’t work, then you may need to check your PCI-E slot and graphics card power cable. The PCI-E slot is the slot on your motherboard where you install your graphics card, and the power cable is the cable that connects your graphics card to your PC’s power source. If the PCI-E slot or power cord is damaged, loose, or dirty, then your graphics card may not be getting enough power or signal, and Windows 11 may not be able to detect your graphics card.

To check and repair and repair your PCI-E slot and graphics card power cable, you must open your PC case and follow these steps:

1. Turn off your PC and disconnect the power cord and any other cables connected to your PC.
2. Open your PC case by removing the screws or latches securing it. You may need a screwdriver or other tool to do this. You can also refer to your PC’s user manual for specific instructions.
3. Find your NVIDIA graphics card inside your PC. Typically, the graphics card sits in the largest PCI-E slot located near the bottom of your PC case.
4. Check that your PCI-E slot and graphics card power cord are clean and there is no dust, dirt, or damage. If present, clean carefully using a soft brush, dry cloth, or canned air. Do not use wet liquids or materials, as they can damage your PC components.
5. Check that your graphics card is installed correctly and sturdily in the PCI-E slot. Otherwise, remove your graphics card by pressing the locking clip at the end of the PCI-E slot and carefully lifting your graphics card. Then, plug your graphics card back in by pressing it into the PCI-E slot until you hear a click. Make sure the lock clip is securely locked.
6. Check that your graphics card power cable is properly and sturdily connected to your graphics card and PC resources. If not, disconnect the power cord of your graphics card by carefully pulling it from both ends. Then, reconnect your graphics card power cable by pressing it to the appropriate connector on your graphics card and PC power source. Make sure your graphics card power cable isn’t bent or folded.
7. After you’ve checked and repaired your PCI-E slot and graphics card power cable, close your PC case by securing the screws or latches you removed earlier.
8. Reconnect the power cord and any other cables you removed earlier to your PC.
9. Turn on your PC and check if your NVIDIA graphics card has been detected by Windows 11.

Method 4: Fix Hardware or Software Conflicts

If the previous method didn’t work, then you may need to fix any hardware or software conflicts that may occur between your NVIDIA graphics card and other components in your PC. Hardware or software conflicts can cause performance, stability, or compatibility issues, and prevent Windows 11 from detecting your graphics card.

There are several ways to fix hardware or software conflicts, such as:

• Disable unnecessary devices in Device Manager. Device Manager is a tool that lets you view and manage the devices connected to your PC. You can disable unnecessary devices, such as sound cards, network cards, or USB devices, to reduce the possibility of conflicts with your NVIDIA graphics card. To do this, follow these steps:
  1. Press the Windows key  + X on your keyboard and select Device Manager from the menu that appears.
  2. In the Device Manager window, locate the unnecessary device that you want to disable, such as under the Sound, Video, and Game Cards, Network Cards, or Universal Serial Bus Devices categories.
  3. Right-click on the device you want to disable and select Deactivate Device from the menu that appears. You may be asked to confirm your selection. Click Yes to continue.
  4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for any other devices that you want to turn off.
  5. Once you disable unnecessary devices, restart your PC and check if your NVIDIA graphics card is already detected by Windows 11.
• Remove unnecessary software in Programs and Features. Programs and Features is a tool that lets you view and remove programs installed on your PC. You can remove unnecessary software, such as programs you rarely use, potentially unwanted programs, or programs that might interfere with your NVIDIA graphics card. To do this, follow these steps:
  1. Press the Windows key  + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type appwiz.cpl in the Run dialog box and press Enter. This will open the Programs and Features window.
  3. In the Programs and Features window, find the unnecessary software that you want to remove, such as under the Name or Publisher column.
  4. Right-click on the software you want to remove and select Uninstall from the menu that appears. You may be asked to confirm your selection. Click Yes or Uninstall to continue.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the software removal process.
  6. Repeat steps 3 through 5 for any other software that you want to remove.
  7. Once you have removed the unnecessary software, restart your PC and check if your NVIDIA graphics card is already detected by Windows 11.

Those are some methods you can try to fix the NVIDIA graphics card not detected in Windows 11. We hope one of these methods works for you and you can enjoy a smooth and smooth graphics experience on Windows 11.