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:
- Turn off your PC and disconnect the power cord and any other cables connected to your PC.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Reconnect the power cord and any other cables you removed earlier to your PC.
- Turn on your PC and check if your NVIDIA graphics card has been detected by Windows 11.