How to troubleshoot graphics card issues in Windows 11

Last update: 18/03/2025

  • Check if the graphics card is detected in Device Manager.
  • Update drivers from the manufacturer's official website to avoid errors.
  • Use the keyboard shortcut Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B to quickly restart your graphics driver.
  • Reset the BIOS settings or perform a system restore if the problem persists.
How to troubleshoot graphics card issues in Windows 11

Graphics cards are a essential component in any computer, as they allow images and graphics to be rendered smoothly. However, on Windows 11, some users have experienced problems with your graphics card, such as detection errors, performance issues, or even unexpected crashes. Fortunately, there are several solutions to address these issues without having to change the hardware.

In this article, we are going to look at the different ways of Troubleshoot graphics card issues in Windows 11, from updating drivers to reset BIOS settingsFollow these steps to restore optimal performance to your graphics card.

Check graphics card detection

detecting the graphics card with Device Manager

One of the most common problems is that the system does not correctly detect the graphics card. This can manifest itself in the Device administrator showing only the "Microsoft Basic Display Adapter" instead of the appropriate card.

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To resolve this, follow these steps:

  • Open the Device administrator by typing it into the Windows search bar.
  • Expand the section Display adapters and check if your graphics card appears correctly.
  • If it doesn't appear, at the top, click on AGENDA and select Check for hardware changes.
  • If the card is not yet displayed, try reinstalling the drivers from the next section.

Update graphics card drivers

Windows Device Manager

One of the most common reasons why the graphics card does not work properly is the use of outdated drivers or corrupted. To ensure you have the latest drivers, do the following:

  • Visit the official website of your graphics card manufacturer (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel).
  • Find your specific card model and download the latest driver compatible with Windows 11.
  • Before installing it, uninstall the current driver from the Control panel in the section Programs and Features.
  • Restart your computer and install the newly downloaded driver.
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Reset the graphics card using a keyboard shortcut

If you notice your screen flickering, temporarily going black, or the graphical response is erratic, you can try a quick reboot from the graphics driver with the key combination:

Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B

When you press these keys, the screen will go black for a moment and the system will beep indicating that the controller reset was successful.

Reset BIOS settings

In some cases, incorrect BIOS settings can cause the graphics card to not be recognized. To reset the BIOS settings, follow these steps:

  • Turn off the computer and turn it on by accessing the BIOS (usually by pressing F2, F10 o Delete (according to the manufacturer).
  • Look for the option to load the default settings (“Load Setup Defaults” or similar).
  • Save the changes and restart the computer.

Perform a system restore

If the problem started after a Windows update or after changing system settings, you can try restore the system to a previous state:

  • Write System Restore in the Windows search bar and open it.
  • Select a restore point before the problem started.
  • Start the process and wait for the system to restore.
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Restore Windows 11 to factory settings

Windows 11 23H2-1

If none of the above solutions work, a more drastic option is to make a full restoration from the system. Before doing so, be sure to back up your important files.

  • Go to Configuration > System > Recovery.
  • Select option Reset this PC and choose whether you want to keep or delete your personal files.
  • Follow the wizard's instructions to complete the process.

By following these steps, you can resolve most issues related to your graphics card in Windows 11 and improve system stability.

Related article:
How to reset the graphics driver in Windows 11