Fix Motherboard not Detecting GPU: 6 Definitive Fixes [2023]

So, you finally upgraded your graphics card but your PC doesn’t seem to recognize it and your GPU is left useless.

Frustrating, I know.

Why is my graphics card not being detected?

Your GPU is not being detected by the motherboard because of incorrect drivers. However, due to the wrong BIOS settings, hardware issues, and GPU slot issues, your GPU won’t be detected. Check if your Graphics Card is properly installed or not.

As an expert who has built gaming PCs all my life, I am here to help you get that GPU up and running with some insanely easy fixes.

So, grab yourself some snacks and read on (don’t skip any part) to find the perfect solution that works for you.

Let’s Get Started.fix-gpu-not-detected

How to fix Graphics Card not detected by Motherboard

Your Graphics card will be undetected whenever you are playing a heavy game, which causes your GPU to temporarily shut down due to overheating.

There are several methods to get rid of this problem for good and you will find step-by-step descriptions for each fix if you keep reading.

Here are the steps to fix the motherboard not detecting GPU issues:

1. Ensure the Graphics Card Slot is working

None of the next solutions will work if your Graphics Card Slot is damaged. damaged-pcie-slotsThis can happen even if your Graphics card was working earlier so make sure to follow these steps:

  1. Unplug the Power Cable.
  2. Open the PC Case.
  3. Observe the motherboard and the GPU slots. Observe if the GPU fan starts running when the PC is turned on.
  4. Take out the GPU and inspect the PCIe slots on the motherboard for any physical damage.
  5. Re-insert your graphics card in a different slot if GPU is not detected but fan spinning.

After doing this, you might observe that the fan is running but your system is still not detecting the GPU. Keep reading to find the solution.

2. Update Graphics Card Drivers

Windows usually install the graphics card driver that is already present in the GPU by default.

However, sometimes this isn’t sufficient enough and you need to download additional drivers and files to be able to use the GPU.update-graphics-card-driver

These drivers can usually be found on your GPU manufacturer’s website. If you prefer a one-click software to do this for you, you can try numerous third-party software, like DriverFix.

If your drivers were already up to date and the GPU remains undetected, you might have to enable it. Follow the next solution to learn how to do this.

3. Enable GPU in Device Manager

If your drivers are fine, then Windows must be the culprit here. Sometimes, Windows will switch to the integrated GPU without you realizing it.

To get your GPU back up and running, follow these steps to enable the GPU.enable-gpu-in-device-driver

  1. Open up the Windows Search menu.
  2. Type Device Manager in the search box and click on the first result.
  3. Double click on Display Adaptors to expand it.
  4. Right-click on your GPU and select Properties.
  5. Switch to the Driver tab at the top of the window.

Note: If your GPU is disabled, you should be able to see a enable button. Click on the Button and reboot your system.

If you did not see an enable button but saw a disable button, don’t be alarmed! It only means that your GPU was already enabled.

If that’s the case, follow my next method to resolve your issue.

4. Enable GPU in BIOS

Your GPU might be disabled because it is switched off in BIOS.

Here are the steps to enable the GPU from BIOS:

  1. Shut down your computer.
  2. Turn it on but this time keep pressing F2.

Note: Different manufacturers use different keys for entering BIOS, so if this does not work, try F1, F8, or F11, or for older PCs, delete, ESC, ctrl+alt+esc, ctrl+alt+delete).enable-graphics-device-in-bios

  1. Navigate to Chipset > GPU Configuration.
  2. Look for the GPU function and set it to enabled.

This method has a higher success rate of fixing the issue but if this doesn’t work, you might need to restore BIOS settings.

Follow my next method carefully to find out how to do this.

5. Restore Default Settings in BIOS

This method has worked for many people and it should work for you too.

Follow these steps to restore default settings in BIOS:

  1. Shut down your computer.
  2. Turn it on but keep pressing the key that worked for you in the previous step.
  3. You will now be on your BIOS screen.
  4. Look for an option named Restore to Default or Restore Default Settings, and simply press enter. After a simple reboot, you should be able to enjoy your GPU in action.

However, if nothing from these methods worked, your last option is to uninstall Windows Updates. Read on to discover the easiest way to do that.

6. Uninstall Windows Updates

Windows updates can bring new features but when they are unstable, they can cause many issues including GPU not being detected.update-windows

Let’s see how to roll back a recent update to fix this issue:

  1. Open up the start menu.
  2. Search for settings and click on the first result.
  3. Look for Updates & Security and click on it.
  4. Switch to the Recovery tab. There will be a Get Started button in the Go back to an earlier build section. Click on that to begin the process.

Why is my Nvidia graphics card not being detected?

Nvidia GPU won’t be detected if the graphics driver is backdated, incorrect, or faulty. The solution to this problem is to update your BIOS and Update the Nvidia GeForce Drivers.

Go to the official website of Nvidia to download the latest drivers required for your PC.

You may ask:
How do I fix the Nvidia graphics card if isn’t detected?

Here are the steps to fix Nvidia GPU not being detected:

  1. Install the latest Nvidia Drivers.
  2. Ensure if your GPU is enabled. Right-click on the desktop to choose Nvidia Control Panel and then select Manage 3D settings. Under the preferred Graphics processor, select a High-performance Nvidia processor.
  3. Enable Discrete Graphics Processing Unit in BIOS.
  4. Update your BIOS.
  5. Uninstall Recent Nvidia graphics updates.

Final Thoughts

I know this can be a very annoying issue but luckily, this is a common problem and there are many fixes. However, if none of these worked, then you might be dealing with a faulty graphics card.

In this case, you should immediately take it back to the store with your receipt and get a working GPU.

You can also try borrowing your friend’s GPU to test if it works on your PC or you can connect your GPU to your friend’s motherboard to figure the source of the problem.

I hope one of these simple solutions fixed your issue. Stay with us for more fixes.