Graphics card issues can be troublesome, but luckily there are some steps users can take to troubleshoot the problem in Windows 10.
1. Check your hardware
The first step to troubleshooting graphics card issues is to make sure that all the hardware is properly connected and functioning correctly. This includes checking the power connections, ensuring the correct video cable (e.g. HDMI or DisplayPort) is connected, and making sure the monitor is powered on. If any of the connections are incorrect or not working, then the video signal will not be transmitted correctly and the graphics card will be unable to produce a signal.
2. Update drivers
Often times, graphics card issues can be solved by simply updating the drivers. It is important to make sure that you have the latest driver version installed for your graphics card as this will ensure that the device is fully optimized and running correctly. To update your drivers, you can download the latest version from your manufacturer’s website or use the integrated tool in Windows 10. Go to Settings -> Update & security -> Windows Update -> Check for Updates and follow the instructions to install the driver update for your graphics card.
3. Run a System File Checker
If the previous steps have not resolved the issue, then there may be a problem with Windows itself that needs to be fixed. To check if there are any corrupted system files that could be causing the problem, you can use the System File Checker tool. This will scan your system and repair any corrupted system files that it finds. To run the System File Checker, open the Command Prompt as an administrator, type “sfc /scannow” and press enter. The scan should take several minutes to complete.
4. Clean up your computer
A cluttered hard drive may cause your computer to slow down or experience driver-related issues. To free up space, you can remove temporary files, uninstall unused programs, and delete large files that you no longer need. You can also use disk cleanup tools such as CCleaner or Disk Cleanup for Windows to automate the process.
5. Reinstall the Graphics Drivers
If none of the above steps have resolved the issue, then you may need to reinstall the graphics driver. Start by uninstalling the existing driver from Device Manager. Then, download the latest driver from your manufacturer’s website, install it, and restart your computer.
6. Restore System Settings
Once your graphics driver has been reinstalled, you may want to try restoring the system settings. This can help if there are any configuration issues preventing the graphics card from working correctly. To do this, open System Restore in the Control Panel, create a restore point and then restore your system to an earlier point in time.
7. Install new hardware
In some cases, the issue may be caused by outdated or faulty hardware. If you have exhausted all other options, you may want to consider upgrading or replacing your graphics card. Before doing so, make sure that the card is compatible with your system configuration as incompatible hardware can lead to further problems.
By following these steps, you should be able to troubleshoot most graphics card issues in Windows 10. If all else fails, you may need to contact your manufacturer or seek professional help.