GuidesError FixesWindows Not Detecting Second GPU

Windows Not Detecting Second GPU [Our Detailed Guide]

Learn how you can fix a PC that's not detecting the second GPU by updating graphics drivers, Windows, and BIOS.

Expert Verified By

Having multiple GPUs can enhance the graphical performance of your PC. However, there can be times when Windows does not detect the second GPU. For this reason, we tested some methods, like updating BIOS, Windows, and GPU drivers, to help you eliminate this headache.

Key Takeaways
  • You can use two GPUs on your computer if the motherboard offers dual-GPU support with dedicated slots for each.
  • Windows may not perceive the second GPU due to an outdated Windows/graphics card driver, incorrect display settings, and incompatibility between the GPU and the motherboard.
  • You can try updating the graphics card driver, Windows, and BIOS to fix this problem.

Method Difficulty Rating

Update Graphics Card Driver
Rated: 3/10

Update Your Windows
Rated: 3/10

Update BIOS
Rated: 4/10


Tip: Before moving to the lengthy solutions, try power cycling your PC.

Update Graphics Card Driver

If Windows is not detecting your second GPU, we suggest you update your drivers. Updating the drivers timely ensures everything functions smoothly on your computer. Furthermore, this technique also helped several users on the Steam community forum. Here’s how you can update your GPU drivers:

  1. Go To Display Drivers: Press Windows+X keys > Select “Device Manager” > Right-click on the graphics card driver > Select “Update Driver.”
    Update Driver
    Click On Update Driver (Image By Tech4Gamers)
  2. Select The First Option: Pick “Search Automatically For Drivers” from this window.
    Search For Drivers
    Select The First Option For Searching Drivers (Image By Tech4Gamers)
  3. Restart PC And Verify: Reboot your computer and see if the solution works.

Update Your Windows

Because this error is directly related to Windows, you must look for relevant updates for your operating system and install them. We have covered all the instructions on updating Windows for the commonly used versions. Moreover, users on the Windows 7 forum claimed that updating Windows resolved this issue. Let me walk you through this process:

  1. Open Settings: Go to “Settings.” > Select “Update And Security.”
    Update And Security
    Go To Update And Security (Image By Tech4Gamers)
  2. Check For Updates: Highlight “Windows Update” from the left panel > Press the “Check For Updates” button.
    Check For Updates
    Click On Check For Updates (Image By Tech4Gamers)
  3. Install Latest Updates: “Download And Install” any latest updates recommended for your computer. 
    Download And Install
    Click On The Download And Install Option (Image By Tech4Gamers)

Update System BIOS

Updating BIOS can optimize your computer by fixing bugs, cleaning corrupt data, and improving its security. Moreover, the process is also helpful in making your computer compatible with new hardware, such as graphics cards that were not supported before.


WARNING: Be careful while performing the process and follow the instructions to avoid further troubles with your computer. It is also highly recommended not to turn off your computer during BIOS updates.

This technique also fixed the issue for many users on the Nvidia forum. You can update the BIOS by following these steps:

  1. Open System Information: Search “System Information” > “Open” the app > Pick “System Summary” from the set of options on your left.
  2. Note BIOS Version: Find “BaseBoard Manufacturer” and “BaseBoard Product” and note down the details, including the “BIOS Version/Date.”
    Check The BIOS Version along With Other Details
    Note The BIOS Details (Image By Tech4Gamers)
  3. Download Latest BIOS: Go to your manufacturer’s website > Download the latest BIOS version > Install the new BIOS.

Final Words

This is a wrap-up of our fixes if your PC can’t detect the second GPU. On an end note, inspect if the motherboard is compatible with two GPUs before purchasing a second graphics card for your computer.

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If none of the solutions could fix the problem, you may have bought a faulty graphics card. Try inserting it into another PC to inspect its functioning. If the second PC is also unable to detect it, you will have to replace the GPU.


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