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Windows Not Detecting Second GPU [12 FIXES]

Learn how the issue can be fixed by updating graphics drivers, using a different power source, and more.

Having multiple GPUs can enhance the graphical performance of your PC. But there can be times when Windows is not detecting the second GPU. Enabling Multiple Displays, updating Windows or putting your computer into Normal Startup mode can help solve the issue.

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  • Windows may not perceive the second GPU due to an outdated Windows/graphics card driver, incorrect display settings, and incompatibility between the GPU and the motherboard.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 restart the graphics card driver, boot the computer in Normal mode, or update the system BIOS to fix this problem.

Why Is Windows Not Detecting Your GPU?

Various reasons could lead to Windows failing to detect another graphics card, such as a malfunctioning graphics driver. In addition, the computer BIOS may not be configured to work with the second GPU, or you may be using outdated BIOS. 

Moreover, it could be possible that the power source is not supplying enough power to use both the GPUs on your computer. Using older versions of Windows and not installing timely updates can hinder its compatibility with two graphics cards. Besides, compatibility problems between the GPU and the motherboard can also lead to this trouble. Therefore, remember these 11 things before buying a motherboard.

How To Fix Windows Not Detecting Second GPU?

We have many ways to resolve the GPU detection error, from restarting your computer to updating its BIOS. In addition, find out how to lower GPU temperature with our ultimate guide.

Restart PC

When Windows fails to detect the second GPU, the first troubleshooting method should be to restart your PC. It identifies and resolves hardware issues, such as Windows being unable to detect the second graphics card. 

Restart PC
Restart PC – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]

Inspect The Graphics Card

Look for the current device status of the first graphics card on your PC since we need to rule out driver issues on the motherboard. If the first GPU is working fine, we can suspect the problem lies in the second GPU, the operating system, or computer settings.

  1. Double-click on the graphics card under the “Display Adapater” heading.
    Display Adapter – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  2. A new dialog box will appear on your screen.
  3. Head to the “Driver” section from the top panel.
  4. You will see the “Disable Device” button when the driver is enabled.
    Windows Not Detecting Second GPU
    Disable Device Option – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  5. Next, go to the “General” tab.
  6. Note the message in the “Device Status” box. It should say, “This Device Is Working Properly.” 
    Windows Not Detecting Second GPU
    Device Status – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]

Use A Different Power Source

The power source you use for your PC may be at fault or not have an adequate electrical supply to run two GPUs simultaneously. Hence, plug the system into another power outlet when you want to work with multiple graphics cards.

Restart Display Driver

Disable the Display Driver and re-enable it after a minute to clear any residing bugs and glitches hindering its working. It also helps resolve driver conflicts between the two graphics cards.

  1. Go to “Device Manager” by right-clicking the “Start” menu.
    Windows Not Detecting Second GPU
    Device Manager – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  2. Expand “Display Drivers.”
    Display Adapter
    Display Adapter – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  3. Right-click the installed graphics driver and pick “Disable Device” from the mini-menu.
    Windows Not Detecting Second GPU
    Disable Display Adapter – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  4. “Enable” the driver after a minute.

Check Windows Display Settings

Due to extended screen space, enabling multiple displays on your computer allows you to work with many applications simultaneously. Enable the Extend Display option on your PC via “Settings.”

  1. Right-click anywhere on the “Desktop” to open a sub-menu.
  2. Choose “Display Settings.”
    Display Settings
    Display Settings – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  3. Scroll down to the “Multiple Displays” heading.
  4. Make sure that the “Extend Desktop” option is enabled.
    Windows Not Detecting Second GPU
    Multiple Displays – Image Credits [Online Tech Tips]

Also Read: How To Change Color On Redragon Keyboard

Update 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.

  1. Go to “Settings.”
    Windows Not Detecting Second GPU
    Settings – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  2. Select “Update And Security.”
    Update And Security
    Update And Security – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  3. Highlight “Windows Update” from the left panel and press the “Check For Updates” button.
    Check For Updates
    Check For Updates – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  4. “Download And Install” any latest updates recommended for your computer. 
    Windows Not Detecting Second GPU
    Download Updates – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]

Ensure Normal Startup Mode

In Normal Startup Mode, the computer loads the operating system, drivers, and other programs without additional settings. Therefore, it will undo any custom changes you made to the Display Drivers.

  1. Hold your computer’s “Windows+R” keys to access the “Run” box.
    Windows + R Keys
    Windows+R Keys – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  2. Enter “msconfig” to launch the “System Configuration” menu.
    Windows Not Detecting Second GPU
    Run Box – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  3. Mark “Normal Startup.”
  4. Press “Apply” followed by “OK.”
    Normal Startup
    Normal Startup – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  5. Restart the PC to load the changes.

Modify GPU Settings

Enabling Multi-GPU support from the graphic cards’ control panel software is necessary before you can run two of them on the computer. Set both GPUs in the active display section so Windows can detect it without any hassles.

  1. Come to the “Desktop” screen.
  2. Right-click anywhere on the “Desktop.”
  3. Go to “Intel Graphics Settings.”
    Intel Graphics Settings
    Intel Graphics Settings – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  4. Head to “Multiple Displays.”
  5. Set “Multiple Display” in the “Select Display” section and then pick the active displays in the next section.
    Windows Not Detecting Second GPU
    Multiple Displays – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  6. Press “Apply.”
  7. Close the window and “Restart” your computer.

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.

  1. Right-click on the graphics card driver from the “Device Manager.”
  2. Select “Update Driver.”
    Update Driver
    Update Driver – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  3. Pick “Search Automatically For Drivers” from this window.
    Search For Drivers
    Search For Drivers – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  4. The PC will search and prompt you to install any available updates.

Disable Onboard GPU In BIOS

  1. Restart your computer.
  2. While the screen starts, press the relevant key according to the PC’s manufacturer to enter “BIOS Settings.”
    MANUFACTURER BOOT MENU KEY
    Lenovo F1, F2, or F12
    HP F10, Esc, Or F9
    Dell F2 Or F12
    Asus F2 or Esc
    Acer F2 Or F12
    Samsung F2 Or Esc
    Sony F1, F2, F3, Or F11
  3. Head to the “Advanced” section.
  4. Go to “Video Configuration.”
  5. Find an option related to the graphics or video settings, for example, “First Display Device,” “Integrated Graphics,” or “Primary Graphics Adapter.”
  6. Select it and “Disable” the GPU.

Check The GPU Slot

It is possible that you have not installed the second GPU properly into the slot. Hence, remove the card and re-insert it to see if it works. In addition, you can try swapping the two graphics cards between the slots.

Update System BIOS

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

On the other hand, 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. Additionally, we used the same solution when Windows could not prepare our computer to boot into the next installation phase while installing a new version.

Look Up The BIOS Version

  1. Search “System Information” in the PC’s “Search Bar” and “Open” the app.
    System Information
    System Information – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  2. Pick “System Summary” from the set of options on your left.
  3. Find “BaseBoard Manufacturer” and “BaseBoard Product” and jot down the details.
  4. Also, remember the “BIOS Version/Date.”
    Windows Not Detecting Second GPU
    BIOS Details – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]

Update BIOS

Lenovo
  1. Head to Lenovo Support and select your computer’s model.
  2. Select “Drivers And Software” from the left panel.
  3. Press the blue button, “Scan Now,” in the “Automatic Update” box.
    Windows Not Detecting Second GPU
    Scan Now – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  4. Accept the terms and “Continue.”
    Windows Not Detecting Second GPU
    Continue – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  5. You will be prompted to download “Lenovo Service Bridge.” Do it.
    Download
    Download – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  6. Once installed, repeat “Step 3.”
  7. The “Download In Progress” pop-up should be visible on your screen. Let it finish.
    Downloading In Progress
    Downloading In Progress – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  8. “Select Drivers” and then click the “Update Drivers” box.
    Update Drivers
    Update Drivers – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  9. Press “Install Now.”
    Windows Not Detecting Second GPU
    Install Now – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  10. Open the app after installation.
  11. Wait for the process to complete.
    Windows Not Detecting Second GPU
    Completing – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  12. A BIOS update should be available for your computer. Choose it and hit “Next.”
    BIOS Update File
    BIOS Update File – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  13. Select “Download.”
    Windows Not Detecting Second GPU
    Download – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  14. Press “OK.”
    OK
    OK – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  15. Mark “I Accept The Agreement” and go “Next.”
    Accept Agreement
    Accept Agreement – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  16. Lastly, “Install” the updates.
    Windows Not Detecting Second GPU
    Install – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  17. Pick “Finish.”
    Finish
    Finish – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  18. The message should read, “1 Package Was Successfully Downloaded And Installed.”
    Windows Not Detecting Second GPU
    Downloaded – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  19. Choose “OK.”
    Windows Not Detecting Second GPU
    OK – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  20. The computer will restart. Make sure not to press any buttons or turn them off.
    Updating BIOS
    Updating BIOS – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
Asus
  1. Launch the MyASUS Application on your PC.
    MyASUS App
    MyASUS App – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  2. Click the “Customer Support” icon on the left panel.
    Customer Support
    Customer Support – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  3. Head to “Live Updates.”
  4. Press “Latest.”
  5. The “BIOS Update For Windows” file will be shown on the screen. Download it.
    BIOS Update File
    BIOS Update File – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  6. “Confirm” your choice.
  7. Highlight the disk to save the update file and hit “OK.”
    Windows Not Detecting Second GPU
    OK – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  8. Next, open the Utility file after the installation.
    Utility File – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  9. Select “Yes.”
    Yes
    Yes – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  10. Set English as the main language by selecting “OK.”
    Windows Not Detecting Second GPU
    OK – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  11. Hit “Next” on the setup box.
    Next – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  12. Pick “Install” and press “Next.”
    Install
    Select Install – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  13. The update will be “Ready To Install.” Click the “Install” button.
    Install BIOS
    Install BIOS – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  14.  Choose “OK” and proceed.
    Windows Not Detecting Second GPU
    OK – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  15. Mark “Yes, Restart The Computer Now” and “Finish” the process.
    Restart The Computer
    Restart The Computer – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  16. Your computer will restart and load the “BIOS Utiility” screen.
  17. Select “Yes.”
    Yes – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  18. The system will initiate upgrading the BIOS. 
    Windows Not Detecting Second GPU
    Upgrading BIOS – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
Dell
  1. Open Dell Support on your browser.
  2. Use “Support Assistant” to identify your computer.
  3. Select your model.
    Select Model
    Select Model – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  4. Head to “Drivers And Downloads.”
    Windows Not Detecting Second GPU
    Drivers And Download – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  5. Click “Find Drivers.”
    Windows Not Detecting Second GPU
    Find Drivers – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  6. Choose your “Operating System” and set the category as “BIOS.”
  7. If the available file is more recent than the current “BIOS Version/Date,” as seen in “Step 4” of the previous section, download it.
    Windows Not Detecting Second GPU
    Select OS – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  8. Open the installed file.
    Installed File
    Installed File – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  9. Pick “Yes.”
    Yes
    Yes – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  10. Hit “Update.”
    Windows Not Detecting Second GPU
    Update – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  11. It will load firmware data and then restart.
    Windows Not Detecting Second GPU
    Loading Data – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
HP
  1. Open HP Support and choose your product. 
    Select Product
    Select Product – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  2. Press the blue button, “Let HP Detect Your Product.”
    Let HP Detect Product
    Let HP Detect Product – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  3. Download the latest “BIOS Update File.”
    Download File
    Download File – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  4. Launch after the installation.
  5. Select “Yes” to proceed.
    Windows Not Detecting Second GPU
    Yes – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  6. Press “Next.”
    Windows Not Detecting Second GPU
    Next – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  7. Accept the agreement and hit “Next.”
    Windows Not Detecting Second GPU
    Accept Agreement – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  8. Choose “Next.”
    Next
    Next – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  9. Select “Update” and press “Next.”
    Update
    Update – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  10. Choose “Restart Now” from the pop-up.
    Restart Now
    Restart Now – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  11. Pick “Apply Update Now.”
    Apply Update
    Apply Update – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]
  12. The BIOS installation will begin.
Windows Not Detecting Second GPU
Updating BIOS – Image Credits [Tech4Gamers]

What To Do If Nothing Works?

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. In case the second PC is also unable to detect it, you will have to replace the GPU.

Final Words

This is a wrap on our fixes for the “Windows not detecting second GPU” error. On an end note, inspect if the motherboard is compatible with two GPUs before purchasing a second graphics card for your computer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Is My GPU Not Being Detected?

Windows may not detect your GPU if you are not using the latest graphics driver or Windows versions. Also, the error occurs if your computer is not set to work with two graphics cards.

Are There Any Benefits Of Using Two GPUs?

Using multiple GPUs on your computer can improve graphics performance for high-quality games and videos and enable multitasking.

How Can I Check If I Have Fixed The Error?

Go to “Device Manager” and expand “Display Adapter.” Check if the second graphics card is available in the list of connected devices.


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Ali Rashid Khan
Ali Rashid Khan
Ali Rashid Khan is an avid gamer, hardware enthusiast, photographer, and devoted litterateur with a period of experience spanning more than 14 years. Sporting a specialization with regards to the latest tech in flagship phones, gaming laptops, and top-of-the-line PCs, Ali is known for consistently presenting the most detailed objective perspective on all types of gaming products, ranging from the Best Motherboards, CPU Coolers, RAM kits, GPUs, and PSUs amongst numerous other peripherals. When he’s not busy writing, you’ll find Ali meddling with mechanical keyboards, indulging in vehicular racing, or professionally competing worldwide with fellow mind-sport athletes in Scrabble at an international level. Currently speaking, Ali has completed his A-Level GCEs with plans to go into Business Studies, or who knows, perhaps a full-time dedicated technological journalist.

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