Windows Not Detecting Second GPU [12 FIXES]

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• Windows may not perceive the second GPU due to an outdated Windows/graphics card driver, incorrect display settings, and incompatibility between the GPU and the motherboard.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 In addition, the computer BIOS may not be configured to work with the second GPU, or you may be using outdated BIOS.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. 

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.

   

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.
   

   

5. Next, go to the “General” tab.
6. Note the message in the “Device Status” box. It should say, “This Device Is Working Properly.” 
   

   

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.

   

2. Expand “Display Drivers.”

   

3. Right-click the installed graphics driver and pick “Disable Device” from the mini-menu.

   

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.”
   

   

3. Scroll down to the “Multiple Displays” heading.
4. Make sure that the “Extend Desktop” option is enabled.
   

   

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.”
   

   

2. Select “Update And Security.”
   

   

3. Highlight “Windows Update” from the left panel and press the “Check For Updates” button.
   

   

4. “Download And Install” any latest updates recommended for your computer. 
   

   

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.

   

2. Enter “msconfig” to launch the “System Configuration” menu.

   

3. Mark “Normal Startup.”
4. Press “Apply” followed by “OK.”
   

   

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.”
   

   

4. Head to “Multiple Displays.”
5. Set “Multiple Display” in the “Select Display” section and then pick the active displays in the next section.
   

   

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.”
   

   

3. Pick “Search Automatically For Drivers” from this window.
   

   

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.

   

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.”

   

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.

   

4. Accept the terms and “Continue.”

   

5. You will be prompted to download “Lenovo Service Bridge.” Do it.

   

6. Once installed, repeat “Step 3.”
7. The “Download In Progress” pop-up should be visible on your screen. Let it finish.

   

8. “Select Drivers” and then click the “Update Drivers” box.

   

9. Press “Install Now.”

   

10. Open the app after installation.
11. Wait for the process to complete.

    

12. A BIOS update should be available for your computer. Choose it and hit “Next.”
    

    

13. Select “Download.”

    

14. Press “OK.”

    

15. Mark “I Accept The Agreement” and go “Next.”

    

16. Lastly, “Install” the updates.

    

17. Pick “Finish.”

    

18. The message should read, “1 Package Was Successfully Downloaded And Installed.”

    

19. Choose “OK.”

    

20. The computer will restart. Make sure not to press any buttons or turn them off.

    

Asus

1. Launch the MyASUS Application on your PC.

   

2. Click the “Customer Support” icon on the left panel.

   

3. Head to “Live Updates.”
4. Press “Latest.”
5. The “BIOS Update For Windows” file will be shown on the screen. Download it.

   

6. “Confirm” your choice.
7. Highlight the disk to save the update file and hit “OK.”

   

8. Next, open the Utility file after the installation.

   

9. Select “Yes.”
   

   

10. Set English as the main language by selecting “OK.”

    

11. Hit “Next” on the setup box.

    

12. Pick “Install” and press “Next.”

    

13. The update will be “Ready To Install.” Click the “Install” button.

    

14.  Choose “OK” and proceed.

    

15. Mark “Yes, Restart The Computer Now” and “Finish” the process.

    

16. Your computer will restart and load the “BIOS Utiility” screen.
17. Select “Yes.”

    

18. The system will initiate upgrading the BIOS. 

    

Dell

1. Open Dell Support on your browser.
2. Use “Support Assistant” to identify your computer.
3. Select your model.

   

4. Head to “Drivers And Downloads.”

   

5. Click “Find Drivers.”

   

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.

   

8. Open the installed file.

   

9. Pick “Yes.”

   

10. Hit “Update.”

    

11. It will load firmware data and then restart.

    

HP

1. Open HP Support and choose your product. 

   

2. Press the blue button, “Let HP Detect Your Product.”

   

3. Download the latest “BIOS Update File.”

   

4. Launch after the installation.
5. Select “Yes” to proceed.

   

6. Press “Next.”

   

7. Accept the agreement and hit “Next.”

   

8. Choose “Next.”

   

9. Select “Update” and press “Next.”

   

10. Choose “Restart Now” from the pop-up.

    

11. Pick “Apply Update Now.”

    

12. The BIOS installation will begin.

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.

Related Articles 

• How To Perform Disk Check? [Mac, Windows, and Linux]
• How To Clean Boot Your Computer? [Quick Guide]