If your graphics card is showing as “Microsoft Basic Display Adapter” on Windows 11, it means the system is not recognizing your actual GPU properly. This can limit your computer’s performance, especially in games or graphic-intensive tasks.
Don’t worry, this is a common issue and can usually be fixed with a few simple steps. We will guide you through easy-to-follow instructions to help your PC detect the correct graphics card.
Understanding how Windows handles graphics drivers will help you fix this problem and improve your computer’s display capabilities.
Let’s start with some quick checks before moving on to detailed solutions.
Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks
- Check your hardware: Make sure your graphics card is properly installed inside your PC.
- Internet connection: You’ll need a stable internet connection to download drivers.
- Windows Update: Ensure your Windows 11 is updated to the latest version for best compatibility.
- Device Manager access: We will use Device Manager, so know how to open it by right-clicking the Start button and selecting “Device Manager.”
Step 1: Restart Your Computer
Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve driver recognition issues. When Windows boots up again, it may detect and install the correct driver automatically.
Restart your PC and check Device Manager to see if the graphics card is still listed as “Microsoft Basic Display Adapter.”
Step 2: Run Windows Update
Windows Update often installs important driver updates. Here’s how to check:
- Click the Start menu and select Settings.
- Go to Windows Update on the left panel.
- Click Check for updates.
- Install any available updates and restart your PC.
This step is important because Microsoft sometimes pushes GPU driver updates through Windows Update.
Step 3: Manually Update the Graphics Driver via Device Manager
If Windows Update doesn’t help, manually installing the correct driver often solves the problem.
- Open Device Manager.
- Expand the Display adapters section.
- Right-click on Microsoft Basic Display Adapter and select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for drivers. Windows will try to find the correct driver online.
- If Windows finds a driver, follow the prompts to install it and restart your PC.
This method lets Windows search for the best driver but sometimes may not find the latest or best one.
Step 4: Download and Install Drivers from the Manufacturer’s Website
For the best results, download drivers directly from your graphics card manufacturer:
- NVIDIA: Visit NVIDIA Driver Downloads.
- AMD: Visit AMD Drivers and Support.
- Intel: Visit Intel Download Center.
- Identify your graphics card model (you can check your PC specs or the label on the card).
- Download the latest driver compatible with Windows 11.
- Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Restart your PC after installation.
This step ensures you get the official and optimized driver for your hardware, which is crucial for performance and stability.
Step 5: Use the Graphics Card Manufacturer’s Software
Many GPU manufacturers provide software to manage drivers:
- NVIDIA GeForce Experience for NVIDIA cards
- AMD Radeon Software for AMD cards
- Intel Driver & Support Assistant for Intel GPUs
These tools can automatically detect your GPU and install or update drivers. Download the appropriate software from the manufacturer’s site, install it, and follow the prompts to update your graphics driver.
Step 6: Uninstall Old Drivers and Reinstall
If the above methods don’t work, try uninstalling the current driver completely before installing the new one.
- Open Device Manager.
- Right-click on the Microsoft Basic Display Adapter or your current graphics adapter and select Uninstall device.
- Check the box for Delete the driver software for this device if available.
- Click Uninstall and restart your computer.
- After restart, install the correct driver manually from the manufacturer’s website or use the manufacturer’s software.
This cleans out any corrupted or incorrect drivers that might be causing the issue.
Alternative Method: Use Device Manager to Install Drivers Manually
If automatic searches don’t work, you can manually point Windows to the driver files:
- Download the driver package (usually a ZIP file) from the manufacturer’s site.
- Extract the files to a folder on your PC.
- Open Device Manager, right-click your display adapter, and select Update driver.
- Choose Browse my computer for drivers.
- Navigate to the folder where you extracted the files and select it.
- Click Next and follow prompts to install.
This method is useful if Windows cannot find drivers online automatically.
FAQs
Why is my graphics card showing as Microsoft Basic Display Adapter?
Windows uses the Microsoft Basic Display Adapter driver as a fallback when it cannot find or install the specific driver for your graphics card.
Can I use my PC normally with Microsoft Basic Display Adapter?
Yes, but performance will be limited, especially for games, videos, and graphic design software.
How do I find out what graphics card I have?
You can check your PC specs, look inside your PC for the card label, or use software like CPU-Z or GPU-Z to detect your hardware.
Will updating Windows fix this issue?
Sometimes yes, because Windows Update can install missing drivers, but manual driver installation is often more reliable.
Is it safe to download drivers from third-party sites?
It’s best to download drivers only from official manufacturer websites to avoid malware or incompatible drivers.
When Nothing Works
If you have tried all the above steps and your graphics card still shows as Microsoft Basic Display Adapter, consider the following options:
- Check BIOS settings: Ensure your GPU is enabled in BIOS/UEFI settings.
- Reseat the graphics card: Power off your PC, open the case, and carefully remove and reinstall the card.
- Contact manufacturer support: Visit your PC or GPU manufacturer’s support page for help.
- Use Windows Troubleshooter: Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Run the troubleshooter for hardware and devices.
- Consider professional help: If hardware might be faulty, consult a technician.
Conclusion
The “Microsoft Basic Display Adapter” issue usually means Windows cannot detect or use your graphics card’s proper driver. Starting with simple restarts and Windows Update can sometimes fix the problem quickly.
If not, manually updating or reinstalling drivers from the manufacturer’s website is the most effective solution. Using manufacturer tools can also simplify driver management.
Always ensure your GPU is properly installed and enabled in BIOS. If problems persist, hardware issues or professional support may be necessary.
Following these steps carefully will help restore your graphics card’s full functionality on Windows 11.