How to Fix The GPU Missing From Task Manager on Windows?

If you love playing games or using high-end software, then you need a dedicated GPU card. But what if the new GPU does not get detected or show up in the Task Manager? This could happen due to Misconfigured Settings, Driver Anomalies, or Hardware Issues. We have covered all the aspects of the GPU not showing up in Task Manager, and explained all the ways to fix this issue.

Basic Troubleshooting to Fix the Error

Enable GPU:

Open Task Manager and in the Processes tab, right-click the header row, and make sure “GPU” has a checkmark next to it.

Run a GPU-intensive task:

If the GPU isn’t actively being used, its graph in the “Performance” tab might appear flat or greyed out. Run a game or graphics-intensive application to see if it appears.

Reset Task Manager settings:

In Task Manager, go to the “Settings” tab and try “Reset all settings to default.” This can sometimes resolve display issues.

Best Methods to Fix The GPU Missing From Task Manager on Windows

There are three different ways to fix the error. All the troubleshooting methods fall under 3 categories – Driver issues, Settings issues, & Hardware issues. We have explained all the steps in detail. Make sure you check the issue after every successful completion of a method. This way, you can save time and effort after the issue has been resolved and ignore the remaining methods.

Solution 1 – Driver Issues

Drivers play an important part in bridging the gap between the hardware and the software. It is necessary to keep all the drivers updated, and graphics drivers are no exception. Here is a list of methods that will help you fix the GPU not showing up in Task Manager issue.

a.) Verify If The GPU IS Present In Device Manager

Before we start updating drivers, we must check if the GPU is recognized by the Device Manager. Here is what you need to do.

1. Press Win + X to open the Power Menu and choose Device Manager from the list of options.
2. In the new window, click on Display Adapters to expand the list within.
3. Locate your GPU in this list. There could be three possible options –

i) The GPU is listed without any errors. If this is the case, then move to the next method to reinstall drivers.
ii) The GPU is listed, but with a Yellow exclamation mark. In this scenario, right-click on your GPU and choose Properties to check for the error details.
iii) If the GPU is disabled, right-click to display the context menu and choose Enable device.

b.) Reinstall The GPU Drivers

The next step is to reinstall the drivers by uninstalling them first. This is done to remove existing drivers that might have been corrupted and replace them with a fresh installation of drivers. Here is what you need to do.

1. Open Device Manager and click on Display Adapters.
2. Right-click on your GPU and choose Uninstall Device.
3. Follow the steps onscreen and reboot the PC.
4. Windows will automatically reinstall the drivers for you.
5. Check if the issue has been resolved, or else move to the next method.

c.) Update Graphics Drivers

If the issue does not resolve even after reinstalling the drivers, then we suggest you update the GPU drivers. There are 2 methods to update the driver – Manually & Automatically.

• Manually Update Drivers Using OEM Website

All hardware manufacturers, also known as Original Equipment Manufacturers, develop a website where they store resources related to their hardware products. This could include user manuals, bug fixes, drivers, and software. Visit the official website of your dedicated GPU card and enter your model number to get the resources related to your card. Download and install the latest driver from this website.

• Automatically Update Drivers Using Advanced Driver Updater

Advanced Driver Updater is a third-party software that helps users update their drivers to their latest version available on the internet. This software automatically scans, detects, and resolves driver issues on your PC with a few mouse clicks. Here are the steps to use this tool.

1. Download & Install Advanced Driver Updater on your PC.

2. Open the app and click on the Start Scan Now button.

3. Wait for the scan to complete, and click on the Update button next to the GPU driver.
4. Follow the onscreen instructions and reboot your PC.

Solution 2 – Settings Issue

If the driver reinstall and update did not fix the GPU greyed out in Task Manager issue, then we have to modify certain settings in the Windows PC.

a.) Rebuild Performance Counters

If the GPU appears in the Device Manager without any issues, but not in the Task Manager, then there could be a possibility that the performance counters might be misconfigured or corrupted. Here is how you can fix the issue.

1. Press Win + X and choose Terminal (Admin) from the power menu.
2. Type lodctr /R and press Enter.

3. In case you get an error message “Unable to rebuild performance counter”, then type the following commands, one by one, each followed by Enter.

cd C:\Windows\SysWOW64
lodctr /R
cd C:\Windows\System32
lodctr /R

4. Reboot your PC after all the commands have been executed. Check if the issue has been resolved or move to the next step.

b.) Modify Power Settings

Some experts have recommended that altering the Power Settings might help fix the error. Here are the steps.

1. Press Windows + X keys and choose Power Options.
2. Set Power Mode to Best Performance
3. Press the Windows key and type Graphics Settings.

4. Click on the best match result to open a new settings window.
5. Choose the app and set it to High performance to use the dedicated GPU.

Read Also : [Solved] – GPU Crashes But PC Stays On

c.) Enable The GPU In Task Manager

1. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc)
2. Go to the Performance tab and check if the GPU is missing or greyed out.
3. Right-click any chart area → Change graph to → GPU Engine or Compute_0
4. Or try switching between the Performance and Processes tabs — sometimes it refreshes detection.

d.) Show GPU Column in Task Manager

If your GPU exists but just doesn’t show up in the Task Manager Performance tab:

1. Open Task Manager → Performance tab.
2. If the GPU section is missing:
3. Click View → Update speed → Normal.
4. Click Options → Show full account name / Show history to reset layout.
5. Restart Task Manager.

e.) Enable GPU In BIOS settings

Some systems disable the integrated or dedicated GPU in BIOS, preventing Windows from recognizing it.

1. Restart your PC → press F2 / Del / Esc (depends on your motherboard) to enter BIOS.
2. Go to the Advanced / Chipset / Graphics Configuration section.
3. Look for Integrated GPU / iGPU → set to Enabled
4. Primary Display Adapter → set to Auto or PEG (PCI-E GPU)
5. Save changes and restart.

Solution 3 – Random Issues

Not all issues can be traced back to a cause. Here are some general methods that have been compiled from various troubleshooting forums that have a great chance of resolving the GPU missing from Task Manager Windows 10/11.

a.) Update Windows

Sometimes the Task Manager GPU section won’t appear due to missing updates or corrupted performance counters.

1. Go to Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates.

2. Install all available updates.
3. Restart your PC and check Task Manager again.

b.) Enable Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling

Sometimes, the GPU is detected but inactive due to disabled hardware acceleration. Here is what you need to do.

1. Go to Settings → System → Display → Graphics → Default graphics settings.
2. Turn ON Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling.
3. Restart your PC.

c.) Check Windows Power Plan & Power Saving Settings

If your GPU is being disabled due to power saving. Follow these steps to change the Power Plan.

1. Open Control Panel → Hardware and Sound → Power Options.
2. Select High Performance or Ultimate Performance plan.
3. Restart and check if the GPU appears.

Solution 4 – Hardware Issues

If your dedicated GPU not showing up in Task Manager, then there could be many reasons. Here are the most prominent causes and fixes.

a.) Verify The Display Output Port (Desktop PC)

All motherboards have an integrated display adapter built in, which is a normal GPU. You need to check where the Monitor’s display cable has been plugged in. If it is plugged into the motherboard’s video output port, then you will not see any GPU options because it is inactive. Here is what you need to do.

1. Turn off your computer.
2. Check the CPU tower case for graphics ports. The top port is the integrated port, and any port in the lower section of the expansion slots is the dedicated GPU.
3. Unplug the monitor cable from the ports on the top and attach it to the lower port.
4. Turn on the computer and press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager and check if the GPU is visible.

b.) Change The Slot Of The Dedicated GPU (Desktop PC)

Any card that is placed in the expansion slot of your motherboard may accumulate dust or become loose due to the movement of the tower case. In this case, resetting of the graphics card is carried out. Here is what you need to do.

1. Shut down the PC and unplug it from the power socket as well as other cables.
2. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the tower case and open it.
3. Look for the dedicated graphics card.
4. Try to detach it from the PCIe slot.
5. Use a clean, soft cloth to gently wipe the card and the slot.
6. Place the card back into the slot and ensure it clicks/locks back in.

7. Close the tower case and plug all the cables back in. Make sure you plug the power cable in at the end.
8. Turn on the PC and check the GPU status in the Task Manager.

c.) Contact The Service Center (All PCs)

If the above methods do not resolve the problem or if you are using a laptop, then the only solution left is to contact the service center.

Final Conclusion:

The above methods have been compiled from various credible sources and tried by our team of experts. We hope your GPU issues get resolved and you are able to view it in your Task Manager. Do share with us your thoughts, suggestions, and experience in the comments section below.

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