How to Reset Graphics Card: 6 Easy Steps You Need to Know [Video]

Learning how to reset graphics card could be a good place to start if you’re having display problems with your computers.

The hardware causes the majority of problems with your graphics card. This does not mean that you have to buy a new card every time the old one malfunctions. In some cases, cleaning your graphics card can have a lot of impacts.

Watch Video on How to Reset Graphics Card

The graphics card is necessary for your PC to function properly (especially if you are a gamer), yet it can also be a major source of frustration.

It is a known fact that whenever the PC shuts down while you are gaming, there is a good chance that the GPU could be the cause. You’ll learn how to reset graphics cards easily in this article.

How to Reset Graphics Card

How to Reset Graphics Card
How to Reset Graphics Card

Resetting your graphics driver is as simple as pressing the command “Win + Ctrl + Shift + B.” This command will blacken your screen for a second, but it will restart your graphics driver, which may fix any issues you’ve been experiencing.

With this keyboard shortcut, you can reset the graphics driver without closing other programs. Thus, if the problem occurs while working or playing a video game, this technique will help clear it up without compromising your progress.

The steps described below will guide you on how to reset the drivers on your graphics card:

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Step 1: Find The “Start” menu, then click on the “Control Panel.”

Open the control panel by clicking the start menu.

Step 2: Locate the Control Panel and click “System.”

From the control panel window, select the system from the scroll-down menu.

Step 3: Open “Device Manager”

Open the Device Manager by opening the search bar and typing “device manager,” or go to the Control Panel and click on “System.”

Step 4: Open “Display Drivers” In the Device Manager

Click “Display Adapters” in the Device Manager after it opens. There will be a list of all your display adapters, including your GPU.

Step 5: Uninstall the Driver

When you right-click on your GPU, it will say “Uninstall.” Confirm the uninstallation and close the Device Manager.

Step 6:  Restart your Computer

The final step on how to reset the graphics card is to restart your computer as soon as you are prompted. After Windows loads, the new graphics card will be detected, and drivers will be reinstalled automatically.

Occasionally, reinstalling your GPU drivers does not happen automatically on some PCs. Hence, having a setup of your GPU’s drivers on your hard drive/SSD may be a good idea.

Resetting Video Driver Settings

How to Reset Graphics Card
How to Reset Graphics Card

Aside from learning how to reset graphics card, it is also important that you learn how to reset the settings for your video driver.

The computer’s display of graphics and game performance can also be affected by your video card driver settings.

Below, we have listed what to do for the most common brands in the market.

AMD

Step 1: Find AMD Radeon Settings.

First, right-click on the desktop and select AMD Radeon Settings.

Step 2: Go to the Preferences Tab

Select the Preferences tab.

Step 3: Restore factory defaults.

Choose to restore factory defaults.

NVIDIA

Step 1: Choose the Nvidia Control Panel by right-clicking on your desktop.

Then go to the Nvidia Control Panel by right-clicking on your desktop.

Step 2: Select “Manage 3D Settings.”

To manage 3D settings, click Manage 3D Settings.

Step 3: Right-click on Restore Defaults and select it.

Finally, you can restore the defaults by clicking “Restore Defaults” in the upper-right corner.

INTEL

Step 1: Right-click on your desktop and select Graphics Properties.

Select Graphics Properties from the right-click menu of your desktop.

Step 2: Select 3D

Once you have opened the menu for Graphics Properties, find and click on 3D.

Step 3: Choose to Restore Defaults

To restore the defaults, click Restore Defaults.

What Happens If I Disable My Graphics Driver

Graphics Driver
How to Reset Graphics Card

An important thing worthy of note when searching for how to reset graphics card is what happens if the graphics card is disabled.

If your graphics driver is disabled, your screen will instantly go black. The reason is that the hardware sending visual data to the screen is inactive.

Regardless, the issue is solely a software problem, and it can easily be rectified by resetting the CMOS, which controls the BIOS.

As mentioned earlier, if your graphics card is disabled in Windows using the Device Manager or another app, you will need to boot into a safe mode to re-enable it.

You can start your computer in Safe Mode by holding down Shift + F8 during startup. Try re-enabling the graphics card if your screen is working, which it should be unless in cases where your graphics card has failed, or you have a faulty screen cable or screen. Make sure the drivers for your computer are updated. In addition, it can be reset to factory defaults if the problems are with the software.

You might have a severe problem if you don’t see a display when you first boot your PC (the BIOS splash screen). The operating system on your PC does not control the boot screen, so if you’ve tried everything else and still don’t see anything, you might have a faulty CPU, cable, or graphics card.

You can try several things to fix issues where the graphics card is disabled. Yet the most important thing to keep in mind is that you’ll need to re-enable it the same way you disabled it. For example, if you disabled it in BIOS, re-enable it from BIOS and if you disabled it in Windows, re-enable it from Windows.

What is the difference between CMOS and BIOS?

What is the difference between CMOS and BIOS?
How to Reset Graphics Card

The common terms “BIOS” (basic input/output system) and “CMOS” (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) are often used interchangeably, but they are different, though related, components of a computer.

The BIOS is the program that starts up the computer, and the CMOS is where the BIOS stores date, time, and system configuration information it needs to start the computer.

CMOS and BIOS terms refer to components of your computer’s motherboard. Even though they work together, they are not the same thing.

CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) and BIOS (Basic Input Output System) are terms used in computer technology.

They have a lot in common since they are closely related. However, they are different. BIOS is described as software that manages computer hardware during startup.

Think of it as a primitive operating system that initializes all the resources needed by the operating system. On the other hand,  CMOS is a type of integrated circuit.

The reason why these two are so closely related is the fact that a CMOS chip stores the information necessary for the BIOS. You can switch between these settings and a menu during boot-up by pressing F2.

One of the main reasons CMOS was chosen is its low energy consumption. When the system is off, a CR-2032 battery keeps the CMOS chip powered to keep the information stored. This means that the settings are lost if the power goes out.

The BIOS, on the other hand, does not require constant power as the code is stored in non-volatile memory. It also runs for a short time before handing control over to the operating system.

CMOS and BIOS are also different in terms of importance. Even though CMOS contains data, losing it will not cause major problems for the entire system.

It can be restored by looking at the menu when the computer is powered up. The BIOS code is important because the computer cannot boot without it.

To repair the computer, the BIOS chip must be removed and reprogrammed. The BIOS is protected by safeguards, including several restrictions to prevent accidental corruption and the use of multiple chips with the same BIOS for disaster recovery.

We may summarize the above explanation as follows:

  1. While CMOS is a type of chip, BIOS is a simple operating system.
  2. The CMOS should always be powered up, but not the BIOS.
  3. In contrast to CMOS, BIOS is vital.
  4. The CMOS chip is no longer in use; the chip’s BIOS is.

Is An Old GPU Better Than Integrated?

Guide to Reset Graphics Cards
How to Reset Graphics Card

Other information that people seek out when looking for how to reset graphics card is whether or not they are better off with a dedicated graphics card or a processor with an integrated graphics chip?

The next section examines the differences between both options to help figure out which one will work best.

The term “integrated graphics” refers to when a CPU and a GPU are built into the same chip. Thus, choosing a processor with integrated graphics will handle both CPU and GPU processes.

A dedicated graphics card is independent of your CPU. The graphics card that contains the GPU is used to process graphics-related data and instructions independently from your CPU.

The majority of modern processors come with an integrated GPU that is minimized and does not affect the CPU’s performance.

However, a dedicated graphics card has PCB, memory (VRAM), and a cooling solution, so its performance is not limited.

By freeing up CPU resources, you’ll be able to utilize integrated graphics on your computer to carry out graphics-related calculations instead of a dedicated GPU.

In other words, depending on how powerful the GPU on it is, a dedicated graphics card will provide more GPU power and reduce the load on your main processor, and the computer will perform better as a result of both of those things.

Even if dedicated graphics cards improve a computer’s performance, that doesn’t mean everyone should use a computer with a dedicated GPU.

Integrated graphics are becoming a more powerful tool useful for basic computing; they offer more than enough power to satisfy the average user.

The reality is that, while dedicated graphics cards usually deliver more GPU power, some users are better off with integrated graphics if their system is capable of doing so.

This is especially true if they don’t have the budget to purchase a dedicated graphics card and if the system will only be used for tasks that do not require the extra GPU capacity that a dedicated graphics card offers.

What Does Processor Without Graphics Mean?

What Does Processor Without Graphics Mean?
How to Reset Graphics Card

Having a processor without integrated graphics means you won’t be able to boot the system unless you have a dedicated GPU installed, i.e., if your GPU fails, your PC will not be able to display anything.

A graphics card (GPU) is the most expensive component of the computer, and you can run a PC without a GPU if your CPU has integrated graphics.

A CPU with integrated graphics (APU) or Vega graphics can render graphics with more RAM. It is enough for a PC without a graphics card to perform tasks with an APU (accelerated processing unit).

Despite the absence of a graphics card, the computer runs perfectly well. As long as you know what you’re doing, you can handle all tasks properly. If you do not want to see what you are doing, you do not need a graphics card.

Conclusion

A reliable graphics driver is crucial to ensure that your system performs as expected, and your computer’s display might freeze or stutter when it is faulty. However, the solutions provided above can help you resolve the issue.

The steps on how to reset graphics card can be surprisingly easy or frighteningly easy, depending on your experience with computers and how many peripherals are in the way.

If you perform tasks like gaming, 3D modeling, or others where graphics are crucial, you should buy an external GPU instead of an integrated one. If you use your PC for tasks like writing, excel, or watching, you can skip the GPU. You should also remember that you can easily use a CPU with integrated graphics if you do not want to buy a graphics card.

 

How to Fix High GPU Usage: In 6 Easy Steps [Video]

Learning how to fix high GPU usage is important because this type of usage can increase when you mine, play a game, or render various types of data on your computer.

The above activities are everyday things that we all do on our computers every day, and if any of them is likely to cause GPU usage to increase, then a skill like how to fix that rise should be counted as important.

Watch Video on How to Fix High GPU Usage

The Graphics Processing Unit commonly called the  GPU is the component of the computer used for processing graphics. When it is not in use, the size is often normal, but even the smallest activity involving data processing can cause that to change.

Frequent computer usage can result in higher GPU usage, and knowing how to fix high GPU usage can sometimes be the only way to keep this under control.

How to Fix High GPU Usage

How to Fix High GPU Usage
How to Fix High GPU Usage

It can be annoying and even a little concerning to see your computer with an increased GPU usage, especially because this can cause the fans to spin at full speed, making your device excessively loud and difficult to work with.

Aside from that, you won’t be able to play games well because another service uses the GPU’s resources.

Here’s how to fix the GPU’s high usage. Keep in mind that a large GPU space can be beneficial when playing a hefty video game.

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Process Hacker can diagnose and fix high GPU usage if nothing is done on the computer. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Install and run Process Hacker

Start by uninstalling the driver, then reinstall it again. Ensure you have updated the graphics card driver.

Step 2: Select any column header (top row) and select “Choose Columns”

Try running all high-end games at low settings instead of high or ultra to see if it helps. A window will appear. The left side will feature “Inactive columns.” Select GPU to move it to the right.

Step 3: Turn off background apps to reduce GPU usage

Be sure to turn off any high-performance power plans and only use the balanced or power saver modes.

Step 4: Click “OK”

Choose OK

Step 5: Arrange the GPU columns by CPU.

Next, check your system for malware and remove it if you find any. The GPU column should now appear at the end.

Next, click on the column header to arrange the GPU columns next to the CPU.

Step 6: Run the Test

Test the graphics card in safe mode, as this will allow you to see which processes are using the most of your GPU (if any).

What Is a High GPU?

How to Fix High GPU Usage
How to Fix High GPU Usage

High GPU usage indicates utilizing your graphics card to its full potential. The fact that the GPU card is working at its best without any hiccups should make you happy. This card is designed to provide the highest frame rates and best gaming views.

It is designed to run at capacity for many years at 98% to 100%, especially if you’re doing some GPU-intensive tasks.

A high GPU usage means your GPU is working overtime with so much of its space in usage, and while this may be normal sometimes, it can easily become a challenge.

Gaming GPUs can last a long time when used above 90%, which is expected in gaming.

Your GPU usage is typically high for any of those higher-demanding tasks because it’s supposed to be that way, even 100%.

However, if you are doing nothing serious or demanding with your computer, then something might be using your graphics card in the background, and you can only remedy this if you know how to fix high GPU usage.

While watching YouTube, your GPU is often used for decoding video information. The higher the resolution, the more GPU will be used. Using a GTX 1060 or higher shouldn’t be above 3 to 4% for YouTube on 1080p video.

Hence, if it’s high, there may be something wrong with the drivers or in the background. Lower-end GPUs will also be used more if paired with lower-end CPUs.

Fixing GPU Over-Use

If you suspect that more GPU space is being used than what is normal, you can follow the steps and processes described below to fix this problem:

Step 1: Measure GPU, CPU, and all other components with HWiNFO Software.

With the HWiNFO Software, you can perform measurements on GPU, CPU, and every other component and set up alerts. The software is excellent. With this feature, you can see how the GPU usage was in the past and have it on your tray at all times. You can extend the life of your CPU by keeping temperatures below 85 °C (185 °F).

Step 2: Check your GPU’s performance

And the last step on how to fix high GPU usage is to use a GPU benchmark to get a broader idea of how your GPU performs.

A great tool for measuring and comparing gaming performance is 3DMark Time Spy or Firestrike, which is included in the Basic edition. You can choose between GPU, CPU, and combined tests in this software.

Finally, to check whether your GPU is performing as intended, compare the scores you get with what you see online.

Low CPU and GPU Usage Fix

How to Fix High GPU Usage
How to Fix High GPU Usage

While some people’s issue is how to fix high GPU usage, there are also those whose quest is to find ways to fix low GPU usage because their processing unit is underused.

The GPU may experience low usage because you’re using the integrated graphics, there’s a driver issue, you have a CPU bottleneck, or the game you’re playing isn’t optimized.

And there are several options for fixes, including reinstalling drivers, upgrading or overclocking your CPU, and adjusting certain game settings.

The graphics chip always causes stuttering or poor performance more than insufficient RAM or a struggling CPU. Boost your graphics card’s performance by overclocking it beyond its default speed setting.

There are several ways to fix this challenge, including the following:

Turn on Game Mode in Windows

Whether gaming on a prehistoric museum antique or a customized, bleeding-edge supercomputer, Game Mode optimizes Windows 10 to maximize gaming performance.

In In-Game Mode, background activities such as Windows updates and app notifications are disabled so that the computer can play your favorite games at a higher frame rate.

Below are the steps to using Game Mode:

Step 1: Open the Settings Menu

Go to the Start menu and tap on the cog icon to open your settings.

Step 2: Click Gaming Category

Select a gaming category.

 Step 3: Select a Game Mode and Turn It On

Select “Game Mode” from the menu on the left and ensure the “Game Mode” switch is on.

Upgrade Your Graphics Card

Gaming stutters or feels unresponsive more often due to your graphics chip than your RAM or CPU. Boost your graphics card’s performance by overclocking it. Overclocking increases frame rates and improves performance.

Reduce your resolution

A typical computer can’t run modern games with ultra-high resolutions and 60 frames per second.

The screen’s pixels increase with increasing resolutions, as does the strain on the graphics card. A lower resolution can improve your game’s FPS and make your GPU’s job easier as the unit will no longer have to support as many pixels with every frame. You can adjust the display settings so that the graphics won’t look as clear, but the game will run more smoothly.

Modify the video settings of the game

If you’re fiddling with your game’s resolution, you may want to adjust the other video settings for an additional FPS boost. Some games have simple settings you can change by level: ultra, high, medium, low, etc. Some games will also have sliders, numerical settings, or more nuanced controls.

Here is a list of settings you can try to get better FPS out of your game.

  • Graphical details:Shadows, lighting, textures, and reflections: This reduces the quality of these elements. As a result, the game will look less lifelike, but it should run more smoothly.
  • Anti-aliasing:Anti-aliasing can help smooth out the edges of objects in your game. Initially, please turn it off and slowly increase it until it makes a difference to your graphics without negatively affecting your frame rate.

Try each anti-aliasing technique offered by the game and see what happens.

  • Draw distance: If you can, reduce the draw distance so that the game does not render far-off objects. If your GPU has fewer things to render at once, it can focus its resources on your immediate environment.
  • Graphical effects: To reduce or eliminate motion blur, lens flares, and other types of visual flare. Your GPU will have one less thing to worry about.
  • VSync: This feature synchronizes the game’s frame rate with the refresh rate of your monitor to prevent screen tearing. It sounds helpful and often is, but it can sometimes reduce FPS. Attempt turning it off and see what happens. If screen tearing occurs, turn it back on.

Install the latest graphics card drivers

If you want your graphics card to perform at its best, you need the graphics driver. Updating your graphics card driver can significantly boost your FPS.

Here’s how to update the drivers for your Nvidia GeForce, ATI Radeon, and Intel HD graphics cards:

  1. Nvidia GeForce: Go to the GeForce driver website, select the graphics card and Windows version you have, and click “Start Search.” Although the beta drivers aren’t quite ready, they should all run as smoothly as the final version, and they will likely increase FPS even more. If you have the GeForce Experience tool installed, you’ll get notified whenever Nvidia releases a new driver.
  2. ATI Radeon: Visit AMD’s software downloads page and choose the appropriate driver. With this link, you can download and install the latest official driver. A beta driver is also available for those looking for additional performance improvements.
  3. Intel HD Graphics: The Intel HD Graphics chipsets are found on ultrabooks and tablets and are the weakest. It is not to play games on the HD 3000 or earlier, but Intel’s latest graphics chips can run current games, though not at the highest resolution or with all the bells and whistles.

Is 70 degrees hot for a GPU?

One crucial matter to note when looking for how to fix high GPU usage is the temperature under which your device works. What temperature is normal and which is not.

Generally, GPUs run between 70 and 80 degrees Celsius when fully loaded. Anything over 80 degrees can be considered a problem, while any temperature below 80 degrees is acceptable.

Hence, the GPU should run at around 75-80 degrees Celsius when gaming. Computers should be kept between 45° Celsius and a little over 60 degrees Celsius when doing small processes or in idle mode.

This will help keep the computer and its component in perfect condition for a long time.

How many years does GPU last?

How to Fix High GPU Usage

GPUs (graphics cards) tend to last 5-7 years, but GPUs may last just 3-5 years under extreme overclocking conditions. However, most of the GPUs got replaced not because of a hardware failure but because they were becoming outdated and unable to run the latest software.

GPUs are generally designed to last a long time; they are designed to perform well with the least amount of power consumption, be as cool as possible, and last for many years without breaking.

GPUs can last up to 10 years if maintained properly and can continue working after that.

Every electronic item or thing in the world comes with a caveat: they’re prone to fail at any moment without a solid reason or warning signs. Graphics cards are no exception. The same as any electrical component, they can fail at any time without any advance notice, whether it’s one year or 10. In general, you can expect a graphics chip to last around five years with proper care, but it may likely become outdated before eventually dying.

Conclusion

Gaming is an interesting activity, and there are more games and gamers today than ever. Some do it for fun, while others make money out of this activity.

But regardless of why you play video games, there are some issues with the computer that can make the experience less appealing.

One of these problems has been identified as high GPU usage. And we have prepared this article with steps on how to fix high GPU usage because this problem is commonplace, and we want you to have a ready solution anytime it happens.