There can be several causes as to why a graphics card may show as not working or disabled in Windows. The most common cause is that the graphics card is not properly installed, connected, or configured within the operating system. This issue can be caused by incompatibilities between the graphics hardware and the operating system’s configuration, or by hardware errors. If this issue is encountered, the first step would be to check the connections to the graphics card, as it could be an issue of poor contact or loose connection. Re-seating the card in the slot may more firmly connect it and help resolve the issue.
The other factor to consider is the driver used by the card. Incompatible video drivers are the main source of many problems in the functioning of graphics cards. Installing the latest available drivers from the manufacturer will often resolve the issue. If they don’t, it’s possible that the graphics card is not compatible with the operating system installed. Updating the operating system may be required in order for the card to function correctly.
It is also possible that the card was not designed for the specific machine in which it was installed. Some graphics cards may not have the correct interface connectors, or run on different voltage levels from other components in the system. Unless the specification of the graphics card matches the requirements of the system, the card cannot be expected to operate correctly.
Other causes of graphics card malfunction include overheating, physical damage or overclocking. Overheating occurs when the cooling system fails and the card becomes too hot. Dust buildup inside the system can also contribute to this. Physical damage refers to direct damage to the card itself, such as being cracked, bent or shorted. Overclocking is deliberately running the card at higher clock speeds than it was designed for. This tends to shorten its lifespan and should be avoided.
In some cases, the problem may be due to a virus or malware. Malware can affect the ability of the computer to detect and configure additional hardware. Running full scans with antivirus software, as well as any dedicated antimalware tools, should be considered when attempting to troubleshoot this issue.
Finally, if the problem persists, it is possible that the card has become faulty and needs to be replaced. If the card appears to be functioning improperly, regardless of the issue being encountered, it is best to replace it rather than risk further damage to other components in the system.