My Nvidia GPU Disappeared After Accidental Removal from Device Manager

Troubleshooting a Missing Nvidia GPU: My Experience and Lessons Learned

If you’re a tech enthusiast or even an everyday laptop user, you know that managing multiple graphics processing units (GPUs) can sometimes lead to unexpected issues. I recently encountered a frustrating situation where my Nvidia GPU completely disappeared from the device manager on my Asus ROG Strix GL553VW laptop, and I’m here to share my journey with you.

The Setup

My laptop is equipped with two graphics processors: the Intel HD Graphics 530 and the Nvidia GeForce GTX 960M. The trouble began when I mistakenly removed the Nvidia GPU from the device manager. After this seemingly simple mistake, I found myself in a predicament—no matter what I tried, the Nvidia GPU would not reappear.

What I Tried

In an attempt to resolve the issue, I tried several troubleshooting methods to no avail:

1. Manual Driver Installation: I attempted to unzip the Nvidia drivers and manually install the first part, hoping that would allow my laptop to recognize the GPU again.

2. Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU): I booted into safe mode and used DDU to completely remove the GPU drivers, followed by a clean installation. Unfortunately, the installer didn’t recognize my Nvidia GPU at all.

3. Windows 10 Reset: As a last-ditch effort, I reset Windows 10 hoping that this would resolve the issue, but I was left with the same result.

4. BIOS Battery Reinsert: I even went as far as reinserting the BIOS battery, convinced that it might help restore the connection to the GPU.

Realization and Next Steps

After exhausting all these software-based solutions without success, I began to consider the possibility that the problem might not be software-related. It dawned on me that this could stem from a hardware issue, potentially due to poor soldering during manufacturing.

Given that my laptop is second-hand and past the manufacturer’s warranty, I’ve come to the conclusion that the best course of action would be to seek professional repair services. I appreciate everyone who reached out to assist me during this process.

Conclusion

While it’s disappointing to face such challenges, especially when it affects your workflow and gaming experience, sometimes it’s necessary to call in the experts. If you find yourself in a similar situation, my advice is to troubleshoot thoroughly, but also remain open to the possibility of hardware issues. Seeking professional help might just be the best