GFX Analysis: The Role of Basic Display Adapter (BDA)

If you just updated to a new version or build of Windows 10 or reformatted your computer, and you find that your screen resolution is terrible, you’re not alone. Many Windows 10 users are reporting this problem. In fact, this is not a unique problem for Windows 10 users, it happened on Windows 8.1 and Windows 8 before.

If you look deeper in Device Manager , you will see that the item listed under the Display adapters category is Microsoft Basic Display Driver, as opposed to the name of your graphics card model.

You may wonder, what happens to my graphics card, and why can’t I see it anymore. No worries, this problem is not at all hard to fix. And we’re here to help.

How To Fix graphics card shows as Microsoft Basic Display Adapter

Here are 4 fixes that have helped other users resolve thegraphics card shows as Microsoft Basic Display Driver issue. You may not have to try them all; just work your way down the list until you find the one that works for you.

1. Run Windows Updates
2. Update your graphics driver
3. Replace the graphics card
4. Downgrade Operating System

Fix 1: Run Windows Updates

One of the reasons for this is that Windows has yet to provide you with the proper driver update after your operating system upgrade. So you may need to run the update on your own.

Here is how to run Windows Updates:

1. On your keyboard, press theWindows logo key andI at the same time, then click Update & security .

2. ClickCheck for updates .

3. Check to see if there is a graphics driver available. If yes, then great – just run the update and you’ll automatically fix the problem. If Windows doesn’t provide you with a graphics driver update, please move on toFix 2 , below.

Fix 2: Update your graphics driver

This problem may occur if you are using the wrong graphics driver or it’s out of date. So you should update your graphics driver to see if it fixes your problem. If you don’t have the time, patience or skills to update the driver manually, you can do it automatically with Driver Easy .

Driver Easy will automatically recognize your system and find the correct drivers for it. You don’t need to know exactly what system your computer is running, you don’t need to be troubled by the wrong driver you would be downloading, and you don’t need to worry about making a mistake when installing.Driver Easy handles it all.

You can update your drivers automatically with either the 7-day free trial or the Pro version of Driver Easy. It takes just 2 steps. (And we offer a 30-day money back guarantee on the Pro version):

1. Download and install Driver Easy.

2. Run Driver Easy and click the Scan Now button. Driver Easy will then scan your computer and detect any problem drivers.

3. ClickUpdate All to automatically download and install the correct version of_all_ the drivers.
   （You can upgrade to the Pro version right now with a discount, or activate the 7-day free trial version. With the trial version, you will have access to_all features_ of the Pro version such as high-speed download and one-click install. You won’t be charged before your 7-day trial ends and you can easily cancel any time during the trial period.）

4. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

5. Check to see if the graphics driver shows as the Microsoft Basic Display Adapter issue has been resolved. If yes, then congrats! If the issue persists, please tryFix 3 , below.

Fix 3: Replace the graphics card

If updating your graphics card driver doesn’t help to solve the problem, you may need to consider getting your graphics card replaced, as it might be faulty.

Note that certain series of display card products are not certified to support Windows Display Driver Model 1.2 or higher, and therefore, do not have driver support for Windows 10.

Therefore, it is suggested that you change your current display driver to a more advanced one. You may need to consult professional advice on how to select a good graphics card for your computer.

Fix 4: Downgrade operating system

If you are not ready to make a new investment by purchasing a brand new graphics card for your PC, here is your alternative: downgrade your Windows 10 to its previous version, be it Windows 8 or Windows 7.

For more information as to how to downgrade your current operating system to its previous one, please refer to this post here: How to downgrade your Windows 10 to Windows 7/ 8.1?

Hopefully you have successfully resolved the graphics driver shows as a Microsoft Basic Display Adapter issue by now. If you have any questions, ideas or suggestions, please let me know in the comments. Thanks for reading!

• graphics cards

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