How to Fix MSI Afterburner Not Detecting GPU on Windows 11

Worried about MSI Afterburner not detecting GPU on Windows 11 and want to fix it?

MSI Afterburner is a graphics card software usually preferred by gamers who like to monitor the performance stats during a heavy performance. However, as seamless as it may be, it can sometimes run into a few problems on Windows systems.

One of the most reported issues regarding the case is MSI Afterburner not detecting GPU on Windows 11. This results in all functions graying out, rendering the program inoperational.

The reasons behind it may vary for different users. But the most common ones include poor internet connection, faulty connection cables or not connecting your display to the correct port. Outdated graphics card, corrupted software, Vanguard anti-cheat programs, third-party antivirus programs, etc. may also be the cause.

But don’t worry as we have a fix for all your problems. Read on to find out!

1. Check Your Connection and Cable.

Before we move forward to a bit of technical fixes, first ensure that all your cables are in good condition. Check if they are working fine by connecting them to a different device. If needed, replace them immediately.

Moreover, you need to verify that you have the correct display port. When using an external monitor, hook it up to the dedicated GPU. If you connect it to the integrated graphics instead, your GPU will not appear in MSI Afterburner as it would not be detected as display.

2. Disable Low-Level IO Driver.

According to some users, the MSI Afterburner fails to detect the GPU due to misconfigured settings. In that case, disabling the low-level IO driver has seemingly fixed the problem. It can be done from the MSI AB’s properties.

Follow the steps below to do so:

1. Begin by launching the MSI Afterburner.
   
2. From the left pane, click on the Gear icon to access settings.

3. Now, go to the General tab to open properties.
   
4. Under Compatibility properties, uncheck the box next to Enable low-level IO driver.

5. Lastly, click on Apply then on OK to save these changes.
   
6. Restart your PC afterward.

If the issue persists, move to the following method.

3. Disable NVIDIA and Steam Overlay.

NVIDIA or Steam Overlay is often the main cause behind MSI Afterburner not detecting GPU on Windows 11. It hinders the overlay of Afterburner from performing optimally. In that case, you can fix the issue by disabling Steam or NVIDIA Overlay.

Here’s how to disable NVIDIA Overlay on your computer:

1. In the Windows search bar, type ‘geforce experience’ and click Open.
   
2. Next, click on the Gear icon present at the top-right corner of your screen to open settings.

3. In the General tab, toggle off In-Game Overlay.

4. Also, disable the toggle for the Share option.

To disable the Steam Overlay, follow these steps:

1. To start, press Windows key + S to open the search menu.
   
2. Type ‘steam’ in the relative field.
   
3. Click on Open from the right pane.
   
4. Next, go to the Library tab and locate the game you’re having trouble with. Then, right-click on it and choose Properties.

5. Finally, go to the General tab and uncheck the box next to Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game.

Overlaying of any program, in fact, may affect the performance of MSI Afterburner. Hopefully, this method would have been successful in fixing the issue. If not, simply continue reading.

4. Disable/Uninstall Vanguard.

For most users, the problem arises due to the Valorant Vanguard anti-cheat program interfering with the MSI Afterburner. However, since it is not a confirmed cause, we recommend you first Disable Vanguard on your system. This can be done from the icon located in the system tray.

If the issue gets resolved, uninstalling the program should be your next step. Here’s how to do it:

1. Firstly, press the Windows key + i from your keyboard. Alternatively, you may click on the Start button and choose Settings.
   
2. When the window opens, click on Apps from the right pane.
   
3. Then, go to Apps & features.

4. Now, you may either utilize the Search apps field under App list or scroll through the list to find Vanguard.
   
5. Once located, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.

6. Again click on the Uninstall button for confirmation.
   
7. Once the User Account Control box appears on your screen, choose Yes.
   
8. Finally, restart your computer to check if the MSI Afterburner works now.

5. Update Graphics Drivers.

Outdated GPU may also result in MSI Afterburner not detecting GPU on Windows 11 either due to compatibility issues or bugs. Such errors can be eliminated upon updating drivers to their latest version.

You can manually update the Graphics driver by going to the manufacturer’s website and installing the latest driver from there. Alternatively, you may use the automatic updates featured by Windows to make the task easier for yourself. 

Here’s how:

1. Press Windows key + S and type ‘device manager’ in the Search bar. Then click Open from the right pane.
   
2. When the window opens, click on the drop-down arrow next to Display adapters.
   
3. Next, right-click on the driver you wish to update and choose Update driver.

4. Finally, choose Search automatically for drivers and follow the on-screen instructions.

Restart your computer when the driver is successfully updated before opening MSI Afterburner. Then, check if the issue has been resolved.

6. Check For Windows Update.

Windows updates usually contain fixes for issues frequently reported by users. It also eliminates software compatibility issues. For this reason, it’s advisable to always keep your system up to date.

Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. To begin, press the Windows key + i on your keyboard.
   
2. From the settings, choose Update & Security. 
   
3. In the Windows Update tab, click on the Check for updates button.

Windows will then start downloading and installing the available version unless it states that you’re up to date.

7. Troubleshoot in Clean Boot.

Apart from Vanguard, there are multiple other applications that interfere with the working of MSI  Afterburner. Therefore, it becomes essential to perform a Clean Boot on your PC. By following this method, you’ll be able to shorten the list of possible culprits.

To do so, follow these simple steps:

1. First, press the Windows key + R on your keyboard, type ‘msconfig’ in the field, and click on OK.
   
2. When a new window pops up, go to the Services tab.
   
3. Then, check the box next to Hide all Microsoft services.

4. Also, uncheck the services other than those from your hardware manufacturers. These may include Realtek, AMD, Intel, Logitech, NVIDIA, etc.
   
5. Finally, click on OK.
   
6. Next, press Ctrl, Shift, Esc simultaneously to launch Task Manager.
   
7. From there, click on the Startup tab.

8. Then, select one program at a time you suspect may be the culprit behind the GPU not being detected and click Disable.
   
9. Lastly, restart your PC.
   
   

8. Reinstall the Latest Version of MSI Afterburner.

Similar to how Windows updates bring several fixes, the new MSI Afterburner version will do the same if the problem lies in the program. Reinstalling a new version will reset all settings and profiles and thus eliminate all bugs and errors in the system.

Follow the steps below to do so:

1. Launch Control Panel on your computer.
   
2. Next, choose Uninstall a program under Programs.

3. Scroll down and locate MSI Afterburner. Right-click on it and select Uninstall.

4. Once done, click on Finish and restart your PC.
   
5. After that, download MSI Afterburner again.

Hopefully, this will bring your PC back in good condition, and MSI Afterburner will start detecting GPU again.

That was it! You’ve made it to the end of our guide on how to fix MSI Afterburner not detecting GPU on Windows 11. If you’re still confused about anything related to the topic, feel free to state it in the comment section below. We’ll be happy to assist you further.

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