NVIDIA PCIe display adapter not recognized after BIOS update

[JustinCase1971]

While troubleshooting a recent issue with my PC randomly sleeping and losing its display output, I tried updating the all HP drivers and the BIOS last. After the update, my NVIDIA RTX-3060 display adapter is no longer recognized (PCIe) but it powers on with the computer (has a light/fans). There is no option for on-board or other display setting in the BIOS, and the only option I see for the PCIe port is to disable it in security (tried disabling then re-enabling, no help).

I tried to enter BIOS recovery mode using instructions provided on HP's support site (turn off PC, turn back on and press & hold  win+B then press power button for 2-3 seconds, this just shuts down the PC again and nothing happens on restart). So I tied looking for the previous version on my PC's support drivers page and only the new version shows up, so I can't reinstall the old version! HP's AI support says if the older version is not shown, contact HP and request an older version but this gives no option for sending an email or chat and wants me to pay for phone support! I just need the older version but HP provides no way to contact them to request it unless I'm paying for warranty service, and the fail to provide older versions on the download page- very frustrating!

Update 11/21/2024: I was finally able to locate the older versions of the BIOS, so I installed one version older (f.25, 03/26/24) but the GPU is still not recognized and no options for graphics controller in the BIOS settings. In the BIOS update window when installing, I got a message saying I could not downgrade to any older versions, so I'm not sure what to do from here (see pic below).  I was able to solve the aforementioned random sleep issue (community post here) after all of the updates, but that issue has persisted even when the NVIDIA GPU was removed, so I doubt it was the culprit. I'm not sure if there is truly a BIOS issue or just what is happening, I'm not sure how to test the GPU short of having it installed in another system (which I don't have).  Hopefully I get a helpful HP tech to assist on this one if it's indeed a BIOS issue, one was able to help with the other issue.

[Raj_05 · Accepted solution]

Hi @JustinCase1971,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

The issue you're describing suggests a few potential problems stemming from the BIOS update or related system changes. Here are some steps to help troubleshoot and possibly resolve the issue.

Verify GPU Functionality in Another System (if possible)

• Even though it's inconvenient, testing the GPU in another compatible PC would confirm if the GPU is functional. If it works elsewhere, the issue lies with your PC or BIOS settings.

Check Physical Connections

• Ensure the NVIDIA RTX 3060 is properly seated in the PCIe slot.
• Verify that the power connectors to the GPU are securely attached.

Clear CMOS/Reset BIOS Settings

• This can often resolve BIOS-related issues after updates. Steps to clear CMOS:
  1. Turn off and unplug the PC.
  2. Locate the CMOS battery on the motherboard and remove it for a few minutes.
  3. Reinsert the battery and power the system back on.
• Alternatively, look for a "Clear CMOS" jumper on the motherboard and follow the instructions in your user manual.

Confirm BIOS Settings for PCIe

• Revisit the BIOS and confirm:
  • The PCIe slot is enabled.
  • There are no settings forcing onboard graphics or disabling the PCIe slot.
  • If there’s an option for UEFI/Legacy mode, set it to match your system configuration.

Reinstall GPU Drivers

• Without the GPU being detected, Windows may not recognize or install the appropriate drivers. If the GPU appears in Device Manager as "Basic Display Adapter" or under hidden devices:
  1. Download the latest NVIDIA drivers from the NVIDIA website.
  2. Install the drivers manually.

[Raj_05]

Reinstall the Latest BIOS

• If downgrading the BIOS did not help, try reinstalling the latest version to ensure no corruption occurred during the initial update.

Revert Windows Settings (Optional)

• If the BIOS update coincided with other system changes, consider:
  • Performing a System Restore to a point before the issue began.
  • Resetting Windows while keeping personal files to eliminate software conflicts.

Advanced BIOS Recovery

• If traditional recovery methods (Win + B) fail, use the HP BIOS recovery USB method:
  1. Download the BIOS recovery tool from HP’s support site for your model.
  2. Create a BIOS recovery USB drive using another PC.
  3. Insert the USB into your PC and follow recovery steps in HP’s support documentation.

Note:

The fact that the GPU powers on suggests it’s receiving power but isn’t being recognized at the system level, which could be due to:

• A BIOS misconfiguration or corruption.
• An issue with the PCIe slot.
• A hardware issue with the GPU.

By systematically testing the above suggestions, you can isolate whether the problem lies with the BIOS, GPU, or other components.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Alden4

HP Support 

[JustinCase1971]

Thanks Alden,

 I double checked the physical connections to the PCIe and re-updated the BIOS, and now the GPU is working. Hopefully the old sleep issue does not return now that the PC is back to initial state, although now with successfully updated BIOS and GPU drivers.  Cheers,

Justin