Applies ToWindows 10

Microsoft Basic Display Adapter on Windows 10

The Microsoft Basic Display Adapter is software that's built into Windows that provides display and graphics capabilities when software from your hardware manufacturer isn't installed. To get the best experience from your device, you might need to install software known as a driver from your hardware manufacturer. Typically, you'll get the latest drivers from Windows Update or as part of Windows setup. Sometimes, however, drivers might not get installed right away or may only be available directly from the hardware manufacturer’s website.

Drivers from the manufacturer often feature:

  • Faster performance

  • Smoother video playback

  • Higher screen resolutions

  • Improved battery life

  • Multiple monitor outputs

  • Additional graphical features

To see if you're using the Microsoft Basic Display Adapter, select the Start button, then in the search box next to Start, type dxdiag.exe. Choose dxdiag.exe from the list of results and then on the Display tab under Device, look at the value for Name. If there's more than one Display tab, check all of them.

You can check Windows Update to see if a newer driver is available by selecting the Start button > Settings > Update & Security , or you can check the manufacturer's website.

If your hardware manufacturer doesn't provide Windows 10 device drivers, try the following:

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