How to Check If You’re Using the Microsoft Basic Display Adapter

The Microsoft Basic Display Adapter is a built-in backup graphics driver that Windows uses when it cannot find the correct software for your graphics card. This generic driver limits your screen resolution, causes choppy video playback, and stops games from running properly.

You can check if your PC currently relies on this fallback driver by opening Device Manager and expanding the Display adapters category. Spotting the adapter on that list means you need to download and install the 💿 proper drivers from NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel to restore your PC’s full display performance.

Method 1Using Device Manager

Device Manager lets you check if you are using the basic display adapter by listing all hardware connected to your computer. You can open it quickly to see the exact name of your graphics driver and find out if Windows is using the default fallback software instead of the correct manufacturer driver.

1. Open Device Manager: The fastest way is to right-click your Start button ⊞. A menu will appear. Look for ‘Device Manager’ and click it.
2. Expand Display Adapters: Once Device Manager is open, find ‘Display adapters’. Click the small arrow next to it. This will show the display adapter(s) your computer has.
3. Look for the Microsoft Basic Display Adapter: Check the names under ‘Display adapters’ carefully. If you see ‘Microsoft Basic Display Adapter’ listed, your system is using this driver for that adapter. If you see a name from your graphics card maker (like NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel), that adapter is likely using its correct driver.

Method 2Using the DirectX Diagnostic Tool

The DirectX Diagnostic Tool shows your current graphics driver details through a built-in Windows command. You can run this tool to check if your system runs on the basic display adapter and view the full manufacturer name, driver version, and model of your graphics card.

1. Open the Run Dialog: Press the Windows key + R keys on your keyboard together. This opens the ‘Run’ dialog box. It’s a small window to open programs quickly.
   
2. Launch DirectX Diagnostic Tool: In the ‘Open:’ box, type dxdiag.exe. Then click ‘OK’ or press Enter. The DirectX Diagnostic Tool window will open.
   
3. Go to the Display Tab: In the DirectX Diagnostic Tool, click the ‘Display’ tab at the top. If you have more than one graphics adapter, you might see several ‘Display’ tabs, like ‘Display 1’, ‘Display 2’, etc.
4. Check the Device Name: On the Display tab, look for the ‘Device’ section. Find the line that says ‘Name:’. If the name listed here is ‘Microsoft Basic Display Adapter,’ your system is using this generic driver for that display adapter.

Summary

Both Device Manager and the DirectX Diagnostic Tool reveal whether your PC runs on the Microsoft Basic Display Adapter.