How To Fix Display Not Compatible With Windows 10

Fix: Display not Compatible issue

When people are trying to put a fresh version of Windows 10 on their computer using a special drive or when they’re trying to update their existing Windows 10 using the built-in updating tool, they sometimes come across a frustrating error message that says “Display Not Compatible” in Windows 10. This message appears for a few main reasons.

One reason is that there are some issues with a program called GWX, which is meant to help with Windows 10 upgrades. Sometimes, this program has problems that can make the “display not compatible” message show up.

Another reason is related to software that allows people to control their computer from a distance, like when they’re not in the same place as the computer. Sometimes, the drivers that help this software work can cause issues with the display, leading to the “display not compatible” problem.

Lastly, the third reason is about drivers that come from companies other than Microsoft. These drivers help your computer’s display work properly. But sometimes, they can create conflicts or issues when you’re trying to update Windows 10, and that’s when you see the “display not compatible” message.

Knowing these reasons can be helpful if you ever see the “Display Not Compatible” error in Windows 10 because it can guide you in finding the right solutions to make it go away and have your computer work smoothly.

1. Update the Graphics Drivers

Outdated or faulty graphics drivers can cause “display not compatible” problems. Visit the website of your graphics card manufacturer (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) to download and install the latest drivers for your specific graphics card model.

Press the Windows key + R to open the Run box.
Type devmgmt.msc and click OK to open Device Manager.
In the Device Manager window, expand the Display adapters section. It will list all the integrated and dedicated graphics drivers installed on your computer. Do the following for all of the drivers.

Right-click on the display driver and choose Uninstall Driver. Uncheck the “Delete the driver software for this device.” option in the pop-up if it shows up.
Go to the top menu in Device Manager and under the Action tab, select Scan for hardware changes.
The driver should appear back in the Display adapters list. If it does not, then restart your PC and it will appear back.
Right-click on the display driver again and choose Update Driver.
Select Search automatically for drivers. Windows will scan for available driver updates and download them.
Restart your PC to apply the changes.

If it didn’t work, again right-click on the display driver and choose Update Driver but this time select Browse my computer for driver software.
Then select Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.
Select the driver you want to install, generally, it is the pre-selected top option in the list, and click Next.
Restart your PC to apply the changes.

If even that doesn’t work, you can try going to your laptop or graphic card manufacturer’s official website and downloading the latest drivers for your specific model from there and then simply install the drivers and restart your PC to apply the changes.
The following are links to GPU manufacturer driver download websites:

2. Uninstall Third-party Display Drivers

In some cases, individuals encountered a specific problem related to their display adapters. They identified the presence of display drivers like “Cyberlink Mirror Driver” within their display adapters list, which was causing issues with their computer’s updating process and getting the “Display Not Compatible” error. To resolve this problem, they took the initiative to uninstall the “Cyberlink Mirror Driver” and subsequently rebooted their computers. This action proved to be successful in resolving the issue, as their computers began updating without any further hindrance.

Hence, if there are any third-party drivers on your computer, you may fail to update or upgrade your Windows PC because the display is not compatible with Windows 10. In this case, you can try to fix the error easily by uninstalling third-party display drivers. The following are the detailed steps for this operation.

Right-click the Start icon on your desktop and select Device Manager.
In Device Manager, click the arrow next to Display adapters to expand it.
Right-click the extra display drivers like “Cyberlink Mirror Driver” or something similar which is not the default one on your computer. Then select Uninstall device.

Click Uninstall to confirm the operation.
After the third-party drivers are removed, restart your computer. Then your system will download the proper drivers automatically.
Once the process is finished, try updating your Windows again to see if the error is resolved.

3. Perform Clean Boot

Clean Boot is a troubleshooting approach in Windows that allows you to start your computer with a limited collection of launch programs and services. This assists in identifying and isolating program conflicts that may be causing “display not compatible” problems. To troubleshoot in Clean Boot mode, perform the following steps:

Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type “msconfig” and press Enter to open the System Configuration.
In the System Configuration window, go to the “Services” tab.
Check the box that says “Hide all Microsoft services.“
Click the “Disable all” button.

Next, go to the “Startup” tab and click on “Open Task Manager.“
In the Task Manager window, disable all the startup programs by right-clicking on each entry and selecting “Disable.”

Close the Task Manager and go back to the System Configuration window.
Click “OK” and then restart your computer.

4. Update Windows if Display Not Compatible

To tackle the “display not compatible” error effectively, it is crucial to ensure your Windows operating system remains current with the latest updates and patches. Keeping your system up to date is a fundamental aspect of maintaining its optimal performance and resolving potential issues.

Windows updates frequently contain important bug fixes and enhancements aimed at improving the overall stability and functionality of your computer. These updates often address specific problems, including the “display not compatible” error. By regularly checking for and installing these updates, you significantly reduce the likelihood of encountering such issues and ensure that your computer operates smoothly.

Prioritizing the maintenance of your Windows operating system through updates is a proactive step that not only addresses existing problems but also helps prevent future complications. It is a key practice in ensuring a seamless computing experience, where your display functions as expected, and your overall system operates at its best.

Open Settings using Win + I hotkeys.
Choose Windows Updates from the left pane.
Click on the Check for Updates option.
Wait until Windows downloads all the available updates. Once done, reboot the system and check for the problem.

5. Install Windows with Media Creation Tool

If you find yourself in a situation where none of the previously mentioned solutions have proven effective in addressing the persistent “display not compatible” issue on your Windows 10 system, a more comprehensive approach may be required. In such cases, undertaking a clean install of Windows 10 can often provide a viable resolution. To embark on this process, you can utilize the Windows 10 Media Creation tool, a versatile utility that enables you to create an installation package on either a CD or a USB flash drive, depending on your preference.

However, it’s crucial to proceed with caution when considering a clean install, as this operation involves wiping your current operating system entirely and reinstalling Windows 10 from scratch. Therefore, it is imperative to emphasize the importance of backing up your Windows 10 system to an external USB drive before commencing the clean installation process.

This precautionary step ensures the preservation of all your essential data and files, safeguarding against potential data loss during the reinstallation. By taking these proactive measures and opting for a clean install of Windows 10 when all else fails, you can effectively resolve the “display not compatible” issue and rejuvenate your operating system for a smoother and trouble-free computing experience.

Restart your computer after inserting the installation disk.
When the computer boots into BIOS, press a certain key (often F2 or F11) to change the boot order so that your computer boots from the installation disk.
When the page has loaded, click Install now, and then proceed as directed to finish the procedure.

Conclusion

When faced with the puzzling issue of your computer displaying the error message “display is not compatible with Windows 10,” it’s important to know that there are practical solutions at your disposal. These solutions are user-friendly and do not require advanced technical skills. We are dedicated to helping you overcome any obstacles you may face in addressing the “display is not compatible with Windows 10” problem and ensuring the optimal functionality of your computer’s display.

Your input plays a crucial role in the ongoing improvement of our support and services. Rest assured that we are here to assist you every step of the way, ensuring that your computer operates smoothly and trouble-free.