How to change the graphics hardware acceleration setting in Windows (263391)

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You can reduce the Graphics Hardware Acceleration setting as one troubleshooting step to determine if there is an issue with your video adapter or your video driver.

To reduce the graphics hardware acceleration setting, follow the appropriate steps for your version of Microsoft Windows.

Microsoft Windows 98 or Microsoft Windows 95

1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
2. Double-click System.
3. On the Performance tab, click Graphics.
4. Move the Hardware Acceleration slider until it is one notch to the right of None, the Basic acceleration setting.
5. Click OK, and then click Close.
6. When you are prompted to restart your computer, click Yes.
   
   Note If you experience any issues after you reduce graphics hardware acceleration, follow these steps to restore graphics hardware acceleration to the original setting:
   1. Restart Windows in Safe mode.
      
      To do this, follow the appropriate steps for your operating system.

      Microsoft Windows 98

      Restart your computer, press and hold down the CTRL key after your computer completes the Power On Self Test (POST), and then click Safe Mode on the Startup menu.

      Microsoft Windows 95

      Restart your computer. When you see the "Starting Windows 95" message, press the F8 key, and then click Safe Mode on the Startup menu.
   2. When Windows starts in Safe mode, click OK.
   3. Repeat steps 1 through 6, but in step 4 move the Hardware Acceleration slider back to its original position.

Microsoft Windows 2000

1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
2. Double-click Display.
3. On the Settings tab, click Advanced.
4. Click the Troubleshooting tab.
5. Move the Hardware Acceleration slider all the way to the left (the None position), and then click OK.
   
   Note If your computer restarts in Safe mode after you change the Hardware Acceleration slider to None, repeat steps 1 through 5, except this time move the Hardware Acceleration slider until it is one notch to the right of None.
6. Click OK.

Note You cannot adjust the Graphics Hardware Acceleration settings in Microsoft Windows NT 4.0.

If the issue is resolved when you set the Graphics Hardware Acceleration slider to None or Basic, contact your hardware manufacturer to inquire about how to obtain and install the latest video driver for your video adapter.

If you have installed the latest video driver for your video adapter and you continue to experience graphic issues with the Graphics Hardware Acceleration slider set to Full, repeat the steps in this article, except move the Graphics Hardware Acceleration slider one notch to the left until the behavior no longer occurs.

Note If you reduce the graphics hardware acceleration setting, you may reduce the graphics performance on your computer.

Microsoft Windows XP

1. Right-click the desktop, and then click Properties on the menu.
2. Click the Settings tab, and then click Advanced.
3. Click the Troubleshoot tab.
4. Move the Hardware Acceleration slider until it is one notch to the right of None, the Basic acceleration setting.
5. Click OK, and then click Close.

If the issue is resolved when you set the Graphics Hardware Acceleration slider to None or Basic, contact your hardware manufacturer to inquire about how to obtain and install the latest video driver for your video adapter.

If you have installed the latest video driver for your video adapter and you continue to experience graphic issues with the Graphics Hardware Acceleration slider set to Full, repeat the steps in this article, except move the Graphics Hardware Acceleration slider one notch to the left until the issue no longer occurs.