How to Fix NVIDIA Control Panel Disappeared in Windows 11/10

NVIDIA Control Panel includes a series of settings for NVIDIA graphics cards. Users can configure graphics settings for games and software from there. So, this is a pretty important application for PC users with NVIDIA GPUs.

Some users have reported the problem of NVIDIA Control Panel disappearing in Windows 11/10. Users cannot find the application on the desktop context menu, in the system tray, or in the Windows Control Panel . Therefore, they cannot access the application. Here is how you can fix NVIDIA Control Panel disappearing in Windows 11/10.

Table of Contents

What causes NVIDIA Control Panel to disappear?

The "NVIDIA Control Panel Not Showing" issue can occur for many reasons and here are some common causes:

  • NVIDIA graphics card software and drivers not installed : This is the most common cause of NVIDIA Control Panel Missing issue. In such a case, installing NVIDIA drivers will resolve the issue.
  • NVIDIA Graphics Card Not Recognized in Device Manager : If your computer does not recognize the NVIDIA graphics card in Device Manager or if it is recognized but with errors, then this can cause the NVIDIA Control Panel not to appear issue.
  • NVIDIA Graphics Card Driver Issues : Outdated or corrupted graphics card drivers can cause the "NVIDIA Control Panel" option missing issue.
  • Windows Update : Sometimes after installing Windows updates, NVIDIA Control Panel does not appear.

1. Check display connection

Try this before moving on to other troubleshooting methods.

How to Fix NVIDIA Control Panel Disappeared in Windows 11/10
Ports on the Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Gaming OC GPU.

The first thing you need to make sure is that your monitor is properly plugged into your Nvidia graphics card. This is important because the Nvidia Control Panel will not recognize your monitor if it is not properly plugged in, which can lead to a variety of errors, including the one we are trying to solve here.

In case you’re wondering, your PC has multiple display ports, and you’ll need to make sure that you’ve connected your display adapter to the Nvidia graphics card’s (specific) port. Restart your PC after you’ve established the correct connection to see if that fixes the error. You can also try using a different port on your graphics card to see if that fixes the error. This will ensure that you’re not using a bad port that’s causing the error in the first place.

2. Check and enable all NVIDIA services

The NVIDIA Control Panel disappeared issue can arise due to some NVIDIA services being disabled. Therefore, enabling and starting all NVIDIA services is one way you can restore the missing graphics control panel in Windows 11/10.

Here's how to enable NVIDIA services:

Step 1: Right-click the Start menu button to open the Power User menu and select the Run shortcut there.

B2: Type services.msc in the Open box and click OK to display the Services window.

B3: Scroll down to NVIDIA services as shown in the snapshot below.

How to Fix NVIDIA Control Panel Disappeared in Windows 11/10
Services window

B4: Then double-click any NVIDIA service listed there.

B5: Select the Automatic option on the Startup type drop-down menu for that service.

How to Fix NVIDIA Control Panel Disappeared in Windows 11/10
Automatic option

B6: If the service is not running, click the Start button.

B7: Select the Apply option to save the NVIDIA service settings.

B8: Click OK to close the service properties window.

B9: Repeat steps 4 through 8 for all listed NVIDIA services.

B10: Restart your PC after changing NVIDIA service settings.

3. Update NVIDIA graphics card driver

Since NVIDIA Control Panel is closely linked to your graphics card, it can disappear due to outdated or incompatible NVIDIA drivers. Therefore, you should update your NVIDIA graphics card driver , if it is outdated. You can do it manually or with third-party driver update software.

4. Reinstall NVIDIA graphics card driver

If your NVIDIA graphics card already has the latest drivers, try reinstalling its drivers. Here's how you can reinstall drivers for your NVIDIA GPU.

B1: Open the Power User menu and select the Device Manager option on it.

B2: Double-click the Display adapters category to view its devices.

How to Fix NVIDIA Control Panel Disappeared in Windows 11/10
Display adapters category

B3: Right-click on your NVIDIA graphics card to select the Uninstall device option.

How to Fix NVIDIA Control Panel Disappeared in Windows 11/10
Uninstall device context menu option

B4: Select the Delete the driver software for this device option on the confirmation prompt that appears.

How to Fix NVIDIA Control Panel Disappeared in Windows 11/10
Delete the driver software for this device check box

B5: Click the Uninstall button there to confirm.

B6: Restart PC.

B7: Download and install the latest NVIDIA driver package for your graphics card.

5. Try opening NVIDIA Control Panel from File Explorer

Try searching for NVIDIA Control Panel in File Explorer. The specific file to open Control Panel is nvcplui.exe. If you can find nvcplui.exe in Explorer, you can try opening it from there. Here are the different folder paths you'll need to find the nvcplui.exe file in:

  • C:\Program Files\NVIDIA Corporation\Control Panel Client
  • C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\NVIDIACorp.NVIDIAControlPanel_8.1.962.0_x64__56jybvy8sckqj

If you cannot find the Control Panel Client folder, nvcplui.exe may be located in the WindowsApps folder path specified above. However, WindowsApps is not an easily accessible folder. You will need to take ownership of the folder to open it.

How to Fix NVIDIA Control Panel Disappeared in Windows 11/10
Find nvcplui.exe

If you find the nvcplui.exe file in Explorer, right-click it and select Run as administrator to open the NVIDIA Control Panel. Then click Desktop at the top of the window. Select the Add Desktop Context Menu and Show Notification Tray Icons options to restore it to the system tray and desktop context menu.

How to Fix NVIDIA Control Panel Disappeared in Windows 11/10
Restore NVIDIA Control Panel

6. Copy the NVDisplay.Container file to the Startup folder

"NVDisplay.Container" is the file for the NVIDIA Display Container LS service. Adding that file to the Windows Startup folder can also fix the NVIDIA Control Panel disappearing issue. Here's how you can copy that file to the Startup folder:

B1: Open the Services window as mentioned in steps one and two of the first solution.

B2: Double-click the NVIDIA Display Container LS service to open its window.

B3: Copy the path to the executable file specified in that window using the hotkey Ctrl + C .

How to Fix NVIDIA Control Panel Disappeared in Windows 11/10
Copy the path to the executable file

B4: Click OK to exit the properties window and close the Services application.

B5: Open File Explorer and select drive C:.

B6: Paste the copied path into the folder address bar using the hotkey Ctrl + V and press Enter.

B7: Then right-click on the Display.NvContainer file to select the Copy option on the context menu.

How to Fix NVIDIA Control Panel Disappeared in Windows 11/10
Select Copy

B8: Open Run and enter shell:startup in the Open box.

B9: Right-click inside the Startup folder to select the Paste shortcut option .

How to Fix NVIDIA Control Panel Disappeared in Windows 11/10
Select Paste

B10: Next, right-click on the Display.NvContainer file and select Properties.

B11: Select Run as administrator on the Compatibility tab shown right below and click the Apply button.

How to Fix NVIDIA Control Panel Disappeared in Windows 11/10
Select Run as administrator

B12: Finally, restart your computer.

7. Reinstall NVIDIA Control Panel

As a last resort, try reinstalling the NVIDIA Control Panel. You can reinstall the NVIDIA Control Panel by uninstalling it via Settings as follows.

Step 1: Open Settings in Windows.

B2: Then, select Apps > Apps & features to display the list of installed software.

B3: Find the NVIDIA Control Panel application listed there and click on the three dots button.

B4: Select the Uninstall option for NVIDIA Control Panel.

How to Fix NVIDIA Control Panel Disappeared in Windows 11/10
Select Uninstall

B5: Restart your PC after uninstalling the NVIDIA Control Panel application.

B6: Click the pinned Microsoft Store app shortcut from the Start menu.

B7: Type NVIDIA Control Panel into the MS Store search box.

B8: Select NVIDIA Control Panel in the search results.

How to Fix NVIDIA Control Panel Disappeared in Windows 11/10
Select NVIDIA Control Panel

B9: Click the Get button to reinstall the application.

While you can configure graphics options in-game, it’s best to apply general settings via the NVIDIA Control Panel. You can restore your missing NVIDIA Control Panel in Windows 11 and 10 by applying the potential fixes above. You should then be able to access and change graphics settings there as needed again.

Sign up and earn $1000 a day ⋙

Leave a Comment

Difference between regular TV and Smart TV

Difference between regular TV and Smart TV

Smart TVs have really taken the world by storm. With so many great features and the ability to connect to the Internet, technology has changed the way we watch TV.

Why doesnt the freezer have a light but the refrigerator does?

Why doesnt the freezer have a light but the refrigerator does?

Refrigerators are familiar appliances in families. Refrigerators usually have 2 compartments, the cool compartment is spacious and has a light that automatically turns on every time the user opens it, while the freezer compartment is narrow and has no light.

2 Ways to Fix Network Congestion That Slows Down Wi-Fi

2 Ways to Fix Network Congestion That Slows Down Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi networks are affected by many factors beyond routers, bandwidth, and interference, but there are some smart ways to boost your network.

How to Downgrade from iOS 17 to iOS 16 without Losing Data using Tenorshare Reiboot

How to Downgrade from iOS 17 to iOS 16 without Losing Data using Tenorshare Reiboot

If you want to go back to stable iOS 16 on your phone, here is the basic guide to uninstall iOS 17 and downgrade from iOS 17 to 16.

What happens to the body when you eat yogurt every day?

What happens to the body when you eat yogurt every day?

Yogurt is a great food. Is it good to eat yogurt every day? What will happen to your body when you eat yogurt every day? Let's find out together!

Which type of rice is best for health?

Which type of rice is best for health?

This article discusses the most nutritious types of rice and how to maximize the health benefits of whichever rice you choose.

How to wake up on time in the morning

How to wake up on time in the morning

Establishing a sleep schedule and bedtime routine, changing your alarm clock, and adjusting your diet are some of the measures that can help you sleep better and wake up on time in the morning.

Rent Please! Landlord Sim Tips for Beginners

Rent Please! Landlord Sim Tips for Beginners

Rent Please! Landlord Sim is a simulation mobile game on iOS and Android. You will play as a landlord of an apartment complex and start renting out an apartment with the goal of upgrading the interior of your apartments and getting them ready for rent.

Latest Bathroom Tower Defense Codes and How to Enter Codes

Latest Bathroom Tower Defense Codes and How to Enter Codes

Get Bathroom Tower Defense Roblox game codes and redeem them for exciting rewards. They will help you upgrade or unlock towers with higher damage.

Structure, symbols and operating principles of transformers

Structure, symbols and operating principles of transformers

Let's learn about the structure, symbols and operating principles of transformers in the most accurate way.

4 Ways AI Is Making Smart TVs Better

4 Ways AI Is Making Smart TVs Better

From better picture and sound quality to voice control and more, these AI-powered features are making smart TVs so much better!

Why ChatGPT is better than DeepSeek

Why ChatGPT is better than DeepSeek

DeepSeek initially had high hopes. As an AI chatbot marketed as a strong competitor to ChatGPT, it promised intelligent conversational capabilities and experiences.

Meet Fireflies.ai: The Free AI Secretary That Saves You Hours of Work

Meet Fireflies.ai: The Free AI Secretary That Saves You Hours of Work

It's easy to miss important details when you're jotting down other essentials, and trying to take notes while chatting can be distracting. Fireflies.ai is the solution.

How to raise Axolotl Minecraft, tame Minecraft Salamander

How to raise Axolotl Minecraft, tame Minecraft Salamander

Axolot Minecraft will be a great assistant for players when operating underwater if they know how to use them.

A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead PC Game Configuration

A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead PC Game Configuration

A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead's configuration is rated quite highly, so you will need to consider the configuration before deciding to download.