Windows 11 is Asking Some Users to Eject Their GPU. Don't Do It!

Have you recently received a notification on your Windows 11 computer asking you to eject your graphics card? If so, you're not alone in finding this alarming. This issue appears to be a bug in the latest version of Windows, and it's one that could potentially lead to serious problems if left unchecked.

For those who are using desktop computers with integrated graphics cards or laptops with discrete graphics, there is no need to eject the GPU under any circumstances. However, for users who have installed an external graphics card (eGPU) or a laptop with a removable GPU, this bug may be more concerning.

The issue seems to have been present in Windows 11 for years, although it's only now that it's becoming more apparent due to the increased awareness of user notifications. According to Reddit users, they were shocked to see their graphics cards listed as devices that could be ejected, alongside other peripherals like flash drives and USB drives.

It's worth noting that "ejecting" a graphics card is not the same as disabling it or switching to integrated graphics. This distinction can lead to confusion among regular PC users, who may inadvertently cause damage to their systems by trying to remove a critical component.

A Bug with Regrettably Intentional Roots

Windows Central notes that this bug has been present in Windows 11 for years and was likely introduced as an unintended consequence of a change related to disabling discrete laptop graphics. While the intention behind this feature may have been to save power by switching to integrated graphics, it's clear that the implementation has caused more problems than solutions.

Fortunately, there are registry hacks available that can be used to disable this alarming message. However, these hacks require a good understanding of Windows internals and may not be suitable for all users.

A Cautionary Tale

If you're seeing this notification and don't want to dive into the world of registry hacks, it's probably best to simply ignore it. As one Reddit user put it, "I'm afraid I might accidentally eject it one day and god knows what's gonna happen to my laptop."

This is a reminder that even with the latest updates and patches, there are still bugs and quirks present in modern operating systems. However, by staying informed and being cautious, you can minimize the risk of accidents like this happening in the future.

About the Author

Michael Crider is a 10-year veteran of technology journalism, covering everything from Apple to ZTE. On PCWorld, he's the resident keyboard nut, always using a new one for a review and building a new mechanical board or expanding his desktop "battlestation" in his off hours.

Michael's previous bylines include Android Police, Digital Trends, Wired, Lifehacker, and How-To Geek. He has covered events like CES and Mobile World Congress live. When he's not writing about technology, Michael enjoys kayaking and exploring the outdoors.