For both current Windows versions the graphics reset shortcut key is Win + Ctrl + Shift + B. It restarts the graphics driver: the screen goes black for a second, you may hear a short beep, and the display comes back. Your open programs and files are not closed.
Use it when the screen goes black, freezes on one picture, flickers, or shows broken colours while the computer itself still responds, for example when music keeps playing. It is the quickest fix to try before a full restart. Whether you call it the graphic reset shortcut key, the GPU reset shortcut key, a graphic driver reset shortcut key or the shortcut key to reset graphics card or graphics driver on a laptop, it is this one combination; there is no separate shortcut for graphics card reset.
Quick facts
Reset graphics
Win + Ctrl + Shift + BWhat you see
Brief black screen and a beepOpen programs
Stay openWorks with
Built in and separate graphics cardsIf it fails
Ctrl + Alt + Delete, then restartDriver tools
Device Manager
How to use the graphics reset shortcut key
- Make sure the computer is still running: the mouse moves, sound plays, or the keyboard lights respond.
- Hold Win, Ctrl and Shift together, then tap B.
- The screen flashes black for a moment and Windows beeps.
- The picture returns. If not, wait ten seconds and try once more.
Nothing is saved or closed by this reset. If an app had crashed, it stays crashed, but the screen itself starts working again.
When to use it
| Problem | Likely to help? |
|---|---|
| Black screen after waking from sleep | Often |
| Screen frozen on one image, but sound still works | Often |
| Flickering or wrong colours after a game | Sometimes |
| Second monitor not detected | Sometimes |
| Computer completely frozen, no sound or mouse | No; a restart is needed |
If the reset does not fix the screen
Try Ctrl + Alt + Delete; if the blue screen appears, choose the power icon and Restart. If even that does not appear, hold the power button for ten seconds. Once the computer is working, update the graphics driver: open Device Manager with Win + X, then M, expand Display adapters, right click the adapter and choose Update driver. If problems started after an update, choose Properties, then Roll Back Driver instead.
Graphics card reset shortcut key on laptops
The same Win + Ctrl + Shift + B works on laptops with built in or separate graphics. Laptops that switch between two graphics chips may need their maker's control app for deeper settings. If the laptop screen stays black but an external monitor works, the problem may be the screen hardware or a display switch; try Win + P to change display mode, explained in duplicate screen shortcut.
When the shortcut does nothing
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| No beep and no flash | The computer is fully frozen; restart it |
| Windows key disabled | Gaming keyboards can lock it; switch game mode off |
| Keeps happening daily | Update or roll back the graphics driver, and check temperatures |
| Only one app looks wrong | Close and reopen that app instead |
Frequently asked questions
What is the graphics reset shortcut key?
Does resetting the graphics driver close my programs?
No. Programs and files stay open.
Is this shortcut safe?
Yes. It only restarts the graphics driver.
Does it work in Windows 11?
Yes, in both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
What if the screen is still black?
Restart the computer, then update or roll back the graphics driver.
Is there a GPU reset shortcut on Mac?
No. On a Mac, restart if the display freezes.