OpenGL Fix: Not Working on Windows 10 [Easy Steps]

Windows 10 is an excellent operating system, and despite all the major improvements it received, it still comes with some issues and bugs. Several users have reported OpenGL problems that affected the overall gaming experience.

Pretty much any OpenGL error is caused by a lack of optimization of drivers in Windows 10 and Windows 11, the latest iteration from Microsoft. And when you encounter OpenGL problems, several applications and games that depend on it, for instance, Minecraft, stop working.

Some of the OpenGL errors you will come across are as follows:

• OpenGL error 1282
• OpenGL error 1280
• This program requires OpenGL 2.0 or higher

But, fret not! We will walk you through everything there’s to know about the problem and the most effective solutions.

What causes OpenGL errors on Windows 10?

Here are the primary reasons users encounter OpenGL errors in Windows:

• Incompatible or outdated graphics driver: One of the important aspects of the OS, the graphics driver, should be both compatible and up-to-date, or you will come across several errors. So, update the graphics driver regularly.
• Corrupt system files: A PC with corrupt system files is bound to throw errors while running applications or performing operations.
• Problems with the app itself: If the other apps work fine and the problem is limited to one, it could be an improper installation of that particular app or it missing critical files to blame.

How can I fix OpenGL errors on Windows 10?

1. Remove graphics drivers and reinstall the latest version

The first thing that you should consider doing is first to remove and then reinstall the latest version of the graphics driver.

However, do note that it is essential to choose the correct driver versions from the manufacturer’s website. In case you choose and install the wrong ones, this may have a negative impact on the PC and affect its core functioning.

Updating drivers manually may put the computer at risk, so we recommend you download a professional driver updater to do it automatically.

These tools will keep your system away from damage by downloading and installing the appropriate driver versions every time you need to do so.

2. Install the graphics driver in Compatibility mode

1. After downloading the latest version of the graphics driver, right-click on the setup file, and select Properties.
2. Next, navigate to the Compatibility tab.
3. Now, check Run this program in compatibility mode for option and then select an older iteration of the OS from the dropdown menu.
4. Once done, click OK to save the changes and then run the setup file to complete the installation.

Once done with the installation, verify if the OpenGL problems are resolved. In case these persist, head to the next solution.

3. Run the SFC scan

1. Type Command Prompt in the Search bar, and then click on Run as administrator on the right.
2. Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
3. Now, paste the following command and hit Enter to run the SFC scan:sfc /scannow

If it was corrupt system files behind the error, running an SFC (System File Checker) scan should fix things. Also, if the SFC scan individually couldn’t resolve the OpenGL problems, you may run the DISM tool first and then the SFC scan again.

Read more about this topic

• How to Fix MFReadWrite.dll is Missing on Windows N
• DWMAPI.DLL Missing/Loading Errors – Fix-it Guide

4. Download OpenGL from the website

1. Head to the OpenGL website, and choose the download option.
2. Now, select your graphics hardware from the options here.
3. Locate the relevant driver and download it.
4. Once done, run the setup and follow the on-screen instructions to install it.

Many users reported that Windows stopped detecting OpenGL on their systems after installing the latest updates, and once they went ahead to install OpenGL 2.0 in Windows 10 from the website, it worked as a solution. So, make sure to try that as well.

5. Adjust your PC for best performance

1. Type View advanced system settings in the Search bar, and click on the relevant search result.
2. Click on the Settings button under Performance.
3. Now, select the Adjust for best performance option, and click OK to save the changes.

If your computer doesn’t direct enough resources to power the game, you may experience OpenGL problems, among other issues. And after making the changes described in the last few solutions, things should be up and running.

How can I fix OpenGL problems on Windows 11?

When you come across OpenGL problems in Windows 11, try the solutions listed in the previous section. If these don’t work, reinstall the game throwing errors with OpenGL because it’s likely an issue with the game itself.

Also, you may disable OpenGL if your graphics card doesn’t support it. Incompatibility is a major reason behind OpenGL problems, and disabling it should fix things in Minecraft and other apps.

Besides, if the problems started recently, you can always perform a system restore. It will revert any changes made to the PC, and your files won’t be affected. Remember to choose a restore point created before you first encountered the problem.

Can you update OpenGL?

Yes, you can update OpenGL, but it cannot be done independently. OpenGL comes bundled with the graphics driver installed on the computer, be it Intel, Nvidia, or others.

And the only way to update OpenGL is to update the graphics driver in Windows. Once you install the latest version of the graphics driver, the latest version of OpenGL will automatically be installed.

That’s all for now! You now know how to fix OpenGL problems in Windows and update it in case of incompatibility or games requiring a newer version.

Also, find out how to optimize your PC for the best gaming performance.

For any suggestions or questions, reach for the comments section below.