Windows 11 Can Inadvertently Remove GPU Drivers in Eco Mode, Causing Performance Issues
A Reddit user has discovered that Windows 11 can inadvertently remove discrete GPU drivers from gaming laptops if the device is left in Eco mode for an extended period. This issue arises because, in Eco mode, power to the discrete GPU is completely cut, making it appear offline to the operating system. Windows 11 periodically runs a driver clean-up process, typically every 30 days (though it can be set to 15 days), as part of routine system maintenance. If the GPU has been offline for a prolonged time due to Eco mode, the clean-up process may incorrectly identify its driver as superfluous and delete it. Consequently, when Eco mode is later disabled, the GPU is recognized as a 'Microsoft Basic Display Adapter' instead of its proper Nvidia or AMD counterpart, requiring a manual reinstallation of the graphics driver to restore full functionality. 
