# OpenGL Error on Windows

> If Zwift displays a message stating that OpenGL 3.1 is required when launching the game on Windows, Zwift may be unable to access a compatible GPU or OpenGL...

Source: https://support.zwift.com/en_us/opengl-error-on-windows-Skpfw62fB

Last updated: 2026-06-25T20:32:41.799Z

# OpenGL 3.1 Error on Windows

If Zwift displays a message stating that OpenGL 3.1 is required when launching the game on Windows, Zwift may be unable to access a compatible GPU or OpenGL version.

## Possible Causes

The OpenGL 3.1 error can occur if:

*   Your computer doesn't meet Zwift's minimum requirements.
    
*   Your GPU drivers are out of date.
    
    *   Outdated drivers may prevent Zwift from accessing the required OpenGl version.
        
*   Zwift is using a different GPU than expected.
    
    *   Zwift may be using an integrated GPU instead of a dedicated GPU. This can occur on laptops using power-saving settings or when external displays are connected.
        
*   An external display configuration is causing a display compatibility issue.
    
    *   When using mirrored displays, mismatched resolutions between the computer and external display can trigger the error, especially in fullscreen mode.
        

## Resolution

Follow these steps:

1.  Verify your computer meets Zwift's minimum requirements. See [Supported Devices to Run Zwift](https://support.zwift.com/supported-devices-to-run-zwift-H1Cj9QbeB).
    
    *   If Zwift has never successfully run on this computer, it may not meet those requirements.
        
2.  Check for driver updates from your GPU manufacturer:
    
    *   [Intel](http://www.intel.com/p/en_US/support/detect "Intel")
    *   [NVIDIA](http://www.nvidia.com/Download/Scan.aspx?lang=en-us "NVIDIA")
    *   [AMD](http://support.amd.com/en-us/download "AMD")
3.  Review your power settings.
    
    *   If you're using a laptop, connect it to power.
        
    *   If your computer is using power-saving settings, switch to a mode that prioritizes performance while running Zwift.
        
    *   If your computer has both integrated and dedicated graphics, configure your graphics settings to use the dedicated GPU when running Zwift.
        
4.  If using an external display, check external display settings.
    
    *   Verify that both displays use matching resolutions.
        
    *   If you don't want to change display settings, try running Zwift in Windowed mode. You can change this setting from the Audio & Video tab in the in-game settings.
        

Ride On.

\-The Team at Zwift