pci\ven_10de&dev_2504&subsys_37171462&rev_a1 — What It Means, Which NVIDIA GPU It Is, and How to Fix the Driver (Windows 10/11)

If you landed here because Device Manager, an installer log, a game crash report, or a driver tool showed this exact string:

…you’re in the right place. This is a hardware ID that Windows uses to identify a specific GPU model and pick the correct driver. In plain English: it’s Windows saying, “I found an NVIDIA graphics device, and here’s its exact identity.”

In this guide I’ll explain what every part means, what GPU it likely maps to, and the safest, fastest way to install the correct NVIDIA driver—without breaking anything.

Quick Answer (What This Hardware ID Is)

• VEN_10DE = NVIDIA (vendor)
• DEV_2504 = the specific NVIDIA GPU device model code
• SUBSYS_37171462 = the laptop/board maker’s customized variant (OEM subsystem ID)
• REV_A1 = hardware revision

So pci\ven_10de&dev_2504&subsys_37171462&rev_a1 is a precise fingerprint of an NVIDIA GPU + its OEM-specific configuration.

What “PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_2504…” Means (Decoded)

In practice, VEN + DEV is the core identity. SUBSYS explains why one laptop might need a slightly different driver profile than another.

Which GPU Is DEV_2504?

DEV_2504 is an NVIDIA internal device identifier used by Windows driver INFs to map your exact GPU. The fastest way to confirm the consumer-facing GPU name (for example, “GeForce RTX …” or “NVIDIA … Laptop GPU”) is to query Windows directly (no guessing).

Method A (Best): Use Device Manager

1. Press Win + X → Device Manager
2. Expand Display adapters (or check Other devices if it’s unknown)
3. Right-click the NVIDIA device → Properties
4. Go to Details tab
5. From the dropdown, choose Hardware Ids
6. Copy the top line (most specific)

If the device name is missing and it only shows as Microsoft Basic Display Adapter or Video Controller (VGA Compatible), that’s a classic sign the correct NVIDIA driver isn’t installed yet.

Method B: Use PowerShell (Quick + Clean)

Or for more detail (advanced):

You’re looking for an InstanceId containing:

Why You’re Seeing This Hardware ID (Common Scenarios)

• Fresh Windows install and NVIDIA driver is missing
• Driver mismatch (wrong DCH/Standard package, wrong laptop OEM flavor, or outdated driver)
• Windows Update installed a generic driver and your NVIDIA features are incomplete
• Code 43 / Code 31 errors in Device Manager
• Game crashes / black screen / no HDMI output due to corrupted driver stack
• eGPU or dock scenario where enumeration changes between boots

The Best Fix: Install the Correct NVIDIA Driver (Safe, Fast, Clean)

I’ll give you the “no drama” method that works for most people.

Step 1 — Confirm Your Windows Version & Type

Press Win + R → type winver → Enter. Note:

• Windows 10 or Windows 11
• Build number
• 64-bit (almost always)

Step 2 — Download the Correct Driver From NVIDIA (Preferred)

Go to NVIDIA’s official driver download page and select the product that matches your GPU. If you’re on a laptop, choose the Notebook/Laptop variant where applicable.

Tip: If you mainly play games, choose Game Ready Driver (GRD). If you do creative/pro apps (Adobe, Blender, DaVinci), consider Studio Driver (SD).

Step 3 — Clean Install (Without Overkill)

1. Run the NVIDIA installer
2. Choose Custom (Advanced)
3. Check Perform a clean installation
4. Install only what you need:
   • Graphics Driver (required)
   • PhysX (optional, harmless)
   • HD Audio (only if you use HDMI/DP audio)
   • GeForce Experience (optional; useful for easy updates, not required)

Reboot after installation—even if it doesn’t ask. That reboot finalizes the driver stack.

If It Still Doesn’t Work: Targeted Troubleshooting (Pro-Level but Simple)

1) Check the Device Manager Error Code

1. Device Manager → right-click GPU → Properties
2. Check Device status

2) Use DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller) If the Driver Stack Is Corrupted

Use this if you’ve installed multiple drivers, you’re stuck in crash loops, or you keep getting Code 43 after reinstall.

1. Download DDU from its official source
2. Disconnect from the internet (prevents Windows Update from racing you)
3. Boot into Safe Mode
4. Run DDU → clean NVIDIA drivers
5. Reboot → install the latest NVIDIA driver

3) Laptop Owners: OEM Drivers Can Matter

If your laptop has special power management (Optimus/Advanced Optimus/MUX switch), the manufacturer’s driver package can behave better than NVIDIA’s generic package. If NVIDIA’s driver installs but you get:

• black screens on wake
• brightness control issues
• no display output via USB-C/HDMI

…try the latest GPU driver from your laptop maker’s support page, then update through NVIDIA later if needed.

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Advanced: How This Hardware ID Helps You Pick the Exact Driver (INF Matching)

Windows drivers include .INF files listing supported hardware IDs. When you install a driver, Windows checks whether your device’s ID (like PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_2504...) appears in those lists.

If you ever see “driver not compatible” or “no compatible hardware found,” it often means:

• wrong OS version/architecture (32-bit vs 64-bit), or
• wrong product family, or
• your OEM subsystem ID needs a different package, or
• the driver package is incomplete/corrupt.

Pro tip: The most specific match includes the subsystem, like:

The less specific match might be only:

Both can work, but OEM-specific matches can improve stability/features on laptops.

FAQ

Is VEN_10DE always NVIDIA?

Yes. 10DE is NVIDIA’s PCI vendor ID.

Is DEV_2504 a virus or something suspicious?

No—by itself it’s just a hardware identifier string used by Windows. It may show up in logs, driver tools, or crash reports.

Why does Windows show “Microsoft Basic Display Adapter”?

That’s Windows using a generic fallback driver. It works for basic display output, but performance and features (gaming, CUDA, NVENC, multiple displays, proper scaling) require the real NVIDIA driver.

Can I fix this by updating BIOS or chipset drivers?

Sometimes it helps, especially on laptops or newer platforms. But 90% of the time, the real fix is a proper NVIDIA driver installation (and DDU if the system is messy).

Checklist: Fastest Path to a Clean Fix

1. Confirm the ID shows VEN_10DE + DEV_2504
2. Download the correct NVIDIA driver (GRD or Studio)
3. Install via Custom → Clean installation
4. Reboot
5. If errors persist: DDU in Safe Mode → reinstall
6. On laptops: try OEM driver if features break

Wrap-Up

That long string—pci\ven_10de&dev_2504&subsys_37171462&rev_a1—isn’t random. It’s a precise NVIDIA GPU hardware ID that helps Windows select the correct driver. Once you confirm the GPU name and install the right driver cleanly, most issues (missing GPU name, poor performance, crashes, Code 43) disappear.

Before You Go (Help Me Help You + Stay Updated)

If this guide saved you time, I’d love it if you:

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