Surface Book 3 Nvidia Graphics card disappears after updates.

So I've been thinking about the issue on the SurfaceBook (2&3!). My colleague has a SB2 that has never dropped his GPU. We both run the same OS, firmware sets and drivers and both have the additional NVIDIA GPU. However, BOTH (SB2 & SB3) of my units are causing me the exact same problem and he has never had any issues. In one day I lost my GPU 7 times in one day. (I now leave both the Task Manager and Device Manager open. When the Task Manager drops the GPU, I scan for new hardware in the Display Adapters section of Device Manager and the GPU comes back). However, on the eight drop of the day the GPU could not be recognized any longer and I had to reboot the machine.

So, after getting frustrated, irritated and downright angry, I decided to see if there was anything about the design that might warrant the problem occurring on both units. According to ifixit, the upper section of the SB3 is where the real changes are (CPU, etc.) to the unit. However, the design of the lower keyboard section, which houses the GPU, is identical on both the SB2 and SB3 except for the GPU. After looking at several of the tear down videos and youtube videos about the GPU, I believe this is a hardware problem and NOT a software problem.

I don't have a fix for it but I do think there is plenty of evidence that this is a hardware issue and not software. I also believe that in Texas this may be a potential for the lemon law. I am going to contact the State of Texas to see if there is anything I can do. If not, then I will see if I can find someone who can talk with me about a class action. Based on the responses, I believe this issue to be considerably more widespread.

Latest February firmware update here, laptop still loses the GPU. Looking at older models, a very similar issue occurs here: I am having a Display Driver Stopped responding and has recovered - Microsoft Community, and no update notes appear to note that the issue has been fixed. Still being hopeful about the issue being able to be resolved through updates from how the above thread's issue was resolved. I also detailed my specific issue and findings that I experienced on a Reddit post as well as some other user's finding (Graphics card appears to disconnect/drop/uninstall when playing games on Surface Book 3 : Surface (reddit.com)).

<SARCASM>

Somehow there is a nice fix in the latest drop. I now show my nvidia card in Device Manager but NOT in the Task Manager. It shows the built in GPU (intel 62) but no longer shows the GPU1 (nvidia). I guess that's one way to handle the problem. Simply have the card in the system but never use it.

</SARCASM>

Unfortunately, there are only two ways out of this dilemma. First is to never buy Microsoft equipment again. I'm already there. Second is some form of class action against Microsoft. I'm there if anyone knows how to start a complaint. I'll be happy to sign it. This is ridiculous. Just don't feel like there is any means to get Microsoft to fix the problem. I know they have seen it because the techs I have spoken with have stated that they have seen it. They just don't know how to fix it other than follow there decision tree support files.

Feel your pain.  Microsoft "updates" microscrew my system every week or so.  Lose 2 days in every 10 fixing dropped network drivers, failed pen support, bluetooth dropout, app configuration and file corruption...and yes 15 cases of "no GPU found.'  I've only had it a few months, brand new.  Unfortunately the microshaft advice to 'simply rollback your' system when encountering these problems is defeated by their own updates which have also...you guessed it, stopped the recovery function!  Tried every imaginable fix to turn updates off (hit all credible sites for advice) but microsoft, despite having no consent, still corner my little system and bend her over ( for her own security).

Interesting. My SB2 and SB3 simply just drops the GPU. No indication as to why. It just drops the GPU. I'm up to date on all the latest firmware as well. I have submitted an issue on feedback hub. 

I want to reiterate. You do not have to reboot your machine to bring back your GPU. Start Device Manager and just 'Scan for Hardware Changes' on your Display Adapter and it will bring it back.

Note: you should not have to do this. However, I usually have to do it several times a day (which I JUST had to do). Frustrating!