I bought an HP ENVY TouchSmart 15-j013ea about 6 months ago and I have had a major problem with the graphics that I cannot seem to solve. I think it started when I updated to Windows 8.1, even though I am not 100% certain.
I have noticed the following three problems, and I think they are related:
Some windows (such as Chrome, Skype, or even Device Manager or other windows) are very blurry compared to others.
The firefox menu window has some deformed black arrows instead of the normal ones.
When playing a game (specifically, Star Wars the Force Unleashed 2), after a while I get an error that the computer has ran out of memory. However, according to task manager, only about 50% is in use, not to mention that I have 8 GB of RAM + 2 GB graphics memory. At the same time, the computer gets rather loud (like a fan working overtime) and hot.
The laptop has both Intel and NVidia graphics, and both are enabled in Device Manager. To be honest, I have no idea which is used when, or how to check that (let me know if there is a way)
I have tried the following without success:
Uninstalling the Intel graphics driver from device manager and installing a version I downloaded from the HP website for my laptop and OS. After that, Windows would NOT BOOT, and I had to do a system restore.
Uninstalling the Intel graphics from Programs and Features, and installing 2 different versions from the Intel website. Nothing changed.
Updating Nvidia driver through GeForce Experience. Nothing changed.
Updating Intel drivers from Windows Update. Nothing changed.
Quite frankly I am not sure what the problem could be, since the graphics versions are supposed to be compatible with WIndows 8.1. I also don't get why some windows are blurry and others are not. I am thinking the computer uses only the Intel graphics and not the Nvidia (at least in the blurry windows), but even if that was the case (and it shouldn't be), I don't think I should be having this problem.
At this point, I really need help. My graphics details are:
Intel HD Graphics 4600: Driver version: 10.18.10.3412
NVidia GeForce GT 740M: Driver version: 335.23
NVidia GeForce Experience version: 1.8.2
I am attaching screenshots that show driver details and the problems.
Thank you.
Blurry Chrome:
Firefox menu problem:
Device Manager and driver windows are also blurry, both graphics are shown