GPU Driver Issue when you start a Google Android 27 emulator in Visual Studio 2017

This article helps you resolve a problem (GPU Driver Issue) that occurs when a Google Android 27 emulator won't start on a computer with Microsoft Visual Studio 2017.

Original product version:   Visual Studio 2017
Original KB number:   4477609

Symptoms

Assume that you have a Google Android 27 emulator image on a 32-bit computer that has Microsoft Visual Studio 2017 installed. When you try to start that emulator, it fails to start, and you receive an error (GPU Driver Issue). For example, you see an error message dialog box that's similar to the following screenshot:

Workaround

To work around this problem, follow these steps:

1. Open Android Device Manager.
2. Create a new default emulator that targets API 25 or 26. Or, select a higher API level (28+), depending on your goals for development.
3. Retarget your app to use the new API.

We also recommend deploying to a real device when it's possible, as this is faster and less error-prone than using an emulator.

Third-party information disclaimer

The third-party products that this article discusses are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, about the performance or reliability of these products.