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10 Tech How-To

How to Check & Update Your Graphics Card Driver in Windows

Guide 10-9777 · Updated · Step by step

This guide shows you how to check which graphics card driver you have and update it to the latest version in Windows. Keeping your GPU driver current fixes visual glitches, improves game performance, and resolves display issues. You’ll need a Windows PC with an internet connection and a few minutes of time.

What You’ll Need

  • A Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer
  • Internet access to download drivers
  • Administrator rights on the PC (to install drivers)
  • Knowledge of your graphics card brand (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) – we’ll show you how to find this

Step-by-Step

  1. Open Device Manager. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager from the menu. Alternatively, type “Device Manager” in the Start menu search and click the result.
  2. Expand Display adapters. Click the arrow next to “Display adapters” to see your graphics card(s). You’ll see the brand and model, e.g., “NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060” or “AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT.” If you have both integrated and dedicated GPUs, you’ll see two entries.
  3. Check the current driver version. Right-click your graphics card and select Properties. Go to the Driver tab. Note the “Driver Version” and “Driver Date.” This tells you what you currently have.
  4. Close Device Manager. You now know your GPU model and current driver version.
  5. Download the latest driver. Go to the official website for your GPU brand:

    Use the auto-detect tool if available, or manually select your GPU model and Windows version.

  6. Download the driver file. Click the download button and wait for the file (usually a .exe) to finish downloading. Save it to an easy-to-find location like your Desktop or Downloads folder.
  7. Run the installer. Double-click the downloaded file. If Windows asks for permission, click Yes.
  8. Choose installation type. Most installers offer “Express” or “Custom.” For most users, choose Express (or “Quick Install”). This installs the driver and required components automatically.
  9. Follow the on-screen prompts. The installer may ask you to accept a license agreement. Read and accept it. Then wait for the installation to complete. This can take several minutes.
  10. Restart your computer. When prompted, restart your PC. Restarting ensures the new driver loads properly.
  11. Verify the update. After restarting, go back to Device Manager → Display adapters → right-click your GPU → Properties → Driver tab. The driver version and date should now be newer than before.

Common Mistakes

  • Downloading from unofficial sites. Always use the GPU manufacturer’s official website. Third-party sites may bundle malware or outdated drivers.
  • Choosing the wrong driver. Make sure you select the correct GPU model and Windows version. Installing a driver for a different card can cause issues.
  • Skipping the restart. Not restarting can leave the old driver running and cause instability.
  • Using Windows Update as your only source. Windows Update often provides older drivers. For gaming or professional work, use the manufacturer’s driver.
  • Not cleaning old drivers. If you’re upgrading from an old GPU to a new one, use a tool like Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) to remove old drivers completely before installing the new ones.

Tips

  • Use the manufacturer’s auto-detect tool. NVIDIA and AMD offer tools that scan your system and recommend the right driver automatically.
  • Create a restore point. Before updating, create a system restore point (search “Create a restore point” in Start). If the new driver causes problems, you can roll back.
  • Check for driver updates regularly. New drivers are released monthly or more often. Set a reminder or check every few months.
  • For laptops, check the laptop manufacturer’s site too. Sometimes laptop-specific drivers are customized. If you have a laptop, you may want to check both the GPU maker and the laptop maker’s site.
  • Use GeForce Experience (NVIDIA) or Adrenalin (AMD). These apps notify you of new drivers and can install them with one click.

Troubleshooting

  • Installation fails. Disable your antivirus temporarily, close all other programs, and try again. Also, make sure you have enough free disk space.
  • Screen flickers or goes black after update. This usually means the driver is incompatible. Restart in Safe Mode (hold Shift while clicking Restart → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart → press 4). Then open Device Manager, right-click your GPU, select Properties → Driver → Roll Back Driver.
  • Performance still bad. The driver may not be the issue. Check for overheating, insufficient power supply, or outdated Windows.
  • Device Manager shows an error code. Right-click the GPU, select Uninstall device, then restart. Windows will reinstall the basic driver. Then try the manufacturer’s driver again.
  • Can’t find the right driver. If you have an older GPU, the manufacturer may have stopped supporting it. In that case, use the last available driver or rely on Windows Update.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I update my graphics driver?

For gaming, update when a new game you play requires it, or every 2-3 months. For general use, updating once or twice a year is enough.

Is it safe to update my graphics driver?

Yes, if you download from the official manufacturer’s website. It’s a routine process. Creating a restore point first is a good safety measure.

What if I have both an integrated and a dedicated GPU?

You need to update both. The integrated GPU (usually Intel) and the dedicated GPU (NVIDIA or AMD) each have their own driver. You can update them separately.

Can I use Windows Update to update my graphics driver?

Yes, but Windows Update often provides older drivers. For the best performance, especially in games, use the manufacturer’s driver.

What does “clean install” mean in the driver installer?

It removes the old driver completely before installing the new one. This can fix issues caused by leftover files. It’s a good option if you’re experiencing problems.

My driver is up to date, but I still have display issues. What else can I do?

Check your monitor cable, try a different port, update your Windows OS, and check for overheating. Also, run a hardware diagnostic tool from the GPU manufacturer.

Related

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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