In this article, we will show you how to update display driver in Windows to improve performance, fix bugs, and get the latest features.
Keeping your display driver updated is an essential part of maintaining a smooth and efficient computing experience.
Whether you’re gaming, editing videos, or just browsing the web, having the latest driver installed ensures that your graphics card runs smoothly, offering improved performance and stability.
Here, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to update your display driver, keeping your system at its best.
See Also: 8 Steps to Fix NVIDIA Drivers Not Installing Issue
What Is a Display Driver?
A display driver is software that allows your computer’s operating system and applications to communicate with your graphics hardware (GPU). It ensures that your system can display images, videos, and 3D content properly. Display drivers can also include performance optimizations, bug fixes, and compatibility updates with new software.
Why Should You Update Your Display Driver?
Updating your display driver can solve various issues, including:
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Better Performance: New drivers can improve the performance of your games, videos, and applications.
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Bug Fixes: Updating drivers helps resolve issues like screen flickering, crashes, or graphical glitches.
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New Features: Driver updates often come with new features, such as support for newer games or enhanced graphics capabilities.
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Security Improvements: Driver updates can patch vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malware or hackers.
See Also: 5 Methods to Update NVIDIA Drivers on Windows and Mac
How to Update Display Driver in Windows
There are several ways to update your display driver, depending on your preference and technical expertise. Let’s look at the most common methods:
Method 1: Using Device Manager
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Open Device Manager: Press Windows + X and select Device Manager from the menu.
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Expand Display Adapters: In the Device Manager window, locate and expand the Display adapters section.
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Right-Click on Your Display Adapter: Right-click on your display adapter (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel), and select Update driver.
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Search for Updates: Choose the option to search for updated drivers automatically. Windows will look for the latest driver online and install it if available.
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Restart Your PC: After the update, restart your PC to apply the changes.
Method 2: Using the Graphics Card’s Official Software
If you have a dedicated graphics card (e.g., NVIDIA or AMD), you can use their proprietary software to update your driver.
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NVIDIA Users: Open NVIDIA GeForce Experience, log in, and go to the Drivers tab. Click on Check for Updates, and if a newer version is available, you can download and install it from there.
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AMD Users: Open AMD Radeon Software, go to the Drivers & Software section, and click on Check for Updates to find and install the latest driver.
Method 3: Manually Downloading from the Manufacturer’s Website
If you prefer, you can manually download the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website. This method is ideal if you want a specific version or need a more customized installation.
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Go to the Manufacturer’s Website:
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NVIDIA: NVIDIA Driver Download
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AMD: AMD Driver Support
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Intel: Intel Driver Update
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Select Your GPU Model: Find your graphics card model and download the latest driver compatible with your operating system.
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Install the Driver: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. Be sure to restart your system afterward to complete the installation.
Method 4: Using Third-Party Driver Updater Tools
If you find the manual process too time-consuming, third-party driver updater tools can make the process easier. These tools scan your system for outdated drivers and update them with just a few clicks. Some popular options include:
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Driver Booster
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Driver Easy
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DriverPack Solution
These tools are especially helpful for users who are not sure which drivers to install or those who want to keep their entire system up-to-date with minimal effort.
See Also: 4 Steps to Update GPU drivers
How to Check if Your Display Driver Is Up to Date
Once you’ve updated your display driver, it’s essential to confirm that the update has been applied correctly. You can check the driver version by following these steps:
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Open Device Manager.
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Expand Display Adapters and right-click on your display adapter.
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Select Properties and go to the Driver tab.
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Here, you’ll see the Driver Version and Driver Date.
Compare this version with the latest available version on the manufacturer’s website to ensure you have the most up-to-date driver.
Troubleshooting Common Display Driver Issues
Sometimes, even after updating your display driver, you may encounter issues. Here are some troubleshooting tips:
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Rollback the Driver: If the latest driver causes problems, you can roll back to the previous version. Go to Device Manager > Display adapters > Right-click on your adapter > Properties > Driver tab > Rollback Driver.
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Reinstall the Driver: If updating doesn’t fix the issue, uninstalling and reinstalling the driver may help. Right-click on the display adapter in Device Manager, select Uninstall device, restart your computer, and reinstall the driver.
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Check for Windows Updates: Sometimes, the issue might be with Windows itself. Make sure your system is up to date by going to Settings > Update & Security > Check for Updates.
See Also: 4 Ways to Update Drivers on PC
Conclusion
Updating your display driver is a simple but essential task to ensure your system’s graphics performance is optimized. By following the steps above, you can easily keep your display driver updated, fixing bugs, improving performance, and taking advantage of new features. Whether you choose to update through Device Manager, use manufacturer software, or manually download the latest driver, the process is straightforward. Keep your system up to date, and enjoy a smoother, more reliable computing experience!
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