In this article, we will show you how to update graphics card drivers on Windows to boost your system performance, and enjoy better graphics.
How to update graphics driver – Updating your graphics card drivers is an essential task for maintaining optimal performance, improving game graphics, and ensuring that your computer runs smoothly.
Whether you’re a gamer, video editor, or just using your computer for everyday tasks, keeping your drivers up-to-date is crucial.
Here, we will show you how to update your graphics card drivers and why it’s important for your system’s performance. However, if you are not a tech person like me and you need immediate help, you can hire trusted freelancers from Fiverr to help you update your graphics card drivers and fix other system issues.
See Also: 4 Ways to Update Video Drivers on Windows
Why Should You Update Graphics Card Drivers?
Graphics card drivers are the software that allows your operating system and applications to communicate with the hardware. Manufacturers like NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel regularly release updates to improve performance, fix bugs, and add new features. Updating these drivers ensures that your graphics card performs at its best, providing smoother gameplay, higher-quality visuals, and faster rendering times.
Outdated drivers can cause various issues, including:
- Poor Performance: Games or applications might lag or crash unexpectedly.
- Compatibility Issues: Some newer games or applications may not work correctly.
- Bugs and Glitches: Graphics problems like screen tearing, distortion, or crashes can occur.
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How to Update Graphics Card Drivers on Windows
Here’s how to update your graphics card drivers on a Windows computer. We’ll walk you through different methods, so you can choose the one that works best for you.
Method 1: Use Device Manager
The simplest way to update your graphics card driver is through Device Manager. Here’s how:
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Open Device Manager:
- Right-click the Start menu and select Device Manager.
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Locate Your Graphics Card:
- In Device Manager, scroll down and find the Display Adapters section.
- Click the arrow to expand the list and locate your graphics card (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel).
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Update Driver:
- Right-click on your graphics card and select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
- Windows will search for the latest drivers and install them automatically if an update is available.
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Restart Your PC:
- Once the installation is complete, restart your computer to apply the changes.
See Also: 15 Best Free Screen Recorders for Windows
Method 2: Use Graphics Card Software (NVIDIA GeForce Experience, AMD Radeon Software)
Both NVIDIA and AMD offer their own software tools to help you keep your graphics drivers updated automatically.
For NVIDIA Users:
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Download GeForce Experience:
- If you don’t already have it, download and install the NVIDIA GeForce Experience software from the official NVIDIA website.
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Sign In:
- Once installed, open GeForce Experience and sign in (or create an account if you don’t have one).
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Check for Updates:
- The software will automatically detect your graphics card and check for any available driver updates.
- If a new update is available, click the Download button to begin the installation.
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Install the Update:
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install the update.
- Once done, restart your computer to complete the update.
For AMD Users:
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Download Radeon Software:
- Visit the official AMD website and download the Radeon Software for your graphics card.
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Launch Radeon Software:
- Open the software, and it will automatically check for driver updates.
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Update Drivers:
- If an update is available, click Download and follow the prompts to install the new driver.
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Restart Your PC:
- Once the update is complete, restart your PC to finalize the changes.
See Also: 4 Ways to Screen Record on Windows
Method 3: Download Drivers Manually from the Manufacturer’s Website
If you prefer, you can also update your drivers manually by downloading them directly from the manufacturer’s website.
For NVIDIA:
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Visit the NVIDIA Driver Download Page:
- Go to the official NVIDIA website (https://www.nvidia.com/Download/index.aspx).
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Select Your Graphics Card Model:
- Select your GPU series and model from the dropdown menus.
- Choose your operating system (e.g., Windows 10, 64-bit).
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Download and Install:
- Click Search, then download the latest driver version.
- Run the installer and follow the instructions to update your driver.
For AMD:
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Go to the AMD Driver Download Page:
- Visit AMD’s official website (https://www.amd.com/en/support).
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Find Your Graphics Card Model:
- Enter your graphics card details or use the auto-detect tool to find your exact model.
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Download the Latest Driver:
- Download the latest driver version for your system and install it.
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Reboot Your PC:
- After installation, restart your computer to apply the update.
See Also: 15 Best YouTube Video Downloader for Windows and Mac
Method 4: Use Windows Update
Windows Update can also detect some graphics card driver updates, especially for integrated graphics (Intel or AMD). To check:
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Open Settings:
- Click on the Start menu and select Settings (gear icon).
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Go to Update & Security:
- Click on Update & Security, then Windows Update.
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Check for Updates:
- Click Check for updates. If Windows finds any driver updates, it will automatically download and install them.
How Often Should You Update Graphics Card Drivers?
It’s a good practice to check for graphics card driver updates at least once every few weeks, or whenever you notice performance issues or bugs. If you’re a gamer, it’s especially important to update your drivers when a new game releases to ensure compatibility and performance.
Troubleshooting Common Graphics Driver Issues
If you run into problems while updating your graphics drivers, here are a few tips:
- Rollback the Driver: If a new driver causes issues, you can roll back to the previous version through Device Manager.
- Reinstall the Driver: Sometimes a clean reinstall of the driver can resolve persistent problems. Uninstall the current driver first and then install the latest one.
- Check for System Compatibility: Ensure that the driver you’re downloading is compatible with your operating system.
See Also: 15 Best Screenshot Tools for Windows
Conclusion
Updating your graphics card drivers is essential for getting the most out of your computer’s performance, whether you’re gaming, creating content, or simply browsing. By following the steps in this guide, you can keep your drivers up-to-date with ease, ensuring that your system runs smoothly and your graphics are always looking their best.
If you ever face issues with your graphics card after an update, remember that you can always roll back or reinstall the driver. Keeping your drivers updated will help you enjoy smoother graphics, better performance, and fewer bugs in your system.
By staying on top of driver updates, you ensure that your PC remains in top shape and ready for any task you throw at it!
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