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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesiTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
To update a graphics card driver, first identify the GPU and operating system, then use Windows Update or the official driver source for that GPU or computer. Install the matching package, restart if prompted, and verify the driver version. The right package depends on your hardware and OS; avoid third-party driver-download sites.
1. Identify your graphics card and operating system
“Graphics card driver,” “graphics driver” and “video card driver” refer to software that lets the operating system and applications work with the graphics processor (GPU). Before downloading anything, find out whether your computer uses NVIDIA, AMD or Intel graphics, and whether it is a laptop or desktop. The vendor’s driver selector needs the exact product and operating system to show a suitable package.
On Windows, open Device Manager > Display adapters to see the graphics hardware listed. If the computer has more than one adapter, note each model; a laptop may combine integrated graphics with a separate GPU. Check your Windows version in Settings > System > About. On other operating systems, use the system information or official support tools for your device.
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Windows Update can offer recommended graphics drivers. Optional driver updates are not installed automatically, so check the optional updates page if you are looking for a driver that has not appeared in the normal update process. Microsoft explains the route in its Windows driver update instructions.
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- In Windows 11, open Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates. In Windows 10, open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View optional updates.
- Expand Driver updates, select the graphics driver that matches your hardware, and choose Download and install.
- Restart the computer if Windows asks. If no suitable graphics driver is offered, check the computer maker’s or GPU maker’s official support page.
Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025, according to Microsoft’s end-of-support notice. Do not assume a Windows 10 PC continues to receive ordinary free Windows updates after that date.
3. Choose the official driver for your GPU
If Windows Update does not provide a suitable driver, use the GPU maker’s official site or the computer manufacturer’s support page. Match the GPU model and OS carefully. For laptops, start with the laptop maker’s driver recommendation, particularly for Intel graphics: the system maker may provide a driver intended for that specific computer.
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NVIDIA
Use the NVIDIA driver download page, select the product type, series, product and operating system, then review the offered driver. NVIDIA describes Production Branch/Studio as the usual stability-oriented choice for most users. New Feature Branch releases are aimed at newer features, fixes or operating-system support and have a shorter support duration. Choose a newer-feature branch when you need something specific it supplies; otherwise, prefer the stability-oriented option.
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NVIDIA also documents its update and notification options at NVIDIA app. Use the official utility or download page rather than a third-party driver site.
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AMD
Go to AMD Drivers and Support to select a product or use its Auto-Detect and Install tool. The tool checks for compatible Radeon graphics, Ryzen chipsets and Windows version, then presents available Recommended and Optional packages. AMD documents support for Windows 11 version 21H2 and later, and Windows 10 64-bit version 1809 and later.
AMD describes Recommended packages as focused on stability and certified by Microsoft. Optional packages may offer newer game or product support between Recommended releases. For a system that is working normally, choose Recommended unless you need a specific fix, feature or compatibility improvement available in an Optional package.
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Intel
For Intel graphics, use Intel Driver & Support Assistant for automatic detection, or search for the processor and driver in the Intel Download Center. Intel advises laptop owners to check with the computer manufacturer first because its driver may be the intended option for that system.
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Linux
Linux driver installation varies by distribution and GPU. Use the distribution’s driver manager or package repositories where appropriate, and follow its current official documentation alongside the GPU vendor’s guidance. NVIDIA describes a Linux update utility that detects details of the Linux environment, but there is no single procedure that applies to every distribution.
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macOS
On a Mac, graphics support is delivered through macOS system software rather than a general Windows-style graphics driver download. Open Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update and install available macOS updates. Apple’s instructions are at Update macOS.
Windows running through Boot Camp
If Windows is running on a Mac through Boot Camp, follow Apple’s Windows support software instructions. Apple notes that an AMD graphics issue in Windows may require an AMD driver.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.4. Install, restart and verify
- Download the package for the exact GPU and OS from the official source. If you are using a laptop, follow the computer maker’s recommendation when applicable.
- Run the installer and follow its prompts. Do not interrupt the installation.
- Restart if the installer or Windows Update requests it. Finish any pending restart before deciding whether a graphics problem is fixed.
- Open the vendor’s control panel or update utility and check the installed driver version. Then test the game or application that prompted the update.
A driver update may add support or address a specific issue, but it does not guarantee a performance increase. Results depend on the GPU, software and rest of the system. If the new driver causes problems, follow the vendor’s official rollback or reinstall instructions rather than deleting driver files manually.
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