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To check your graphics card in Windows, open Device Manager and expand Display adapters. To update its driver, start with Windows Update or Device Manager; for a direct download, use the official graphics-card or computer manufacturer’s support page and select the exact model and Windows version.
Check which graphics card is installed
Use Device Manager
- Open Start, search for Device Manager, and launch it.
- Expand Display adapters. Read each listed adapter. Some computers have both integrated and discrete graphics, so more than one entry can be correct. Microsoft’s Device Manager instructions explain how to view and update devices.
See driver details in DxDiag
- Open Start, search for dxdiag, and launch the DirectX Diagnostic Tool.
- Select each Display tab to view the adapter name and driver information. Multiple Display tabs can correspond to multiple adapters. DxDiag can also save a report to share with support. Microsoft’s DxDiag guide covers the tool.
Do not confuse the driver with DirectX: DxDiag lists the DirectX version separately on its System tab. For Windows 10 and 11, Microsoft says Windows Update provides DirectX updates and that those operating systems already have the latest DirectX version available for them. Microsoft’s DirectX version guidance explains this distinction.
Choose an update route
| Route | Best fit | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Update or Device Manager automatic search | A straightforward first attempt; Microsoft recommends Windows Update generally for driver updates. | Windows may not find a newer suitable package. |
| Graphics-card manufacturer’s official download or detection tool | Direct access to a package for a specific GPU and Windows version. | You need to identify the exact adapter and select a compatible operating system. |
| Computer manufacturer’s support page | Laptops and OEM systems that may use customized drivers. | Its package release timing may differ from a generic GPU driver release. |
Update through Windows
Try Device Manager first
- In Device Manager, expand Display adapters.
- Right-click the adapter you want to update and select Update driver.
- Choose the automatic search option and follow the prompts.
- If Windows does not find a suitable driver, check Windows Update for driver updates or use the appropriate official manufacturer route.
For a manually downloaded package, use the computer or GPU manufacturer’s official site and match the product and Windows version. Then, in Device Manager, choose Update driver and Browse my computer for drivers to point Windows to the package. Avoid third-party driver-download sites. Microsoft’s driver-update instructions describe the automatic and manual paths.
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For a laptop, check its manufacturer first
Laptop graphics can be configured with model-specific features. NVIDIA identifies the notebook maker as the primary source for drivers qualified for notebook customizations, though it also offers reference notebook drivers for many supported products. Intel likewise advises considering the latest graphics driver from the computer manufacturer, and AMD notes that some systems with vendor-specific features require custom drivers.
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Use the GPU maker’s official support page
- NVIDIA: Select the product and operating system on the official driver-download page. For a notebook, check the computer maker’s support page first. NVIDIA’s notebook driver FAQ explains its OEM guidance.
- AMD: Use AMD’s official driver page to select the exact product and OS, or use its Auto-Detect and Install tool on compatible Windows systems. AMD describes Recommended drivers as stability-focused and Optional drivers as the newest releases with current features and fixes; check the download page for the current choices. Some OEM-specific systems require drivers from the computer maker. See AMD’s driver installation guidance.
- Intel: Intel offers automatic detection through Driver & Support Assistant or manual package selection in the Intel Download Center. Consider the computer manufacturer’s driver for an OEM system. See Intel’s graphics-driver installation guidance.
Choose based on the exact adapter and Windows version, not just the manufacturer name. If the computer lists integrated and discrete adapters, identify which one is involved in the issue or application before downloading a driver. A vendor’s newest generic package is not necessarily the right choice for every OEM-configured laptop.
What “Microsoft Basic Display Adapter” means
If DxDiag lists Microsoft Basic Display Adapter, Windows is using a generic display driver rather than a manufacturer-specific driver. Microsoft recommends installing the hardware manufacturer’s driver when one is available. Microsoft’s Basic Display Adapter guidance explains the label.
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Recover if an update causes display trouble
Roll back the driver
If the problem began after a driver update, open Device Manager, expand Display adapters, right-click the affected adapter, and open Properties. On the Driver tab, choose Roll Back Driver if the option is available, then follow the prompts. Windows only offers rollback when it has a previous driver to restore. See Microsoft’s driver recovery guidance.
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Reset the graphics driver during some blank-screen problems
In some blank-screen situations, press Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B to reset the graphics driver. This is a troubleshooting step, not a way to install or select a compatible driver.
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