A bad graphics card driver can cause display glitches, poor game performance, or missing graphics features. Start by finding the exact GPU name, then update it through Windows, your PC maker, or the GPU maker's official tool. The fixes below stay on current support paths and skip outdated driver-scan shortcuts.
1. Confirm Your GPU Name in Windows
Before downloading anything, get the exact graphics card name from Windows. On Windows 11, open Start > Settings > System > Display > Advanced display, then look under Display information for the GPU name. You can also right-click Start, open Task Manager > Performance > GPU, and check the GPU listed there.
2. Let Windows Update Install the Driver
This fixes most driver updates on home Windows PCs without making you pick a package manually.
- 1.Open Start > Settings > Windows Update.
- 2.Select Check for updates.
- 3.Install the available updates.
- 4.Restart the PC when Windows asks you to.
3. Open Optional Driver Updates
Some graphics drivers sit in the optional updates area instead of the main Windows Update screen. On Windows 11, go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates > Driver updates. Select the graphics driver, then choose Download and install.
On Windows 10, use Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Advanced options. Enable updates for other Microsoft products, then return to Windows Update and open optional updates.
Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025, so move to Windows 11 when the PC qualifies. Windows 10 version 22H2 PCs can also enroll in consumer Extended Security Updates through October 12, 2027, at no extra cost while syncing your PC settings, for 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or with a one-time $30 purchase.
4. Search From Device Manager
Right-click Start, then open Device Manager. Expand Display adapters, right-click your GPU, and select Update driver. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
If Windows offers Search for updated drivers on Windows update, select it and continue in Windows Update.
5. Choose the NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel Updater
Use the GPU maker's tool when you need the latest gaming, creator, or graphics-specific driver. For NVIDIA PCs, open NVIDIA App to install a Game Ready Driver or Studio Driver, or use NVIDIA's official driver download page.
For AMD Radeon PCs, open AMD Software. Type System in the search box, select System Settings, and choose Manage Updates to launch AMD Install Manager and download the available software. You can also download AMD's Auto-Detect and Install Tool from AMD Drivers and Support.
For Intel graphics, open Start > Intel Driver & Support Assistant. Use the browser dashboard to download and install available updates.
6. Match Laptop Drivers to the PC Maker
For Dell, open Dell Drivers & Downloads. Use Check for updates, or enter the Service Tag and download the video or graphics driver for that exact model.
For HP, open HP Support Assistant > My Dashboard > Updates. Install the available updates. For Lenovo, open Lenovo Vantage > System Update > Check for Updates.
For ASUS, open MyASUS > System Update, or use ASUS Download Center when System Update is not shown. For Acer, use Acer Care Center Update, or enter the Serial Number, SNID, or model on Acer Drivers and Manuals.
For MSI, open MSI Center > Support > Live Update > Scan. Download and install the selected driver. For laptops and prebuilt desktops, the PC maker's driver path matches the exact model.
7. Point Device Manager to a Downloaded Driver
Download the driver from NVIDIA, AMD, Intel, or your PC maker. Extract the driver package when it downloads as a compressed folder.
Right-click Start, then open Device Manager > Display adapters. Right-click the GPU, choose Update driver, and select Browse my computer for drivers. Choose Browse..., select the extracted driver folder, and select OK > Next.
8. Recover From a Bad Driver Update
To roll back, right-click Start, then open Device Manager > Display adapters. Right-click the GPU and choose Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver. Choose a reason, select Yes, and restart when prompted.
To reinstall instead, right-click the GPU in Device Manager > Display adapters. Choose Uninstall device > Uninstall, then restart from Start > Shut down or sign out > Restart. After the restart, Windows attempts to reinstall the driver.
Roll back after a bad update; uninstall and restart when the driver is damaged or missing.
9. Handle Mac, Chromebook, and Managed PCs
This fixes the mistake of hunting for a separate GPU installer on systems that update graphics through system updates or admin controls. On a Mac, open Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update. Choose Update, Upgrade, or Restart Now when offered.
On a Chromebook, open Settings > About ChromeOS. Select Check for updates.
On Ubuntu with an NVIDIA GPU, run sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade. Reboot, then run sudo ubuntu-drivers list. Install the recommended driver with sudo ubuntu-drivers install, then reboot again.
On a work or school Windows PC, use Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates. If driver updates are blocked or missing, the organization may manage them through Windows update policies or Intune.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which graphics card driver I need?
Find the exact GPU name first in Windows Settings or Task Manager. Then use Windows Update, your PC maker's support page, or the matching NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel driver tool.
Should I update from Windows Update or NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel?
Start with Windows Update or your PC maker on laptops and prebuilt PCs. Use NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel tools when you need newer gaming, creator, or graphics-specific drivers.
Can I roll back a graphics card driver?
Yes. In Device Manager, open the GPU properties, use the Driver tab, and choose Roll Back Driver when a previous driver package is still available.
Do Macs need separate graphics card driver downloads?
Current supported Macs receive graphics driver updates through macOS Software Update, not separate consumer NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel driver installers.