How to Update Your Graphics Driver on Windows 10 and 11
Your graphics driver is the software that lets Windows communicate with your GPU (graphics processing unit). Keeping it updated improves gaming performance, fixes display issues, and adds support for new applications. Whether you have an NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel GPU, this guide covers every method to update your graphics driver in 2026.
How to Check What Graphics Card You Have
Before updating, you need to know your GPU model. Press Windows + R, type dxdiag, and press Enter. Click the Display tab to see your GPU name, manufacturer, and current driver version. Alternatively, right-click the Start button, select Device Manager, and expand Display adapters to see your graphics card listed. Common GPUs include NVIDIA GeForce RTX/GTX series, AMD Radeon RX series, and Intel Arc or Intel UHD/Iris graphics.
Method 1: Update Through Windows Update
The simplest method works for all GPU brands. Open Settings (Windows + I) and go to Windows Update. Click Check for updates. After the scan, click Advanced options > Optional updates (Windows 11) or check for driver updates under the optional section (Windows 10). If a graphics driver update is available, select it and click Download & install. This method is reliable but sometimes delivers drivers that are a few weeks old.
Method 2: Update Through Device Manager
Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager. Expand Display adapters and right-click your GPU. Select Update driver > Search automatically for drivers. Windows will search online and install any newer driver it finds. If it says "The best drivers for your device are already installed," try the manufacturer-specific methods below for the most current version.
Method 3: Update NVIDIA Graphics Drivers
Open the NVIDIA App (or download it from nvidia.com/software/nvidia-app). Go to the Drivers tab and click Check for updates. Download and install any available update. For manual download, visit nvidia.com/drivers, select your GPU model and operating system, and download the latest driver directly.
Method 4: Update AMD Radeon Graphics Drivers
Open AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition (right-click your desktop and select it, or search for it in Start). Click the gear icon (Settings) then Check for Updates under the System section. If an update is available, click Download and then Install. For manual download, visit amd.com/en/support, use the product selector to find your GPU, and download the latest driver.
Method 5: Update Intel Graphics Drivers
Open the Intel Driver & Support Assistant — download it from intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/detect.html if you don’t have it. It automatically scans your system and shows available driver updates. Click Download next to any Intel Graphics driver update and run the installer. For manual download, visit intel.com/download-center, select Graphics, find your Intel GPU model, and download the latest driver.
When Should You Update Your Graphics Driver?
Update immediately if you’re experiencing screen flickering, game crashes, or visual artifacts. Update before playing a newly released game, as GPU makers often release day-one optimized drivers. Update if you’ve recently upgraded to a new version of Windows. Otherwise, checking monthly is a good habit to maintain performance and security.
How to Do a Clean Graphics Driver Install
If you’re having persistent display issues, a clean install removes all old driver files and settings. For NVIDIA and AMD, their respective installers offer a "Clean Install" or "Factory Reset" option during installation — select it. For a more thorough clean, download Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) from guru3d.com. Boot into Safe Mode, run DDU, select your GPU brand, and click "Clean and restart." Then install your fresh driver normally.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my graphics driver is outdated? Check your current version in Device Manager (Display adapters > right-click GPU > Properties > Driver tab) and compare it with the latest version on the manufacturer’s website.
Can I update my graphics driver on a laptop? Yes, the same methods apply. However, some laptop manufacturers customize GPU drivers — check your laptop maker’s support page (Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc.) for laptop-specific drivers if the standard ones cause issues.
Will updating my graphics driver improve FPS? It can, especially for newer games. Driver updates often include performance optimizations for specific titles.
What if my screen goes black during a driver update? This is normal — the display temporarily disconnects while the new driver is installed. Wait 30–60 seconds and it should come back. If it doesn’t, restart your computer.
