How to Update Graphics Driver on Windows 11/10 [Guide]

How To, Windows

By Dinesh Lakhwani / April 12, 2025

Last updated on June 16th, 2026 at 9:20 am

Table of Contents

For the best PC performance, especially when gaming, graphic design, and video editing, you must keep your graphics drivers up to date. System instability, decreased speed, and incompatibilities with new apps can all be caused by outdated GPU drivers.

Understanding how to update graphics drivers on your Windows 10 or 11 computer is essential, regardless of whether you’re having graphical issues, poor gaming performance, or just want to make sure your system functions at its peak. This thorough guide will show you how to upgrade GPU drivers, fix common problems, and keep your graphics performance at its best.

Table of Contents

How can you tell whether your graphics driver needs to be updated?

Keep an eye out for these indicators:

1. Inadequate performance when gaming

Outdated graphics drivers may be the cause of frame rate decreases, stuttering, or freezing in games that used to run smoothly.

2. Artifacts and Visual Errors

Driver problems are frequently indicated by unusual visual anomalies including flickering textures, color distortion, screen tearing, or geometric aberrations.

3. Application Errors

Your GPU driver may need to be updated if graphics-intensive apps like games, video editors, or 3D modelling software crash frequently.

4. Issues with Screen Resolution

A driver update may fix your system’s sudden inability to support your desired screen resolution or multi-monitor configuration.

5. Installing New Hardware

To guarantee compatibility, you must update your graphics driver when installing a new graphics card, display, or operating system upgrade.

How to Determine Which Graphics Card Do You Have?

Well, before you begin updating your graphic driver, the first thing you should know is which graphics card is installed in your system. Follow the methods shared below to learn how you can spot it:

METHOD 1: Making Use of Device Manager

Choose “Device Manager” by pressing Win + X.
Extend the category of “Display adapters”
It will show the name of your graphics card or cards.

METHOD 2: Making Use of System Data

Launch Run window using Win + R, type “msinfo32” then hit Enter.

In Components > Display, navigate.
To determine your graphics card’s identity, look for the “Name” field.

METHOD 3: Making Use of the DirectX Diagnostic Tool

Launch Run window using Win + R, type “dxdiag” then hit Enter.

Go to the “Display” from the top menu.
Details about your graphics card will appear under “Device” header.

METHOD 4: Making Use of Command Prompt

Go to the Settings menu, search for Command Prompt and open the utility.

Type wmic path win32_VideoController get name in the Command Prompt window.
To view the name of your graphics card, press Enter.

Note the model number and the manufacturer (Intel, AMD, or NVIDIA).

The Best Ways to Update Windows 11/10 Graphics Drivers!

Here are some of the most convenient and free ways to get graphics driver updates on your computer.

WAY 1. Making Use of Windows Update

The easiest approach to update GPU drivers is through Windows Update, albeit it might not always offer the most recent versions.

Update Graphics Drivers On Your Windows 10 PC:

STEP 1: Launch Windows Settings and go to the Windows Update module.

STEP 2: Select “Check for updates.”

STEP 3: Windows will automatically download and install any available driver updates.

STEP 4: If prompted, restart your computer.

Update Graphics Drivers On Your Windows 11 PC:

STEP 1: Launch Windows Settings and go to the Windows Update, followed by clicking on the Check for Updates button. module.

STEP 2: Click on the “Advanced options” option and then hit the “Optional updates” button on the next screen that appears.

STEP 4: At this step, look for any available driver updates under “Driver updates”.

STEP 5: Select the graphics driver you want to update and click “Download & install”.

STEP 6: Restart your computer to implement the changes effectively.

Windows 11 allows you to update all kinds of drivers automatically and manually.

WAY 2. Use Device Manager to Update the Graphics Driver on Windows 11/10

Another integrated method of updating drivers is offered by Device Manager:

STEP 1: Open the Device Manager windows and navigate to the Display Adapters category.

STEP 2: With a right-click, choose “Update driver” for your graphics card.

STEP 3: Observe the directions displayed on the screen & follow the actions to update the drivers.

STEP 4: If prompted, restart your computer.

Pro Tip: You may not have the most recent version of the driver if Windows is unable to locate updated drivers. Updates from GPU vendors are frequently made available before Windows does.

WAY 3. Update Windows 11/10 Graphics Driver Using Manufacturer Websites

To get your hands on the most up-to-date drivers, consider downloading the recent versions directly from your graphics card manufacturer’s website:

If you are using NVIDIA Graphics Cards, here’s what you need to do:

STEP 1: Go to the Driver Download page for NVIDIA.

STEP 2: Choose the model, series, and type of product you want.

STEP 3: Select your language and operating system.

STEP 4: Choose “Search” and then “Download” next to the suggested driver.

STEP 5: After downloading, launch the installer and adhere to the prompts displayed on the screen.

STEP 6: After installation, restart your computer.

You might be interested in reading: How to Solve NVIDIA Drivers Not Installing Issue?

If you are using AMD Graphics Cards, here’s what you need to do:

STEP 1: Go to the Driver and Support page for AMD.

STEP 2: Choose the model and type of driver you want.

STEP 3: Select the operating system that you want to use.

STEP 4: Press “Submit.”

STEP 5: Install the suggested driver.

STEP 6: Launch the installation and adhere to the prompts displayed on the screen.

STEP 7: After installation, restart your computer.

If you are using Intel Graphics Cards, here’s what you need to do:

STEP 1: Go to the Intel Download Center.

STEP 2: Enter the details for your Intel graphics card.

STEP 3: Find and download the relevant driver.

STEP 4: Launch the installation and adhere to the prompts displayed on the screen.

STEP 5: After installation, restart your computer.

Easy right? Never wondered if performing graphic driver updates was this quick!

WAY 4. Update Graphics Drivers Using Manufacturer Software Utilities

Fortunately, Graphics card manufacturers understand the need to provide ease to their respective users when it comes to updating drivers and offers dedicated software to keep them up to date.

Utilize the GeForce Experience from NVIDIA:

STEP 1: Install GeForce Experience after downloading it.

STEP 2: Open the app and log in.

STEP 3: Select “Drivers” from the menu.

STEP 4: Select “Check for updates.”

STEP 5: Click “Download” if there are any accessible updates.

STEP 6: Select “Custom Installation” or “Express Installation” (which is advised).

STEP 7: Observe the directions displayed on the screen.

STEP 8: After installation, restart your computer.

Hopefully, you have easily updated graphics drivers on your computer without any hiccups!

Utilize the AMD Radeon Software:

STEP 1: Install the AMD Radeon software after downloading it.

STEP 2: Open the application.

STEP 3: Select the “Settings” gear icon.

STEP 4: Click on “System” and then “Software & Driver”

STEP 5: “Check for Updates” should appear.

STEP 6: Install any updates that are available by following the on-screen directions.

STEP 7: After installation, restart your computer.

That’s it! You have successfully update GPU driver on your Windows 11/10 PC.

Utilize the Intel Driver & Support Assistant:

STEP 1: Install the Intel Driver & Support Assistant after downloading it.

STEP 2: Start the tool.

STEP 3: It will look for out-of-date drivers on your system automatically.

STEP 4: If there are any Intel Graphics updates available, click “Download” and adhere to the installation guidelines.

STEP 5: After installation, restart your computer.

This way you can easily perform the GPU driver update on your system.

How to Roll Back Graphics Drivers?

If new graphics driver updates cause problems, you can revert to a previous version to ensure everything works normally:

Method 1: Using Device Manager:

STEP 1: Choose “Device Manager” by pressing Win + X.

STEP 2: “Display adapters” is expanded.

STEP 3: Click “Properties” after doing a right-click on your graphics card.

STEP 4: Select “Driver” from the menu.

STEP 5: If “Roll Back Driver” is accessible, click it.

STEP 6: Observe the directions displayed on the screen.

STEP 7: Restart your computer.

Method 2: Making Use of System Restore:

STEP 1: Look for “System Restore” in the Windows search box.

STEP 2: “Create a restore point” should be selected.

STEP 3: Select “System Restore.”

STEP 4: Choose a backup point prior to the driver upgrade.

STEP 5: Observe the directions displayed on the screen.

STEP 6: After restarting, your system will return to its initial configuration.

Troubleshooting Typical Graphics Driver Problems On Your Windows 11/10 PC:

If you are facing issues while updating GPU drivers, here’s what you can do

ISSUE 1: Failure to Install the Driver

If you experience issues with installation:

Make sure Windows is updated.
Turn off your antivirus program for a while.
Try using Safe Mode for installation.
Before installing, use DDU to remove any current drivers.
Make sure you’re downloading the appropriate driver for the Windows version and GPU model you have.

ISSUE 2: After-Update Graphics Artifacts or Glitches

If, following a GPU driver upgrade, you observe visual hiccups:

Use Device Manager to revert to the prior driver version.
Verify whether the graphics card is overheated.
Use benchmarking tools to benchmark your graphics card.
Think about using DDU to complete a clean installation.

ISSUE 3: Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) After Update

If a graphics driver update causes you to get BSODs:

Enter Safe Mode to boot up.
To return to a prior state, use System Restore.
Use DDU to carry out a clean driver installation.
Look for hardware problems like excessive heat or low power.

ISSUE 4: Poor Performance After Update

If a GPU driver update results in a drop in performance:

Verify whether the update reset any graphical settings.
Make sure the NVIDIA Control Panel’s “Prefer maximum performance” power management setting is selected.
Make sure the dedicated GPU, not the integrated graphics, is connected to your monitor.
If problems continue, think about reverting to an earlier driver version.

Benefits of Updating Your Graphics Drivers

Let’s first review the importance of executing routine graphics driver upgrades before moving on to the how-to sections for updating them:

1. Enhancement of Performance

Driver upgrades that maximize performance for new games and applications are frequently released by graphics card manufacturers such as NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel. These modifications can greatly increase system responsiveness, decrease stuttering, and boost frame rates.

2. Stability and Bug Fixes

Updates for GPU drivers frequently address reported errors, lags, and crashes. Maintaining up-to-date drivers helps keep your system stable and avoids annoying disruptions when working on crucial projects or playing games.

3. Support for New Features

Support for new features and technologies is often added by driver upgrades. For instance, driver updates frequently provide DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), ray tracing capabilities, or enhanced video encoding/decoding performance.

4. Enhancements in Security

Graphics drivers, like any software, may include flaws that bad actors could take advantage of. Frequent updates keep your system safer by patching these security flaws.

AUTHOR’S TIP:

A few essential tactics will help both inexperienced and seasoned users while updating drivers, particularly graphics drivers. Because built-in tools like Device Manager can automatically locate and install the most recent drivers, using them is a smart place for beginners to start. To make sure you can go back, if necessary, it’s also a good idea to make a system restore point before updating. For specialists, keeping an eye on manufacturer release notes is essential to comprehending issue repairs and performance enhancements. Although using third-party driver updater tools might save time, caution should be exercised to prevent improper installations. After updating, keep a careful eye on system performance and think about reverting if problems occur. Users can improve system performance and reduce potential issues related to driver upgrades by heeding these guidelines.

CONCLUSION

To get the most out of your system, whether you’re a professional creative, a casual user, or an avid gamer, good graphics driver control is essential. To guarantee a seamless, reliable, and powerful graphics experience, take the time to comprehend your unique hardware requirements, set up a regular upgrade schedule, and master fundamental troubleshooting methods.

Although Windows has built-in tools for updating GPU drivers, the most recent features and improvements are frequently obtained by utilizing manufacturer-specific programs like AMD Radeon Software or GeForce Experience. When addressing chronic issues, keep in mind to set system restore points prior to big upgrades and think about doing clean installations.

Additionally, to save time and effort, think about adopting third-party driver updater software to automate the entire process of updating all of your PC’s drivers at once.