How To Update Video Drivers on Windows 11/10: Complete Guide (2025)

Is your game experience simply dragging? Are you having problems with your display or graphical lag? Video drivers that are out-of-date or corrupt are frequently the cause. Thanks to these crucial software elements, your operating system and apps can interact with your graphics card more efficiently. It is, therefore, essential for every PC user to know how to update visual drivers appropriately, regardless of whether they are suffering graphical issues or just want to make sure their Windows 11/10 system is operating at optimal performance.

It’s essential to keep your video driver updated for the best possible performance, stability, and access to the newest features. You will learn how to update your video driver on your Windows 11 or Windows 10 computer using a variety of techniques in this thorough article. Now let’s explore the realm of video driver updates!

What are Video Drivers?

Video drivers, sometimes referred to as graphics drivers or GPU drivers, are specialized programs that allow your operating system and graphics hardware to communicate with one another. They act as interpreters, converting operating system and application commands into instructions that your graphics card can comprehend and carry out.

These drivers are accountable for:

1. Displaying pictures, videos, and animations on your screen – Allowing apps to use hardware acceleration

2. Controlling frame rates and monitor resolution, facilitating graphics-intensive activities like video editing and gaming.

3. And offering features tailored to your graphics card model.

NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel are the three primary producers of discrete graphics cards. Every one of them offers driver software that is tailored to their hardware.

When You Need to Update Video Drivers?

Maintaining system performance requires knowing when to update the video driver. The following are important circumstances that warrant updating:

1. Following the installation of a new graphics-intensive application or game:

The most recent drivers are frequently needed for new games and apps to work correctly. It is common for developers to tune their applications for particular driver versions.

2. When Having Problems With Graphics:

An upgrade for your video driver may fix any issues you observe:

• Flickering or artefacts on the screen
• Programs crashing when doing graphical operations
• The stuttering or frame rate reductions that occur in games
• Issues with display resolution
• Problems with setting up several monitors

3. After a Windows Update:

Compatibility problems with current drivers can occasionally arise from major Windows updates. Maintaining compatibility after a major Windows upgrade requires updating your video drivers.

4. For security reasons:

Security fixes that guard against vulnerabilities are frequently included in driver upgrades. Updating drivers contributes to the security posture of your system.

5. The Release of New Features:

Manufacturers of graphics cards frequently update their drivers to include new features and optimizations. Keeping up to date guarantees that you can utilize the newest features.

When Not to Update Video Drivers?

Although it’s typically advised to keep your drivers up to current, there are some circumstances in which you would want to be cautious:

• Everything is Running Smoothly: You might not need to update right away if your system is steady and you’re not having any graphics or performance problems. Sometimes the saying “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” is true.

• Beta or Unstable Drivers: Graphics card manufacturers frequently provide beta or unstable drivers, which give users early access to new capabilities but may also have flaws or instability. It is generally safer to stay with stable, WHQL-certified (Windows Hardware Quality Labs) releases unless you have a specific need for the features provided in a beta driver and are comfortable addressing potential issues.

• Immediately Following a Significant OS Update: Well, occasionally, there may be incompatibilities between recently published OS updates and pre-existing drivers. After a significant Windows update, it’s usually a good idea to wait a few days or weeks to see if the graphics card manufacturer publishes a driver that has been specially tested with the updated operating system.

• When Utilizing Specialized Software: Certain driver versions may be certified for specialized professional purposes, such as specific CAD programs. Before updating, check with the program vendor.

• Just Before Crucial Tasks: Steer clear of updating drivers right before crucial deadlines, presentations, or gaming competitions. Occasionally, new issues are introduced by driver updates that could interfere with your job.

• Negative User Reviews: It’s a good idea to look for user reviews in online forums or communities before downloading a new driver. Waiting for a more stable release may be the best course of action if a large number of users are complaining about serious problems with a specific driver version.

Precautions Before Updating Video Drivers

Take these crucial safety measures before updating your video driver:

1. Create a system backup: Before updating drivers, create a backup or restore point for the system. If something goes wrong during the update process, this offers a safety net.

Using the Windows search bar, type “Create a restore point” to create a system restore point. Then, choose the “System Protection” tab. Finally, click “Create” and adhere to the instructions.

2. Take Note of the Driver Version You Are Using: Jot down the driver version you are using now in case you need to roll back after the update.

3. End Every Application: Before starting the update procedure, shut down all open applications, particularly those that require a lot of graphics.

4. Assure Consistent Power: To avoid power-related problems during upgrades, connect laptops to power sources and think about utilizing an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for desktop systems.

5. Get It From Reputable Sources Only: To prevent viruses and compatibility problems, only download drivers from the official manufacturer’s websites or via their software tools. Drivers should always be downloaded from your graphics card manufacturer’s official website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel). Steer clear of third-party websites since they can have harmful or out-of-date software.

6. Uninstall Third-Party programs: Unless they come from reliable sources, stay away from using external driver updater programs.

How to Update Video Drivers: Top 5 Ways To Perform Video Driver Update!

The following are the most dependable ways to upgrade Windows 11/10’s video drivers:

Technique 1: Making use of Windows Update

Your graphics device may automatically receive generic driver updates from Windows Update.

STEP 1. To access Settings, press Win + I > Windows Update.

STEP 2. Select Check for updates > Optional Updates.

STEP 3. Select “View all optional updates.”

STEP 4. Check the “Driver updates” category for updates.

STEP 5. Just right-click on the relevant device driver and hit the Download button from the context menu. STEP 6. When prompted, restart your computer.

WRITER’S TIP: Despite its convenience, Windows Update frequently offers generic drivers instead of the optimized versions from the vendor. Use the manufacturer’s tools instead for professional graphics work and gaming.

Technique 2: Making use of Device Manager

Updating drivers for particular hardware components is simple with Device Manager.

STEP 1. Hit the Start menu and click on the Device Manager from the pop-up options that appear.

STEP 2. Extend the category of display adapters

STEP 3. Choose Update driver by performing a right-click on your graphics card.

STEP 4. Select “Automatically search for updated driver software.”

STEP 5. Adhere to the instructions on the screen.

STEP 6. Now just restart your computer to implement the necessary changes!

Writer’s Tip: The most recent drivers might not always be found by the Device Manager. Attempt one of the manufacturer-specific solutions listed below if it indicates that your drivers are up to current but you’re still having problems.

Technique 3: Via Manufacturer-Powered Software

Manufacturers of graphics cards offer specialized software to handle driver updates.

Regarding Graphics Cards from NVIDIA:

STEP 1. Install NVIDIA GeForce Experience after downloading it.

STEP 2. Open GeForce Experience, then log in using your NVIDIA credentials.

STEP 3. Select the Drivers tab.

STEP 4. Click “Check for updates.”

STEP 5. Click Download if updates are available.

STEP 6. Based on your preference either select Custom Installation or Express Installation.

STEP 7. Complete the video driver update by following the on-screen directions.

STEP 8. When prompted, restart your computer.

Regarding AMD Graphics Cards:

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

STEP 2. Start the Radeon software.

STEP 3. Select the Settings gear icon.

STEP 4. From the top menu, choose System.

STEP 5. Click “Check for Updates.”

STEP 6. If there are updates available, download and install them by following the instructions.

STEP 7. Select between bespoke installation and suggested installation.

STEP 8. Now just restart your computer to implement the necessary changes!

Regarding Intel Graphics Cards:

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

STEP 2. Upon launch, your PC will initiate an automatic scan for available updates.  

STEP 4. Click Download if there are graphics driver updates available.

STEP 5. To install the updates, adhere to the instructions.

STEP 6. When you’re done, restart your computer.

Writer’s Tip: Extra features like performance tracking, game optimization, and personalized display settings are frequently included in manufacturer software. The most recent and optimum drivers for your particular hardware are provided by these tools.

Technique 4: Installing and downloading manually

For more experienced users who want greater command over the updating process:

STEP 1. Find out what model your graphics card is: Type dxdiag after pressing the Win + R shortcut keys and locate your graphics card details by selecting the Display tab.

STEP 2. Go to the manufacturer’s webpage:

I.e.

-https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/drivers/

-https://www.amd.com/en/support/download/drivers.html

-https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/download-center/home.html

STEP 3. Make sure you select the right OS you are running on & add the graphics hardware details.

STEP 4. Download the most recent driver package.

STEP 5. Before installation, shut down all programs.

STEP 6. Launch the installation you downloaded.

As directed by the installation prompts:

STEP 7. You can select between regular and clean installation for AMD and NVIDIA.

STEP 8. Previous driver versions are eliminated after a clean installation.

STEP 9. When asked, restart your PC.

Writer’s Tip: If you’re having recurring graphics problems, go with the “clean installation” option, which eliminates all evidence of prior drivers that might be causing difficulties.

Technique 5: Employing Tools for Third-Party Driver Updates

Numerous third-party programs can simultaneously scan your system and update several drivers.

STEP 1. Simply get your hands on popular driver management software like Driver Easy or Driver Booster.

STEP 2. Set up and start the program.

STEP 3. To find out whether drivers are out of date, run a scan.

STEP 4. Check the list of out-of-date drivers for your video driver.

STEP 5. Click on the Update All button after selecting the video drivers.

STEP 6. To finish the installation, adhere to the instructions.

STEP 7. After you’re done, restart your computer.

Writer’s Tip: Use third-party driver tools with caution. Always do your homework before installing, and only choose reliable choices. Numerous free tools come with restrictions or could install undesired applications. For video driver updates, the official tools from the manufacturer are typically safer and more dependable.

Consider trying the following driver updater software:

• Ashampoo Driver Updater Complete Review: Everything to Know
• Auslogics Driver Updater: A Comprehensive Review
• Driver Pack Solution: Complete Review (Unbiased & Updated)

Best Practices for Video Driver Management

You can avoid headaches and save time by adopting a methodical approach to driver management:

1. Make a schedule for driver updates: Remember to check for changes every one to two months.

2. Keep a record of your driving history: Note which driver versions are most effective for your apps and system.

3. Test after updates: To make sure your most-used apps are compatible, test them after every video driver upgrade.

4. Be a part of pertinent forums: Early reports of problems with fresh driver versions are frequently found in manufacturer forums.

5. Keep the system tidy: Uninstall unnecessary apps regularly and keep your computer free of malware that could affect driver functionality.

6. Use Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) for clean installations: If a problem persists, use DDU to get rid of all evidence of old drivers before installing new ones.

You might want to read this: What is DDU? Full Guide to Use Display Driver Uninstaller

Bottom Line

Well, updating your video drivers is essential to keeping your Windows 11 or 10 computer operating smoothly and efficiently. Making sure you have the most recent video driver update can result in noticeable gains in compatibility, stability, and performance, regardless of whether you’re a regular user, a professional creative, or an avid gamer. You can take charge of your visual experience and get the most out of your graphics technology by knowing when and how to update your drivers using the techniques mentioned above.

For a successful and seamless video driver update procedure, always be cautious, back up your system, and only download drivers from reliable sources.

People Also Ask:

Q1. Why should my video driver be updated?

Updating fixes issues and enhances performance while guaranteeing compatibility with new applications and games.

Q2. Will my gaming performance be enhanced by changing my video drivers?

Yes, frequently. Driver updates usually include game-specific enhancements that could improve stability and frame rates for more recent games.

Q3. Is using driver update software safe?

Although it’s a matter of opinion, use only trustworthy tools and, if possible, the official software from the company that makes your graphics card.

Q4. Is it possible to update drivers offline?

Yes, by using a USB drive or other storage device to transfer the driver package to your computer after downloading it on a different computer.

Q5. Does updating my drivers require the use of third-party tools?

No, Windows has enough tools for safe updates, such as Device Manager and Windows Update.

Q6. Is it possible to reverse a driver update?

Yes, if the latest update causes issues, you can utilize Device Manager to roll back to an earlier version.

RECOMMENDED READS:

• How To Update Drivers On Windows 11 Automatically & Manually