How to Update a Graphics Card Driver in Windows

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Improve your computer’s graphics with this simple tutorial

Written by Darlene Antonelli, MA

Last Updated: August 25, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Using the Device Manager
|
• Downloading Manufacturer Drivers
|
• Video
|
• Tips

|Show more |Show less

This wikiHow teaches you how to update your Windows computer's graphics card drivers manually. While graphics card drivers are usually updated when your computer installs a comprehensive update or patch, some graphics cards may need to be updated manually.

Updating a Graphics Card

1. Click Start and open Device Manager.
2. Open Display adapters and select your graphics card.
3. Click the update button.
4. Select Search automatically for updated driver software.

Steps

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using the Device Manager

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1. 
   1
   Find the name of your graphics card. Before you get started, you'll need to know the name and manufacturer of your graphics card. If you already know it, you can skip this step. Otherwise, here's what to do:

   • Press the Windows key on the keyboard.
   • Type dxdiag.
   • Click the purple-and-yellow dxdiag icon at the top of the Start window.
   • Click Yes when prompted.
   • Look at the text in the "Name" section that's in the upper-left side of the window. This is your graphics card's name as recognized by your computer.
   • Click the Display tab.
   • Find the name of your graphics card in the "Device" section.
2. 
   2
   Open the Device Manager. Press the Win key, type in device manager, then click Device Manager at the top of the Start window.

   • You can also press ⊞ Win+X to bring up the Start context menu and then click Device Manager in the menu.
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3. 
   3
   Expand the "Display adapters" heading. Click the

   

   icon to the left of this heading, or double-click the heading. You should see several indented options appear below it.

   • If this heading has indented monitor-shaped options below it, it's already expanded.
4. 
   4
   Select your graphics card. Click the heading that has the same name as your computer's graphics card to do so.
5. 
   5
   Click the "Update" button. It's a black box with an upward-facing green arrow that you'll find at the top of the Device Manager window.
6. 
   6
   Click Search automatically for updated driver software. This option is at the top of the pop-up window. Doing so causes your computer to begin searching for drivers for your graphics card.

   • Alternatively, you can select Browse my computer for drivers if you downloaded a driver directly from your graphics card's manufacturer.
   • If the Device Manager reports that the graphics card is up to date, you can click Search Windows Update to determine whether or not a system update is available.
   • If you can't update your graphics card this way but you know there's an update available, try using your manufacturer's installer instead.
7. 
   7
   Allow your graphics card to update. As long as updated drivers are available, Device Manager will download and install them for you, though you may be prompted to confirm this decision or navigate through a few on-screen options.

   • If you're using Windows Update, allow the update to download, then install the update when prompted. This will usually update other components of your computer's operating system, so expect the update to take a long time to complete.
   • If your card is unable to update, you might need a new one.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Downloading Manufacturer Drivers

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1. 
   1
   Download drivers directly from your graphics card manufacturer. If you aren't able to update your graphics card from the device manager, or you want a different version of the driver, you can download updated drivers directly from the manufacturer.

   • If your graphics card was made by NVIDIA, search for it in NVIDIA's driver search tool, then download the version for your operating system. Once downloaded, double-click the downloaded file, and follow the on-screen instructions to update your graphics card.
   • If you have an AMD Radeon or Ryzen graphics card, you can download drivers from AMD's driver download page. Click the Download button to save the installer to your computer, double-click the installer once downloaded, and follow the on-screen instructions.
   • If you have an Intel graphics card, download Intel's Driver & Support Assist tool from the Intel website. Once downloaded, double-click the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.

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Tips

• You can't update your Mac's graphics card without updating the operating system.
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• It's best to update your computer's graphics card if you are unable to view images in certain applications, or if menus and other interface elements remain on the screen after moving or closing them. Updating the graphics card can often resolve ongoing problems related to images and graphics.
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• Most graphics cards are updated automatically through Windows Update. Enabling automatic updates will ensure that your graphics card has the latest drivers installed at all times.
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