How to update graphics drivers in Windows 10 and 11

Here are some handy ways to update GPU drivers on your Windows 10 or 11 PC.

1. Update your graphics card via Windows Updates

Windows updates often include necessary driver updates, especially for integrated GPUs from manufacturers like Intel and AMD. To check for pending updates on Windows 11, go to Start > Settings > Windows Updates . On Windows 10, go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update . Then, click Check for updates and, if available, click Download & install .

If there are no updates available, click Advanced options and check the Optional updates section . If there is a GPU driver update, select it and click Install .

Note that you cannot choose which updates you can download and defer using this method.

2. Update graphics driver using Device Manager

You can also use Device Manager to manually check for and update graphics drivers for both integrated and dedicated GPUs. While it won't always find the latest drivers, it's a reliable way to find stable versions of Windows device drivers.

1. Right-click Start, then select Device Manager .
2. In Device Manager, expand the Display adapters section to see your graphics card.
3. Right-click on the display driver device you want to update and select Update Driver .
4. Select Search automatically for drivers . Windows will scan for available driver updates and download them.

Restart your PC to apply the changes. If something goes wrong, you can roll back the driver using Device Manager to undo the changes.

3. Update drivers using manufacturer-specific tools

You can use Nvidia's GeForce Experience, AMD Software, or Intel's Driver & Support Assistant to quickly update your drivers. These tools can automatically detect the appropriate drivers for your GPU and make the installation process much simpler.

Update Nvidia drivers using GeForce Experience

Laptops with Nvidia GPUs come with GeForce Experience preinstalled. If not, you can download it from Nvidia's GeForce Experience page. On newer laptops, you can find the new Nvidia App, which combines GeForce Experience and Nvidia Control Panel into one app.

1. Once installed, type GeForce Experience into Windows search and open it from the search results.
2. Open the Drivers tab . If no driver updates are listed, click Check for Updates to perform a manual scan.

1. Click Download if a new driver is available. Once downloaded, click Express Installation to install the driver. Your screen may flicker for a moment during this process.

If there is no update available, you can reinstall the existing driver to fix the GPU issue. Just click the three dots icon next to the existing driver and select Reinstall driver .

Update AMD graphics drivers using AMD Software

If you have an AMD graphics card, you can use AMD Software to update your GPU drivers. Install from AMD's website and follow these steps:

1. Click Start, type AMD Software and open it from the search results.
2. Click Settings (the gear icon) in the upper-right corner, then click Check for Updates . The system will scan for pending updates and prompt you to install them if available.

Update Intel drivers using Intel Driver & Support Assistant

Updating your integrated Intel graphics driver is easy. Go to the Intel Driver & Support Assistant page and click Download now . Then, install the tool on your PC.

Next, click Start , type Intel Driver & Support Assistant and open it from the search results. It will scan your computer and open a new tab in your browser with all the available updates for Intel hardware on your computer.

The new GPU update will appear as Intel Graphics Drivers for Windows . If so, click Download . Once downloaded, click Install and wait for the process to complete. Then, restart your computer to apply the changes.

4. Download the driver directly from the GPU manufacturer

If you don't want to install GeForce Experience or AMD Software on your PC, you can manually download the latest drivers for your graphics card from the manufacturer's website. This method gives you more control over the installation process and only installs what you need. Here are the links for NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel hardware:

Updating your graphics drivers, especially on a new gaming rig, is essential to getting the most out of your hardware. Without the latest drivers, you may experience lower frame rates, blurry display output, reduced color depth, and limited performance.

Isabella Humphrey

Update 11 October 2024