How to Update Graphics Drivers on Windows (2025 Guide)

Introduction

Whether you’re gaming, editing videos, or simply browsing the web, your computer’s graphics driver plays a vital role in delivering smooth visuals and reliable performance. Outdated or faulty graphics drivers can cause crashes, frame drops, and even system instability.

In this detailed guide, we’ll show you how to update graphics drivers on Windows — manually and automatically — whether you’re using an NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel GPU. You’ll also learn how to troubleshoot problems, roll back drivers, and ensure your system remains stable after updates.

Whether you’re running Windows 11, Windows 10, or earlier versions, this guide has you covered.

Why Updating Graphics Drivers Matters

A graphics driver acts as a bridge between your operating system and the graphics hardware. Keeping this driver up to date can:

• 🔼 Improve performance in games and 3D apps
• 🔧 Fix bugs and compatibility issues
• 🎮 Enable new features and optimizations
• 🛡️ Patch security vulnerabilities
• 📽️ Enhance display support for higher resolutions and refresh rates

Outdated drivers can lead to:

• Screen flickering
• Game crashes or artifacts
• Poor video playback
• Incompatibility with new software

How to Check Your Graphics Driver Version

Before updating, you may want to check your current driver version to compare it against the latest.

✅ Use Device Manager

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Display adapters section.
3. Right-click your GPU and select Properties.
4. Go to the Driver tab — note the Driver Version and Date.

✅ Use DirectX Diagnostic Tool

1. Press Windows + R, type dxdiag, and hit Enter.
2. Under the Display tab, you’ll find your driver version and manufacturer.

Method 1: Update Graphics Drivers Using Windows Update

This is the easiest way to check for and install driver updates.

🔧 Steps:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates.
3. If a GPU driver update is available, you’ll see it under Driver updates.
4. Check the box next to the update and click Download & install.

💡 Note: Windows Update may not always offer the latest drivers available from GPU manufacturers.

Method 2: Update Graphics Drivers via Device Manager

Use this to install basic driver updates if you don’t want third-party software.

🔧 Steps:

1. Open Device Manager (Windows + X > Device Manager).
2. Expand Display adapters.
3. Right-click your GPU (e.g., NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070, Intel UHD Graphics).
4. Select Update driver.
5. Click Search automatically for drivers.

Windows will search your system and Windows Update for the latest compatible driver.

⚠️ This method may install a generic version, not the optimized version from NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel.

Method 3: Update NVIDIA Graphics Drivers (GeForce, RTX, GTX)

NVIDIA users can update via the GeForce Experience app or manually from NVIDIA’s website.

Option 1: Use GeForce Experience (Recommended)

1. Download and install GeForce Experience:
   https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/geforce-experience/
2. Launch the app and log in or create an account.
3. Click the Drivers tab.
4. Click Check for updates.
5. If available, click Download.
6. After downloading, choose Express Installation or Custom Installation.

🧠 Tip: Use Custom Installation to perform a clean install.

Option 2: Manual Download

1. Visit the NVIDIA Driver Downloads page:
   https://www.nvidia.com/Download/index.aspx
2. Select:
   • Product Type: e.g., GeForce
   • Product Series: e.g., GeForce RTX 40 Series
   • Product: e.g., RTX 4070
   • OS: Windows 11/10
3. Click Search > Download.
4. Run the installer and follow prompts.

Method 4: Update AMD Graphics Drivers (Radeon Series)

AMD users can use AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition to keep their drivers current.

Option 1: Use AMD Adrenalin Software

1. Download AMD Software from:
   https://www.amd.com/en/support
2. Open the app after installation.
3. Go to the Home tab > Check for Updates.
4. If a driver update is available, click Download.
5. Choose Express or Custom Install.

💡 Enable Auto-Detect and Install Updates under Settings > Preferences.

Option 2: Manual Download

1. Go to the AMD Drivers page.
2. Choose your GPU model (e.g., Radeon RX 7900 XT).
3. Select the operating system and click Download.
4. Run the setup file and follow instructions.

Method 5: Update Intel Graphics Drivers (Iris, UHD, Arc)

Intel GPUs are common in laptops and can be updated using the Intel Driver & Support Assistant (DSA).

Option 1: Use Intel Driver & Support Assistant (DSA)

1. Download from:
   https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/detect.html
2. Install and run the tool.
3. It will automatically detect outdated drivers.
4. Click Download and follow the prompts to update.

Option 2: Manual Update

1. Go to the Intel Download Center:
   https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/download-center/home.html
2. Search for your processor (e.g., Intel Core i7-13700H).
3. Download the correct graphics driver and install it.

Method 6: Use Third-Party Driver Updater Tools (Optional)

There are several third-party tools that automate driver updates. Use these with caution and only if you trust the source.

Popular Options:

• Driver Booster (IObit)
• DriverPack Solution
• Snappy Driver Installer
• AVG Driver Updater

Pros:

• One-click updates for all drivers
• Automatic scanning

Cons:

• May include bloatware or ads
• Some tools have aggressive upsell tactics

🔒 Always back up your system or create a restore point before using third-party tools.

How to Roll Back Graphics Driver If Something Goes Wrong

New drivers can occasionally cause issues. If your display becomes unstable after an update, revert to the previous driver.

🔧 Steps:

1. Press Windows + X > Device Manager.
2. Expand Display adapters.
3. Right-click your GPU > Properties.
4. Under the Driver tab, click Roll Back Driver.
5. Select a reason and click Yes.

Restart your PC to complete the rollback.

⚠️ If the Roll Back Driver button is grayed out, it means there’s no previous version stored.

Best Practices for Updating Graphics Drivers

• ✅ Create a System Restore Point before updating.
• 🕒 Check for driver updates monthly — especially for gamers.
• 🚫 Avoid beta drivers unless you’re troubleshooting or testing.
• 🔁 Restart your PC after updating, even if not prompted.
• 💾 Keep installation files for recovery if something breaks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do I know if my graphics driver is up to date?
A: Compare the current version (via Device Manager or dxdiag) to the latest one available on the manufacturer’s website.

Q: Can updating the driver improve FPS in games?
A: Yes. Updated drivers often contain game-specific optimizations that improve performance and reduce bugs.

Q: What happens if I install the wrong driver?
A: Windows may reject incompatible drivers. However, incorrect installations can still cause display issues — always match the driver to your GPU model.

Q: Should I uninstall the old driver before installing a new one?
A: Not always necessary, but using Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) can help ensure a clean install for troubleshooting purposes.

Q: Are drivers different for Windows 10 and 11?
A: Sometimes. Always choose the correct operating system version on the manufacturer’s driver download page.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your graphics drivers up to date is one of the simplest and most effective ways to maintain optimal performance, avoid bugs, and enjoy the latest visual improvements.

Whether you’re a gamer, a content creator, or just want a smooth experience on your Windows PC, updating your graphics drivers should be part of your regular maintenance routine.

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