Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesTo check which graphics card your Windows PC has, open Device Manager and expand Display adapters. To update its driver, start with Windows Update or Device Manager; use the graphics-card or computer maker’s official driver page when you need a model-specific package. Laptop owners should check the computer maker’s support page, since some laptops use customized drivers.
Check which graphics card is in your PC
- Open Device Manager: Select Start, search for Device Manager, and open it.
- Read the adapter list: Expand Display adapters. Each entry is a graphics adapter; a PC may have more than one, such as integrated and discrete graphics. Microsoft’s Device Manager guidance explains how to find devices and update drivers.
For additional adapter and driver details, open Start, search for dxdiag, and launch the DirectX Diagnostic Tool. Select each Display tab to see the corresponding adapter and driver information. If there are multiple Display tabs, check each one; DxDiag can also save a report to share with support. Microsoft’s DxDiag instructions describe the report.
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Don’t confuse DirectX with the graphics driver
DxDiag’s System tab reports a DirectX version, which is separate from the graphics driver version shown on a Display tab. For Windows 10 and Windows 11, Microsoft says DirectX updates arrive through Windows Update and that those Windows versions already include the latest DirectX version for the operating system. Microsoft’s DirectX version guidance covers this distinction.
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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Choose an update route
These are the main options. Windows Update is the simplest starting point; a computer maker’s driver is especially relevant for laptops and other systems with customized hardware.
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| Route | Best fit | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Update or Device Manager automatic search | A straightforward first attempt | Windows may not find a newer suitable driver. |
| Graphics-card maker’s official page or detection tool | Finding a package for a specific GPU and Windows version | You must identify the exact adapter and operating system. |
| Computer maker’s support page | Laptops and systems with manufacturer-specific customizations | Its driver release timing may differ from a general GPU package. |
Microsoft recommends Windows Update as the general driver-update route. For a laptop, check the PC maker’s support page before choosing a general graphics driver: NVIDIA identifies the notebook maker as the primary source for drivers qualified for notebook-specific customizations, and AMD and Intel also advise considering computer-maker drivers in relevant cases. NVIDIA’s official driver page, AMD’s official driver page, and Intel’s Download Center provide vendor routes. Use official sources rather than third-party driver-download sites.
Update through Windows
Try Device Manager’s automatic search
- In Device Manager, expand Display adapters.
- Right-click the adapter you want to update and select Update driver.
- Choose the option to search automatically for drivers and follow any prompts.
If Windows does not find a suitable driver, check Windows Update’s driver updates or download a package from the computer or graphics-card maker. Exact Windows Update labels can vary by Windows version.
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Install an official package manually
- Identify the precise graphics adapter and Windows version. Do not select a driver based on the manufacturer name alone.
- Get the package from the official support page for that GPU or computer model. Follow the maker’s installation instructions.
- If you are installing a downloaded driver through Device Manager, right-click the adapter, choose Update driver, then Browse my computer for drivers and point Windows to the downloaded package or its extracted folder.
- Restart if Windows or the installer prompts you to do so.
Use the graphics-card maker’s official route
NVIDIA
Select the product and operating system on NVIDIA’s official driver-download page. For a notebook, NVIDIA recommends starting with the computer maker’s driver because it is qualified for notebook-specific customizations. NVIDIA also offers reference notebook drivers for many supported products, but those are not the primary recommendation for a customized laptop.
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AMD
Use AMD’s official support page to select the graphics product and operating system, or use its Auto-Detect and Install tool on a compatible Windows system. AMD notes that some systems with vendor-specific features need a custom driver from the computer maker. Its support guidance describes Recommended drivers as stability-focused and Optional drivers as offering the newest current features and fixes; check the current choices on the download page before deciding.
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Intel
Intel provides automatic detection and installation through Intel Driver & Support Assistant, as well as manual package selection from its Download Center. Intel advises considering the latest graphics driver supplied by the computer maker.
If Windows shows Microsoft Basic Display Adapter
If DxDiag identifies the adapter as Microsoft Basic Display Adapter, Windows is using a generic display driver rather than a manufacturer-specific driver. Check the computer or GPU maker’s official support page for a compatible driver; Microsoft recommends installing the manufacturer’s driver when one is available. Microsoft’s driver guidance explains the update options.
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Recover if a driver update causes display problems
Roll back the driver
If the problem began after an update, Device Manager may be able to restore the previous driver. Open Device Manager, expand Display adapters, right-click the affected adapter, and select Properties. On the Driver tab, choose Roll Back Driver if the option is available, then follow the prompts. This option depends on Windows having a previous driver available. See Microsoft’s driver rollback instructions.
Reset the graphics driver in some blank-screen cases
If the screen is blank but the PC is still responsive, press Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B. Microsoft documents this shortcut as a way to reset the graphics driver in some blank-screen situations. It does not replace installing a compatible driver or rolling back a problematic update. Microsoft’s blank-screen troubleshooting guidance describes the shortcut.
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