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To update graphics drivers safely, identify your GPU and PC maker, download a compatible driver from the official source, install it, and verify the installed version. An update can fix crashes caused by a driver bug, but it is not a guaranteed fix: game patches, background software, system settings, and hardware stability can also be responsible.
Before updating, identify the GPU and the crash pattern
On Windows, open Device Manager and expand Display adapters to see the graphics device listed. Also note your PC or laptop manufacturer, Windows version, the game that crashes, any error message, and when the problem began. Those details determine which driver package applies and whether the crash followed a game or driver update.
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Before changing drivers, check the game developer’s support information and any relevant guidance from your computer maker or GPU vendor. Intel specifically recommends checking whether the problem has already been reported by the game developer, system OEM, or Intel.
Choose the correct official driver source
For a laptop or a prebuilt PC, start with the computer manufacturer’s support page. OEM systems may use a configuration-specific driver, so do not assume that the newest generic package is the right first choice. If the manufacturer does not provide an appropriate package, use the GPU vendor’s official download tools and verify compatibility for your exact GPU and Windows version.
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| GPU or system | Where to look | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Intel graphics | Intel guidance on updating graphics drivers | Check the PC maker’s driver page first when appropriate; otherwise use Intel Download Center or Driver & Support Assistant (DSA) if suitable for the system. |
| NVIDIA graphics | NVIDIA driver selection | Select the product and operating system that match the installed GPU and Windows setup. |
| AMD Radeon graphics | AMD Drivers and Download Center | Use automatic detection or select the Radeon product manually, then confirm the OS and hardware match. |
Driver availability and compatibility depend on the specific GPU, system, and Windows version. Check the vendor’s product page and release notes; there is no single driver version that is right for every gaming PC.
Install the driver and confirm it took effect
- Download the compatible package from the official source. Save your work and close games and other graphics-intensive apps before running the installer.
- Follow the installer’s prompts. Restart Windows if the installer requests it.
- To check an Intel driver, open Device Manager → Display adapters → [Intel graphics device] → Properties → Driver. Compare the displayed driver version with the package you installed. Other vendors may provide their own version-checking tools or instructions.
When a clean installation makes sense
A clean install is a recovery option for a failed or corrupted driver installation, not a required step for every update. Its exact controls and trade-offs differ by vendor.
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NVIDIA: use the documented manual recovery path
For a failed NVIDIA App installation, NVIDIA’s manual driver installation guidance says to close open apps, including monitoring or tuning utilities and 3D-accelerated applications, then run the downloaded installer as administrator. Choose Custom (Advanced) and enable Perform a clean installation. These menu steps apply to NVIDIA’s installer; they are not generic instructions for Intel or AMD.
AMD: understand the rollback trade-off
When its installer detects an existing version, AMD may offer Clean Install. AMD says this attempts to remove detected Radeon Software and AMD driver versions before installing selected components, may help with some corrupted-install problems, and requires a reboot. It also removes the normal Device Manager rollback path to the previous driver. Save your work and consider that loss of rollback before choosing it. See AMD’s installation instructions.
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If the game still crashes after the update
Check the game and driver release notes
Install available game updates and review the game’s official support page. Then check the driver release notes for known issues affecting your GPU or game. If the crashes began after a driver update and the vendor identifies a relevant issue with no workaround, an earlier compatible driver may be worth considering. AMD explicitly advises considering a return to an earlier version in that situation; use the vendor’s instructions for your hardware.
Use cleanup utilities only for the right case
For random freezes, hangs, black screens, spontaneous reboots, or TDRs after an Intel Arc driver update, Intel’s Arc-specific recovery guidance recommends removing the driver with DDU in Safe Mode, rebooting normally, and installing a suitable Intel driver. This is targeted advice for those Arc symptoms, not a universal first step for any game crash.
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AMD provides its own Cleanup Utility for AMD graphics and audio drivers and software. AMD recommends running it in Safe Mode, says not to run it while Windows Update is active, and requires a reboot for cleanup changes to take effect. Follow the utility’s instructions rather than applying another vendor’s cleanup procedure.
Investigate other causes one change at a time
A crash by itself does not establish that the GPU driver is at fault. If updating or reinstalling does not help, test changes individually so you can tell what affected the problem. NVIDIA’s troubleshooting guidance includes background applications, chipset drivers, and overheating among possible considerations. AMD’s stability guidance also discusses system configuration and hardware checks such as memory, GPU seating, and the power supply.
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- Close nonessential overlays, monitoring, tuning, and other background applications, then test the game.
- Check relevant chipset-driver guidance from the PC or motherboard maker.
- Look for system instability or heat and power problems; use support instructions appropriate to your PC instead of assuming the GPU driver is responsible.
- If the game’s error code or crash logs point elsewhere, contact the game developer or system/GPU manufacturer with the error details and the driver version you verified.
AMD’s stability troubleshooting guidance covers additional checks. Change one setting or component at a time and retest before making another change.
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