To install or update your graphics driver on Windows 10 or 11, identify your GPU manufacturer (Intel, NVIDIA, or AMD), then download the latest driver from their official website. Intel users can run the Intel Driver and Support Assistant, NVIDIA users should download from the NVIDIA driver page, and AMD users can use the AMD Auto-Detect tool. The fastest way to identify your GPU is to open Task Manager → Performance tab → look at the GPU section.
Applies to: Windows 10 (22H2) and Windows 11 (23H2, 24H2, 25H2) | Last updated: April 6, 2026
Key Takeaways
- There are three major GPU manufacturers: Intel (integrated graphics on most CPUs), NVIDIA (dedicated GeForce/RTX cards), and AMD (both integrated Radeon graphics and dedicated RX cards). Many systems have both an Intel integrated GPU and a dedicated NVIDIA or AMD card.
- Always download drivers from the manufacturer’s official website — not from third-party driver update tools. Each manufacturer provides a free auto-detect utility that identifies your exact hardware and installs the correct driver.
- After a fresh Windows installation, the generic Microsoft display driver gets you a working screen, but it does not support hardware acceleration, proper resolution scaling, or gaming performance. Installing the manufacturer’s driver is essential.
- For bulk driver installation (not just graphics), Snappy Driver Installer Origin can detect and install all missing drivers at once. However, for graphics drivers specifically, the manufacturer’s tool gives you the latest Game Ready or Adrenalin release.
In This Guide
Jump to the section for your GPU manufacturer:
- Intel Graphics Drivers — Intel Driver and Support Assistant (integrated graphics on Intel CPUs)
- NVIDIA Graphics Drivers — GeForce Experience or manual download from nvidia.com
- AMD Graphics Drivers — AMD Auto-Detect tool and Adrenalin software
How to Identify Your Graphics Card
Before downloading a driver, you need to know which GPU you have. The fastest way is to press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, click the Performance tab, and look at the GPU section. It shows the exact model name — for example, “NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070” or “Intel UHD Graphics 770.”
You can also right-click the Start button → Device Manager → expand Display adapters. If you see two entries, you have both integrated and dedicated graphics — install drivers for both.
If you are shopping for a new GPU, check out my best graphics cards for every budget guide.
How to Install Intel Graphics Drivers
Intel integrated graphics are built into most Intel CPUs. The easiest way to install or update the driver is with the Intel Driver and Support Assistant (DSA). Download it from Intel’s website, install it, and run it. DSA scans your system, identifies your exact Intel GPU, and offers the latest compatible driver for download.
If DSA does not find an update (this can happen on older Intel HD Graphics models), you can manually search for your GPU model on the Intel Download Center. Select your processor family and operating system, then download and run the installer.
How to Install NVIDIA Graphics Drivers
Go to the NVIDIA driver download page. Select your product type (GeForce), series (e.g., GeForce RTX 40 Series), specific model, operating system, and download type. For gaming, choose Game Ready Driver. For creative workloads like video editing in DaVinci Resolve, the Studio Driver is optimized for stability. Click Search, then Download.
Run the downloaded installer. Choose Express for the simplest installation, or Custom if you want to select specific components or perform a clean install. The installer handles removing the old driver version automatically. Your screen may flicker during installation — this is normal as the display driver restarts.
For a more detailed walkthrough, I have a dedicated NVIDIA driver installation guide that covers advanced options like clean installations and choosing between Game Ready and Studio drivers.
How to Install AMD Graphics Drivers
Go to the AMD Drivers and Support page and click Download Windows Drivers. This downloads the AMD Auto-Detect tool, which scans your system for AMD hardware and installs the correct Adrenalin driver package.
Run the downloaded file and let it scan. The tool identifies your AMD GPU (whether it is a dedicated Radeon RX card or integrated Radeon graphics on an AMD APU) and offers the latest driver. During installation, you can click Additional Options to choose a factory reset (recommended if you are having issues) or select which components to install.
How to Verify Your Driver Was Installed Correctly
After installing and restarting your computer, verify the driver is working. Right-click the Start button → Device Manager → expand Display adapters. Your GPU should appear without any yellow exclamation marks. You can also right-click it → Properties → Driver tab to see the installed driver version and date.
If you want to verify that your GPU is stable under load after the driver update, run a GPU stress test to check for artifacts, crashes, or overheating.
Tip: If a driver update causes issues (artifacts, crashes, black screens), you can roll back in Device Manager. Right-click your GPU → Properties → Driver tab → Roll Back Driver. This restores the previous version instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which graphics driver I need?
Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), go to the Performance tab, and look at the GPU section. It shows the exact model name. If it says “Intel,” download from Intel. If it says “NVIDIA GeForce” or “RTX,” download from NVIDIA. If it says “AMD Radeon,” download from AMD. If you see two GPUs listed, install drivers for both.
Do I need to uninstall the old driver before installing a new one?
Normally, no. All three manufacturers’ installers handle upgrading the existing driver automatically. However, if you are experiencing persistent graphical issues, performing a clean installation can help. NVIDIA offers a “Clean Install” option in the Custom installer, and AMD has a “Factory Reset” option during setup.
How often should I update my graphics driver?
For general use, check every 2-3 months. If you play newly released games, check before launch — NVIDIA and AMD typically release “Game Ready” or “Game Optimized” drivers within a day or two of major game releases. These drivers include specific optimizations and bug fixes for the new title.
What if a new driver causes problems like crashes or black screens?
Roll back to the previous driver version. Open Device Manager, right-click your GPU under Display adapters, select Properties → Driver tab → Roll Back Driver. If that option is greyed out, you can download an older driver version directly from the manufacturer’s website and install it manually.
Is it safe to use third-party driver update tools?
I recommend avoiding them for graphics drivers. The official tools from Intel, NVIDIA, and AMD are free, identify your exact hardware, and provide the correct driver version. Third-party tools can install incorrect or outdated drivers and some bundle adware. The one exception is Snappy Driver Installer Origin, which is open-source and safe — but even then, I prefer using the manufacturer’s tool for GPU drivers specifically since they release updates more frequently.
