Do I Need To Update My Graphics Driver

How to update drivers

Image of a sticky note on a PC asking you to update.

(Paradigm credit: dorisj, Getty)

Keeping your drivers up to date may be a pain, merely it's something we all have to do. Information technology'southward not always clear how to update your drivers, especially for those without a practiced base in Information technology knowledge, and with all those site out there just waiting to deploy malicious software with genuine Nvidia signature codes. Just there is a right way to ago about updating drivers, to ensure a smooth update process.

This guide will requite you the tools you need to confidently update the virtually common types of drivers, and fifty-fifty includes some general tips for dealing with whatever bug that may arise. This guide is geared towards gaming PCs, but near of it applies to whatever Windows calculator.

How to update Nvidia drivers

If your PC has an Nvidia GeForce graphics carte du jour, you definitely want to keep the drivers updated. New releases ofttimes include functioning enhancements for new games, or fixes for issues caused by Windows updates.

There used to exist a tool called Nvidia Update located in the Nvidia control panel, but with the advent of GeForce Experience, that selection has been removed. The Nvidia control console is still installed automatically when yous set up Nvidia's drivers, only you'll need to update the drivers through GeForce Experience or manually download and install the driver from Nvidia's website.

Screenshot of the Nvidia GeForce experience UI. — (Epitome credit: Nvidia)

To update from the GeForce Feel launcher, log in (create an business relationship if you lot don't have one already), click on the Drivers tab at the top left, then Check for Updates on the right. The do good of having GeForce Experience installed on your PC is that it volition automatically check for updates and alert you if in that location is a new driver available.

But if you lot don't like the idea of logging into GeForce Experience every time you need to install a commuter update, y'all can go to Nvidia's commuter page to manually download the latest available commuter version.

Something else to consider is the option to exercise a clean install of the drivers, which is an option on both AMD and Nvidia installers if y'all cull the custom installation choice.

Finally, if you are switching GPU brands, or if you run into other problems and but desire to clean out your system, nosotros recommend using Display Driver Uninstaller to completely wipe any AMD, Intel, and/or Nvidia GPU driver remnants from your organisation. Sometimes information technology's the only fashion to be sure.

Exist careful to click on the Official Download Here link when grabbing DDU, and not the Update Display Driver button, as the latter isn't what we're talking about.

How to update AMD drivers

In much the same fashion as Nvidia's drivers, AMD'southward driver software is supposed to automatically check for updates in the background and requite you an warning when anything is available. Simply if that'southward not happening, or you but want to be certain, here's how to check for an update (and install information technology) manually:

Correct-click on the Windows desktop and select AMD Radeon Settings from the menu.
Click the Updates button at the bottom-left of the window.
Click the Check for updates box.

Screenshot of AMDs driver update page. — (Image credit: AMD)

If an update is available, yous'll see all the bachelor versions. AMD sometimes releases optional updates for those who desire the latest and greatest, but most people should stick to the recommended drivers. Click Recommended, and so select Express upgrade.

If you can't become the Radeon Settings to appear at all, something may be corrupted with your drivers. To prepare that, just head to AMD's support website and download the appropriate drivers for your graphics bill of fare. A fresh install should sort out any bug you may be experiencing.

Once again, clean install may be a amend choice if y'all experience any weirdness or reduced performance (it's happened to u.s., multiple times). And DDU is always there if y'all need to pull out the sledgehammer.

How to update drivers for peripherals (mice, keyboards, etc.)

Near keyboards, mice, microphones, controllers, and so on use the same generic USB interface for advice, then they usually don't need whatever additional drivers out of the box (and the generic drivers are handled by Windows Update).

Nevertheless, if you purchase an accompaniment designed to be customizable, like mice or keyboards with extra buttons, then you might need the proper desktop software for the accessory. There should exist some indication on the accessory'south box or product folio about what application is needed for full functionality, simply here are some examples:

Logitech Gaming Software: For customizing controls, lights, and more for virtually Logitech 'G' gaming products.
Logitech Options: Configuration tool for most of Logitech'south not-gaming mice, keyboards, and other accessories.
Corsair iCue: Alter lighting effects, keyboard macros, and more for most Corsair products.
Razer Synapse: A unified configuration tool for Razer accessories, laptops, keyboards, and more.

As a general warning, e'er download the required software from the manufacturer's website, non from a rehosting site. Some rehosting sites like to bundle bloatware, or malware, or other extraneous software when y'all install the drivers.

How to update everything else

The congenital-in Windows Update service on your PC generally keeps almost of your drivers up to appointment in the background. Unless you use a niche device that doesn't offer updates through Windows Update, you usually don't take to worry nigh keeping drivers upward to date.

To cheque for any updates for your PC, including driver updates, follow these steps:

Click the Start button on the Windows taskbar
Click the Settings icon (it'south a small gear)
Select Updates & Security then click Cheque for updates.

Spiral sports, Katie would rather scout Intel, AMD and Nvidia go at information technology. She can often be found admiring AI advancements, sighing over semiconductors, or gawping at the latest GPU upgrades. She's been obsessed with computers and graphics since she was pocket-sized, and took Game Art and Design upwardly to Masters level at uni. Her thirst for cool Raspberry Pi projects will never be sated, and she volition cease at nothing to spread internet safety awareness—downwardly with the hackers.