How to Update a Graphics Card

Written by Jack Lloyd

Last Updated: October 31, 2024 Tested

This wikiHow teaches you how to manually update your Windows computer's graphics card's drivers. While graphics card drivers are usually updated when your computer installs a comprehensive update or patch, some third-party graphics cards may not properly transition. If your graphics card is fried, you may need to install a new one instead. Unfortunately, the only way to update a Mac's graphics card is by updating your Mac's operating system.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Finding a Graphics Card's Name

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Click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen.
Type in dxdiag, then click the purple-and-yellow dxdiag icon at the top of the Start window.

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3
Click Yes when prompted. This will cause Windows to determine your graphics card's type and open a new window.
- Your computer may attempt to connect to the Internet in order to match your graphics card against others on its product page.
It's at the top of the window.
5
Find your graphics card's name. Review the text in the "Name" section that's in the upper-left side of the window. This is your graphics card's name as recognized by your computer.
- At this point, you can close the window.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Updating Graphics Card Drivers

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1
Open Start
. Click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen.
- You can also press ⊞ Win+X to bring up the Start context menu and then click Device Manager in the menu. If you do this, skip the next step.
Type in device manager, then click Device Manager at the top of the Start window.
3
Expand the "Display adapters" heading. Click the
icon to the left of this heading, or double-click the heading. You should see several indented options appear below it.
- If this heading has indented monitor-shaped options below it, it's already expanded.
Click the heading which has the same name as your computer's graphics card to do so.
It's a black box with an upward-facing green arrow that you'll find at the top of the Device Manager window.
6
Click Search automatically for updated driver software. This option is at the top of the pop-up window. Doing so causes your computer to begin searching for drivers for your graphics card.
- If Device Manager reports that the graphics card is up to date, you can click Search Windows Update to determine whether or not a system update is available.
7
Allow your graphics card to update. As long as updated drivers are available, Device Manager will download and install them for you, though you may be prompted to confirm this decision or navigate through a few on-screen options.
- If you're using Windows Update, allow the update to download, then install the update when prompted. This will usually update other components of your computer's operating system, so expect the update to take a long time to complete.

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Tips

It's best to update your computer's graphics card if you are unable to view images in certain applications, or if menus and other interface elements remain on the screen after moving or closing them. Updating the graphics card can often resolve ongoing problems related to images and graphics.

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Most graphics cards are updated automatically through Windows Update. Enabling automatic updates will ensure that your graphics card has the latest drivers installed at all times.

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