This article explains how to manually update the graphics card drivers on a Windows computer. While this usually happens automatically during the installation phase of a cumulative operating system update, in some cases you need to update your graphics card drivers manually. If your computer's video card is damaged beyond repair, you'll need to purchase and install a new one. Unfortunately if you are using a Mac the only way to update your graphics card drivers is to update the entire operating system.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Find the Name of the Graphics Card
Step 1. Access the "Start" menu by clicking on the icon
It features the Windows logo and is located in the lower left corner of the desktop. Alternatively, press the ⊞ Win key on your keyboard.
Step 2. Run the DXDIAG command
Type the dxdiag keyword into the "Start" menu, then click the blue and yellow icon dxdiag which will appear at the top of the search results list
Step 3. Click the Yes button when prompted
This will run a diagnostic scan by the Windows operating system for the video card and all related information, including name and type, will be displayed in a new window.
Your computer may be trying to access the internet to find accurate information about the video card installed in your system
Step 4. Click on the Display tab
It is displayed at the top of the window.
Step 5. Find the name of the graphics card installed in your computer
Review the text next to the "Name" entry in the "Device" pane displayed in the upper left of the "Display" tab. This is the full name of the graphics card installed in the computer.
At this point you can close the "DirectX Diagnostic Tool" window
Part 2 of 2: Update the Video Card Drivers
Step 1. Access the "Start" menu by clicking on the icon
It features the Windows logo and is located in the lower left corner of the desktop.
Alternatively, press the key combination ⊞ Win + X to display the context menu of the "Start" button, then click on the option Device management. If you have chosen to follow these instructions, skip the next step.
Step 2. Open the Device Manager dialog
Type in the device manager keywords, then click on the icon Device management appeared at the top of the results list.
Step 3. Expand the "Display Adapters" section
Click on the icon
placed on the left side of the name of the section in question or double-click on it. The list of graphics cards in your computer will be displayed.
If the list of video cards installed in the system is already visible and the indicated arrow icon is pointing downwards, it means that the "Display adapters" section is already open
Step 4. Select the graphics card whose drivers you want to update
Click on the item in the list that has the same name as the video card installed in your computer.
Step 5. Click on the "Update Device Driver" button
It has a black icon and a green up arrow. It is located at the top of the "Device Manager" window.
Step 6. Click the Automatically search for an updated driver option
It is displayed at the top of the new pop-up window that appeared. The computer will search the web for an updated driver for the selected card.
If Windows reports that the chosen graphics card driver is already up to date, you can click on the item Search with Windows Update to determine if an operating system update is available.
Step 7. Wait for the graphics card drivers to be updated
If a new update is available, it will be downloaded and installed on your computer. You may need to confirm your decision or follow the installation wizard instructions for this to complete.
If you are using Windows Update, wait for the update to download to your computer, then proceed with the installation when prompted. In this case, other operating system components are usually updated as well, so the update will take longer to complete
Advice
- If you are unable to properly view images within a program or application, or if menus and other user interface elements remain visible on the screen even after moving them to another location or closing them, you may need to update the video card drivers to solve the problem (and any other problems related to the video and graphics compartment of the computer).
- The drivers of most graphics cards are automatically updated through the Windows Update service. Activating the automatic driver update will ensure that you always have the most up-to-date version of the software you need to make the most of your computer's video card.
