In computer jargon, a 'driver' is a software program that allows communication between the system microprocessor (CPU) and all the hardware peripherals installed in the computer, such as the printer, sound card or video card. Video card drivers are typically created specifically and optimized for a single operating system. Windows XP uses different drivers for the same video card than those used by Windows Vista or Windows 7. Sometimes these programs can get corrupted or need an update, so knowing how to install video card drivers is one of very useful skills to possess. A simple copy and paste of the new files into the folder containing the old drivers will not work, however installing or updating your video card drivers is not a complicated process at all and as you continue reading this tutorial you will find out how to do this.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Automatic Driver Update in Windows
Step 1. Access the 'Device Manager' window
- In Windows 7 or Windows Vista, go to the 'Start' menu and perform a search by typing the keywords 'Device Manager' into the search field.
- In Windows XP, select the 'My Computer' icon with the right mouse button, then select the 'Manage' item from the menu that appears.
Step 2. Select the '+' symbol next to the 'Video cards' item, then select your computer's video card with the right mouse button
Step 3. Select 'Update Driver Software' from the context menu that appeared
Method 2 of 4: Manual Driver Update in Windows
Step 1. Go to the website of the manufacturer of the video card mounted on your computer
Step 2. Identify the section of the site labeled 'Download' or 'Driver', related to your video card model
Step 3. Download the installation file in executable format (extension '.exe') for the operating system on your computer
Once the download is complete, double-click the file icon to start the installation process.
Step 4. Follow the instructions that appear for the wizard to install updated drivers for your video card
Method 3 of 4: Automatic Driver Update on Mac
Step 1. Search for the following keywords 'Mac Software Update'
- Any video card driver updates will be included in the OS update.
- Access the 'Apple' menu located in the upper left corner of your desktop.
Step 2. Select the item 'Software Update
.. 'from the drop-down menu that appears.
Follow the instructions that appear on the screen and, if necessary, restart your computer
Method 4 of 4: Manual Driver Update on Mac
Step 1. Go to Apple's site for downloading drivers
You can do this using the following link 'www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/drivers'. Displays the list in alphabetical order.
Step 2. Select the download link for the installation file, located next to the video card driver mounted on your Mac, then save the file to your computer desktop
Advice
- The video card driver installed on your computer at the time of purchase should also be available on a CD-ROM included in the computer package. Using it you will be able to restore the original driver in case the video card is no longer recognized by the system, which would prevent its automatic installation or through a wizard.
- The drivers for installing the video card, on many operating systems, are usually already included on the installation CD supplied with the hardware. When installing the drivers from CD always follow the procedure described in the instruction manual available inside the video card package.