How-to
How to update graphics drivers safely
When to update your graphics driver, where to download it, how to install it without problems and how to go back if a new version causes crashes or stutter.
The graphics driver is the software that lets games talk to your graphics card. New versions can fix bugs and improve performance in new games, but they can also introduce problems. A careful routine keeps you on the safe side.
Should you always update
Not always. A reasonable rule:
- Update when a game you play gets a fix or optimization in the release notes, when you start a new game that is known to need it, or when you have a bug the notes say is solved.
- Wait when everything works and nothing in the notes concerns you. Newest is not always best.
Do not update just before a tournament or an important session. Leave time to test.
Where to download
Always use the maker's official site: NVIDIA, AMD or Intel, depending on your card. Avoid third party download pages and "driver updater" programs, which often bundle unwanted software. The links at the bottom of this page point to the official support pages.
If you use a laptop, check also the laptop maker's site. Some laptops use customized drivers, and the generic one may not support all features, although the latest from the chip maker usually works.
Installing step by step
- Note your current driver version, in case you need it later.
- Check the release notes for known issues.
- Download the installer for your exact card and system.
- Close other programs and run the installer.
- Choose the standard option. A custom or clean installation resets settings and is useful if you had problems.
- Restart the computer when asked.
- Open a game you know well and check that it runs normally.
When to do a clean install
A clean installation removes old settings and leftovers before installing the new driver. Use it if you have crashes, graphical glitches, or you changed the graphics card, especially from a different maker. Most installers offer a clean option. For stubborn problems, a dedicated removal tool run in Windows safe mode is the stronger method, but only use tools from the maker or from well known reputable sources.
How to roll back
If a new driver causes trouble:
- Open Device Manager, find your graphics card under display adapters and open its properties.
- On the driver tab, choose roll back driver, if available.
- If not, download the previous version from the maker's site and install it.
- Restart and test.
Keep the installer of the last version that worked, so you can return quickly.
Signs that the driver is the problem
- Crashes or black screens that began right after an update.
- New stutter in games that were smooth.
- Flickering, strange colors or missing textures.
- The driver stops responding and restarts.
If you see these, compare with another driver before you blame the hardware. Also check temperature and that the power cables are firmly connected. See how to raise FPS for other causes of poor performance.
After you update
Check your settings. Some updates reset the refresh rate, color options or control panel preferences. Confirm that your monitor still runs at its best refresh rate, as explained in monitor refresh rate explained, and that your games use the right graphics card, as mentioned in Windows settings for gaming.
Other drivers that matter
The chipset driver for your motherboard, the network driver and the audio driver can also affect games. Update them occasionally from the motherboard or laptop maker, not every week.
The short version
Update with a reason, download from the official site, read the notes, keep the last working version and know how to roll back. A calm routine saves you from most driver trouble.