Your graphics driver is the software that lets Windows and your games talk to your GPU, whether it’s built into your processor (Intel or AMD integrated graphics) or a separate card from NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel. Knowing which driver version you have helps when a game asks for a minimum driver, when you’re troubleshooting crashes or screen flicker, or when you want to know if an update is available. Windows 11 offers several quick ways to check.
Method 1: Check in Device Manager
- Right-click the Start button and choose Device Manager.
- Expand Display adapters. You’ll see your graphics hardware listed, for example “NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060” or “Intel(R) UHD Graphics.” Laptops often show two: an integrated GPU and a dedicated one.
- Right-click the adapter and choose Properties.
- Open the Driver tab. Here you’ll see the Driver Provider, Driver Date, and Driver Version.
Note that NVIDIA’s version in Device Manager uses a longer Windows format (for example, 32.0.15.xxxx). The last five digits usually correspond to NVIDIA’s own driver number.
Method 2: Use the DirectX Diagnostic Tool
- Press Windows + R, type dxdiag, and press Enter.
- Click Yes if asked to check for digitally signed drivers.
- Open the Display tab (there may be Display 1 and Display 2, or a Render tab for a second GPU).
- On the right side under Drivers, find the version, date, and driver model.
dxdiag also shows the DirectX version and other details that support teams often ask for. Click Save All Information to create a text report.
Method 3: Check in Task Manager
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Click Performance and select GPU 0 (or GPU 1).
- Look below the graphs for Driver version and Driver date.
This is the fastest method and also shows GPU usage and memory.
Method 4: Use Your GPU Maker’s App
- NVIDIA: Open the NVIDIA app (or the older GeForce Experience or NVIDIA Control Panel’s System Information) to see the driver version and check for updates.
- AMD: Open AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition and look on the System or Home page.
- Intel: Use Intel Graphics Software, Intel Arc Control, or Intel Driver & Support Assistant, depending on your hardware.
These apps can also download newer drivers than Windows Update offers.
Method 5: Use PowerShell
If you prefer a command, open Terminal or PowerShell and run:
Get-CimInstance Win32_VideoController | Select-Object Name, DriverVersion, DriverDateThis lists every graphics adapter with its driver version and date in one place, which is handy for copying into a support request or checking several PCs.
Method 6: Check Display Settings
Go to Settings > System > Display > Advanced display. Under Display information, you’ll see which graphics adapter is driving each monitor. Click Display adapter properties to open the same Properties window used in Device Manager, then check the Driver tab.
How to Tell If Your Driver Is Out of Date
Compare your driver version and date with the latest version listed on your GPU maker’s website, or let their app check for you. You can also check Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates for driver updates from Windows. Laptop owners should check the laptop maker’s support site too, since some laptops use customized drivers.
How to Update the Driver
In Device Manager, right-click the adapter and choose Update driver > Search automatically for drivers. For the newest versions, download from NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel directly. If a new driver causes problems, open the adapter’s Properties > Driver tab and click Roll Back Driver if available.
Related: Update NVIDIA drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I see two graphics adapters?
Many laptops and some desktops have integrated graphics plus a dedicated GPU. Windows switches between them based on the app. Each has its own driver.
What is “Microsoft Basic Display Adapter”?
It’s a generic driver Windows uses when the proper graphics driver isn’t installed. Install the driver from your GPU or PC maker for full performance.
Should I always install the newest driver?
For gaming, new drivers often improve performance in recent games. For work PCs, many people stick with a stable version unless they have a problem. If something breaks after an update, roll back to the previous driver.
Summary
To check your graphics driver in Windows 11, open Device Manager, expand Display adapters, right-click your GPU, choose Properties, and open the Driver tab. You can also find the driver version in Task Manager’s GPU section, the dxdiag tool, or your GPU maker’s app.
Related: how to check your GPU on Windows 11 and how to update a graphics driver.
Kermit Matthews runs Live2Tech from just outside Philadelphia. He is an IT specialist with over 20 years of experience, from a university help desk to small-business IT, IT management and his own consulting practice, and has written tech guides full time since 2020. Steps are checked against the current software on a real device or the maker’s official documentation. More about Kermit.