The best way to update your graphics driver in Windows 10 is to download the latest driver from your graphics card maker: the NVIDIA App for NVIDIA GeForce cards, AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition for AMD Radeon, or the Intel Driver & Support Assistant for Intel graphics. You can also check Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View optional updates, or use Device Manager > Display adapters > right-click your GPU > Update driver.
Windows Update and Device Manager are easy, but they often offer older drivers. For gaming or new software, the maker’s driver is usually the newest. Here’s how to find out which graphics card you have and update it each way.
Step 1: Find out which graphics card you have
- Press Windows key + R, type dxdiag, and press Enter.
- Click the Display tab. The card’s name and maker are under Device, and the current driver version and date are under Drivers.
You can also open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc, click the Performance tab, and select GPU. Laptops often have two: a built-in Intel or AMD chip and a separate NVIDIA or AMD card. Update both.
Which method should you use?
| Method | Newest driver? | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Graphics card maker’s app or website | Yes | Gaming, video editing, fixing graphics problems |
| Windows Update (optional updates) | Sometimes | A simple, tested update |
| Device Manager | Rarely | Reinstalling or when nothing else works |
| Laptop maker’s support site | Not always | Laptops with custom drivers, like some Dell, HP, and Lenovo models |
Method 1: Use your graphics card maker’s software
NVIDIA
- Download the NVIDIA App from nvidia.com. It replaced GeForce Experience.
- Open it and go to Drivers.
- Click Download, then Install. Choose Express for a normal install.
You can also search for your card manually on NVIDIA’s driver download page.
AMD
- Go to amd.com and search for drivers for your Radeon card, or use the auto-detect tool.
- Download and install AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition.
- Later, open it and check for updates on the home screen.
Intel
- Download the Intel Driver & Support Assistant from intel.com.
- Run it. It opens a web page listing available updates for your PC.
- Click Download and Install next to the graphics driver.
Only download drivers from the maker’s official website. “Driver updater” programs from other companies are often unnecessary and can install the wrong driver or unwanted software.
Method 2: Use Windows Update
- Press Windows key + I and click Update & Security.
- Click Check for updates and install anything offered.
- Click View optional updates, then expand Driver updates.
- Check the graphics driver if one is listed, and click Download and install.
- Restart your PC when prompted.
Method 3: Use Device Manager
- Right-click the Start button and choose Device Manager.
- Expand Display adapters.
- Right-click your graphics card and choose Update driver.
- Click Search automatically for drivers. If you downloaded a driver yourself, choose Browse my computer for drivers instead.
If Windows says the best driver is already installed, that only means Windows doesn’t have a newer one. The maker’s website may still have an update.
What to expect during the update
Your screen may flicker, go black for a few seconds, or change resolution while the driver installs. That’s normal. Save your work and close games first. Restart when the installer asks.
How to roll back a graphics driver
If a new driver causes crashes or display problems:
- Open Device Manager and expand Display adapters.
- Right-click your graphics card and choose Properties.
- Click the Driver tab, then Roll Back Driver. If it’s grayed out, there’s no earlier driver saved. Download an older version from the maker’s site instead.
Troubleshooting
- Black screen after updating: Press Windows key + Ctrl + Shift + B to restart the driver. If that doesn’t help, restart in Safe Mode and roll back the driver.
- Installer says your system isn’t compatible: Make sure you downloaded the driver for Windows 10, 64-bit, and for your exact card. On some laptops, you must use the laptop maker’s driver.
- Only “Microsoft Basic Display Adapter” appears: Windows hasn’t installed a real driver. Install one from your card maker or PC maker.
Related: Check your graphics driver in Windows 11.
Related: Update NVIDIA drivers.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I update my graphics driver?
Update when a new game or app needs it, or if you’re having graphics problems. Gamers often update every month or two. If everything works, there’s no need to update constantly.
Will Windows 10 still get new graphics drivers?
Windows 10 support ended in October 2025, but graphics card makers may keep releasing Windows 10 drivers for a while. Check each maker’s site. Upgrading to Windows 11 keeps you on supported drivers longer.
Do I need to uninstall the old driver first?
Usually not. The installer replaces it. The NVIDIA and AMD installers also offer a clean install option if you’re troubleshooting.
Is it safe to update graphics drivers?
Yes, from the official maker. If a problem appears, you can roll back.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.