Updating a graphics card driver is an important part of ensuring that you’re making the most of the performance, features and security available for your card. A driver is a piece of software which helps the operating system communicate with hardware components, in this case the graphics card. Without a properly functioning driver, your card may not work correctly or to its full potential.
Before you start the update process there are some important steps that you should take to ensure a successful update and to backup your current settings in case the new driver causes unexpected issues.
1. Check your current driver version
Before you update your graphics card driver, it’s a good idea to check which version of the driver you’re currently running. This is a simple enough process – on Windows, you can right-click on ‘My Computer’ and select ‘Properties’. Then, click on the ‘Device Manager’ in the left-hand pane and in the list of devices select your graphics card. You will then be able to view the driver version number displayed in the ‘Driver’ tab.
2. Download the latest driver version
Once you know the version of your current driver, you can search for the newest version on the manufacturer’s website. Make sure that you download the correct driver version for your hardware – this should include the model name and number as well as other information such as the operating system.
3. Backup your current settings
Before you install the new driver, it’s a good idea to backup your current graphics card settings. On Windows, you can use the ‘System Restore’ feature to create a restore point with your current driver settings that can be easily restored in case of any problems resulting from the new driver.
4. Installing the new driver
Once you have downloaded the correct driver version, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install it on your system. On Windows, this involve double-clicking on the downloaded executable file and following the on-screen prompts. Restarting your computer will also be necessary after installing the new driver.
5. Perform a post-update test
Once the new driver has been installed, it’s important to perform a post-update test to ensure that it’s working properly. On Windows, you can use the ‘System Information’ utility to check the driver version number and other details. You can also check the Graphics Settings for your card in the Display Properties window on the Advanced tab to make sure that all of your settings are still present and functioning correctly.
If you encounter any unexpected issues with the new driver, such as graphical glitches or poor performance, you can always restore your old settings using the System Restore feature or by re-installing the old driver from the manufacturer’s website.
Updating your graphics card driver regularly is a good practice to keep up with. It allows your hardware to utilize the latest performance improvements, bug fixes, security patches, and other features released by the manufacturer. With regular updates, you’ll be able to maximize your graphics card’s capabilities and enjoy the best possible gaming experience.