There are a variety of methods for identifying driver issues with graphics cards, depending on the symptoms and the particular card. Generally, though, the first step is to check Windows Device Manager. It will reveal if the card is present in your system, if it is not working properly, or if there is a conflict with other hardware. If the issue is only affecting specific applications, such as games, then it may also be helpful to check the log files associated with those applications.
If the graphics card is visible in Device Manager but listed as having an issue or being in an error state, then the next step is to check the manufacturer’s website for the latest drivers. This may require the model number of the card so that the correct version can be downloaded. Once the latest driver has been downloaded, it should be installed, following the instructions provided. If the card still has an issue after this, then a driver rollback may be necessary. This can be done in Windows Device Manager by right-clicking on the card, selecting Properties, and then selecting the Driver tab. From there, select the Roll Back Driver button.
If the graphics card appears to be working properly in Device Manager, then the root of the issue could be incorrect driver settings. Many applications and games have specific settings that can help boost performance, but these must be manually changed. The best way to find out what the correct settings should be is to consult the manufacturer’s website and check for any guides that give recommended configurations.
Another potential cause of driver issues is corruption. When this happens, the system may not be able to process the driver correctly. To fix this, it may be necessary to reinstall Windows. Doing this should also delete any corrupted files that may be causing the issue.
In some cases, the driver issue may not be related to the graphics card at all but may instead be due to a conflict between the graphics card and some other piece of hardware. This can often be identified by unplugging each piece of hardware one at a time and then observing if the issue persists. If the issue disappears when a certain piece of hardware is removed, then the problem is likely caused by a conflict between the two devices.
Finally, if none of the above methods are working, then the graphics card itself may be faulty and require repair or replacement. If this is the case, then it is usually best to contact the manufacturer and seek their advice. In many cases, they may be able to provide a warranty replacement card, although this will depend on the age of the original card and how long it has been in use.