Graphics card driver issues can be one of the most frustrating problems to troubleshoot; however, with a few simple steps, you can quickly resolve the issue.
1. Verify the Driver Version:
Start by verifying which version of the driver is installed on your computer. This can be done by going into the device manager in your PC’s settings and viewing the properties for the graphics card. Look at the “Driver Version” field to see which version is installed. Once you have identified the installed driver version, you can go to the website of the graphics card manufacturer to find out if a newer version is available for download.
2. Check for System Updates:
Sometimes a system update may be required to ensure that the graphics card driver works properly. Check to see if your system has any pending updates and if so, apply them prior to continuing with other troubleshooting steps.
3. Roll Back the Driver:
If the new driver version you have installed is not working properly, it may be best to roll back to a previous version. To do this, go into the device manager in your PC’s settings and click on the “Driver” tab. From there, select the “Roll Back Driver” option. You may be prompted to enter the previous version number; make sure to do so to ensure that you are rolling back to the correct version.
4. Uninstall/Reinstall the Driver:
If rolling back the driver does not resolve the issue, you may need to uninstall the driver and then reinstall it. To uninstall the driver, again go into the device manager in your PC’s settings and look for the graphics card. Right-click the item and select the “Uninstall” option. Then, reboot your computer to finish the uninstall process. After the reboot, you can then reinstall the driver from the manufacturer’s website or from the installation disc that came with your card.
5. Try Different Driver Versions:
Sometimes the default driver version offered by the manufacturer is not the best one for your particular graphics card. In this case, it may be beneficial to try different driver versions to find the one that works best with your system. This can be easily accomplished by downloading different versions of the driver from the card manufacturer’s website and installing each one in turn.
6. Check Computer Temperatures:
Graphics card drivers may fail if the computer becomes too hot. Make sure to check your computer’s temperature regularly to ensure that it is within an acceptable range. If the temperature is too high, you may need to add additional fans or clean out any dust buildup from the inside of your PC.
7. Disable Your Antivirus Software:
Sometimes antivirus software can interfere with the installation of new graphics card drivers. To prevent this, it may be necessary to temporarily disable the antivirus while you install the new driver. Once the driver is installed, you can then re-enable the antivirus.
8. Check Connections:
If you have recently installed or upgraded a graphics card, make sure that all the cables are connected properly. This includes power, display, and any other relevant cables. Properly connecting all of these cables can often solve the issue.
9. Check for Hardware Conflicts:
Sometimes a hardware conflict can cause issues with graphics card drivers. To check for any hardware conflicts, open the Device Manager in your PC’s settings and look for any yellow exclamation points next to any devices. If you see any, make sure to resolve them before continuing with other troubleshooting steps.
10. Update Windows:
It is always a good idea to ensure that you are using the latest version of Windows. Outdated versions may not be able to support the current graphics card drivers, so make sure to check for any pending Windows updates and apply them prior to continuing with other troubleshooting steps.
By following these simple steps, you should be able to quickly troubleshoot any graphics card driver issues you may be having. Knowing how to identify which driver version is installed, checking for system updates, and uninstalling/reinstalling the driver can often be enough to get the problem resolved.