The most important thing to do when trying to resolve a graphics driver issue is to identify the problem and its source. This may involve testing various hardware configuration settings and running diagnostics programs.
Assuming that the computer has an up-to-date version of the necessary graphics card driver installed, the next step is to troubleshoot the issue.
1. Check Display Settings
An outdated display driver can cause problems with graphics, so it’s important to ensure that it is up-to-date. On Windows 10, you can check this by right-clicking on the desktop background then selecting Display settings. If available, select the Advanced display settings option which should provide a list of connected monitors and the active resolution.
2. Update Drivers
If an outdated or flawed display driver is causing the problem, you will need to update it. You can do this manually by visiting the website of the graphics card manufacturer and downloading the latest driver for your specific device. If you have difficulty finding your device, you can use the manufacturer’s driver update tools.
3. Install New Drivers
When the latest driver has been downloaded, you can install it by double-clicking on the downloaded file. The installation of the new driver will require rebooting your computer, and when the reboot is complete, Windows should automatically detect the new driver and apply it.
4. Revert to Previous Driver Version
If the issue persists even after updating to the latest driver, you can try reverting back to an older version of the driver. This can be done by uninstalling the current driver from the Device Manager and installing the older version.
5. Check for Other Software Issues
It is possible that a graphics problem is caused by a third-party application conflict or other software issues. You should use your antivirus program or a third-party repair tool such as CCleaner to scan and repair any errors.
6. Check if the Issue is Hardware Related
Graphics problems can also be caused by faulty hardware components. To check if this is the case, you should take out the graphics card and inspect it for any visible damage. If it appears to be in good condition, you should test the card in another computer to make sure it isn’t the source of the problem.
7. Replace Graphics Card
If none of the above steps resolves the issue and the graphics card appears to be faulty, then you should replace it. You should opt for the same type of card and model as the original, as it is not always possible to upgrade a graphics card.
Resolving a graphics driver issue can take some time, especially if you are unfamiliar with graphics drivers and hardware. However, following the steps outlined above should help you identify and fix the issue quickly.