Graphics driver problems are a common issue that computer users can face, as drivers can become outdated or corrupted over time. While it is always recommended to contact the manufacturer of your computer, there are several troubleshooting steps you can try to fix the problem yourself.
1. Uninstall and reinstall the graphics driver:
This is the most basic troubleshooting step when it comes to fixing any driver issues. To do this, go to the Device Manager of your computer’s Operating System and look for the “Display Adapters”, then right-click the graphics adapter and select “Uninstall”. Then, reboot your computer and install the latest version of the graphics driver.
2. Update the graphics driver manually:
If the above method did not work, you can also update the driver manually. To do this, visit the website of the manufacturer of your graphics adapter and search for the latest driver version. Download the driver and save it in a specified folder, then restart your computer and open the Device Manager again. Right-click on the graphics adapter and select “Update Driver” > “Browse my computer for driver software” > “Let me pick from a list of available drivers” > “Have disk” and select the driver that you downloaded earlier.
3. Increase the graphics card’s virtual memory:
Sometimes, the graphics card can be running out of virtual memory, which can cause performance issues. To fix this, you need to increase the amount of virtual memory for the graphics card. To do this, right-click the “Computer” icon on your desktop and select “Properties”. Then, click on the “Advanced system settings”, go to the “Advanced” tab, and click on the “Settings” button under the “Performance” section. Finally, click on the “Advanced” tab once more and select the “Change” button under the “Virtual memory” section. Increase the minimum size and click “OK”.
4. Disable hardware acceleration:
Hardware acceleration is a feature that uses your computer’s hardware to improve the performance of certain applications, but it can also cause graphics driver problems. To disable it, open the Device Manager, right-click the graphic device and select “Properties”, then go to the “Troubleshoot” tab and select the “Disable hardware acceleration” option.
5. Check for CPU and RAM compatibility with the graphics card:
It is important to ensure that your computer’s CPU and RAM are compatible with the graphics card. To do this, visit the manufacturer’s website and check the specifications of the graphics card. You should also make sure that the driver version of the graphics card is compatible with your computer’s Operating system.
6. Check if the graphics card is getting enough power:
Graphics cards usually require extra power to work properly. If the graphics card is not receiving enough power, it can cause performance issues. To check this, you will need to open your computer’s case and look at the cables connected to the graphics card. Make sure that they are securely connected and that the power supply is supplying enough power to the card.
7. Reset the BIOS:
The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is responsible for controlling your computer’s hardware, and if it gets corrupted, it can cause graphics driver issues. To reset the BIOS, you will need to open your computer’s case and locate the “Reset” switch. Press and hold the Reset switch for a few seconds and then release it.
8. Make sure all associated hardware is compatible:
Finally, it is important to make sure that all other hardware components connected to your computer are compatible with the graphics card. This includes components such as RAM, hard drives, and other peripheral devices. Make sure that these components are compatible with the graphics adapter before attempting to troubleshoot any driver issues.
By following these steps, you should be able to troubleshoot most graphics driver issues on your own. However, if the problem persists, it is always recommended to contact the manufacturer of your computer for further assistance.