How to Update GPU Drivers on Your PC (Step-by-Step Guide)

Aug. 05, 2025 / Updated by Seraphina to Windows 11

how-to-update-gpu-drivers-on-pc

The GPU is one of the core hardware components that affects your computer's graphical performance, gaming experience, and video playback quality.

Whether you're a gamer, a video editor, or a casual user, keeping your GPU drivers up to date is key to ensuring system stability and smooth visuals.

This article provides an easy-to-follow guide on how to update GPU drivers on Windows 10/11. It covers major brands like NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel, helping you quickly complete your driver upgrade.

1. Why Should You Update GPU Drivers?

GPU drivers act as the bridge between your operating system and the graphics card. If the driver is outdated or incompatible, you may experience issues such as:

Game lag, stuttering, or crashes
Abnormal display resolution or screen glitches
Choppy video playback or screen tearing
Inability to use GPU acceleration (e.g., AI processing, 4K video decoding)

Benefits of updating GPU drivers:

Improved graphics performance and system stability
Fixes for known bugs and compatibility issues
Support for the latest games and professional software
Unlock new features (like DLSS, Ray Tracing, etc.)

Download Driver Talent

2. What to Do Before Updating

Before proceeding, check the following:

System Version: Is your system Windows 10 or Windows 11? 64-bit or 32-bit?
GPU Model: Right-click the Start Menu > Device Manager > Expand "Display Adapters" to find your GPU name.

check-gpu-model

Brand: Is it NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel?

3. Step-by-Step Methods to Update GPU Drivers

Method 1: Use Driver Talent (Recommended)

If you want to save time and improve efficiency, it's recommended to use a professional driver management tool like Driver Talent.

Download and install the latest version of Driver Talent. Open the software and click "Scan" to detect the status of all drivers.
After the scan, it will list missing or outdated drivers. Locate your GPU driver and click "Update".

driver-update

Once the update is complete, restart your computer to apply the changes.

Pros: No need to manually search for drivers, avoids compatibility issues, ideal for non-technical users.

Method 2: Download Drivers from the Official Website

Open your browser and visit your GPU brand's official support site.
Enter your GPU model and OS version in the search box.
Download the latest compatible driver version.
Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
Restart your computer to finish the installation.

Method 3: Use the Official Update Tools

NVIDIA Users:

Visit: https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/software/nvidia-app/

Download and install "GeForce Experience".

download-GeForce-Experience

Open the app and log in.
Go to the "Drivers" tab > click "Check for Updates" > then "Install Now".

AMD Users:

Visit: https://www.amd.com/en/products/software/adrenalin.html

Download and install "AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition".

download-Adrenalin-Edition

Launch the tool and click "Check for Updates" to install the latest driver.

Intel Users:

Visit: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/detect.html

Download and run "Intel Driver & Support Assistant".

download-Intel-Driver-&-Support-Assistant

It will auto-detect and install the correct graphics driver.

4. What to Do After Updating GPU Driver

Restart your PC to ensure the new driver loads correctly.
Check your screen resolution and refresh rate — some settings may reset.
Test your games or software to confirm performance improvements.
(Optional) Back up old drivers in case the new one causes issues.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I know if my GPU driver needs an update?

A: Use tools like Driver Talent, GeForce Experience, or AMD Software to scan and check for available updates.

Q2: What should I do if my screen goes black after updating?

A: Boot into Safe Mode and roll back the driver or uninstall the problematic one. Then reinstall a stable version.

Q3: Do I have to use official drivers?

A: Yes, it's strongly recommended to use official drivers or trusted tools like Driver Talent to avoid unstable third-party versions.