How to Update Video Driver: Complete Guide for NVIDIA, AMD, Intel

Okay, let's talk about updating your video driver. You probably landed here because your game is stuttering, your screen looks weird, or some program yelled at you about "outdated drivers." Maybe you're just trying to be proactive. Smart move. Keeping graphics drivers fresh is like changing the oil in your car – skip it, and things get ugly eventually. I've seen folks struggle with crashes and weird glitches for weeks, only to fix it with a five-minute driver update. Frustrating, right?

This guide cuts through the jargon. We'll cover exactly how to update my video driver whether you're team NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel. I'll even throw in the messy manual way as a last resort (been there, done that). Plus, we'll tackle the "why bother," the common screw-ups, and what to do if things go sideways. No fluff, just what works.

Why Bother Updating Your Video Driver Anyway?

Think of your video driver as the translator between your operating system (Windows, macOS) and your actual graphics card (GPU). When that translator speaks an old language, stuff breaks. Here’s the real-world impact:

Good Stuff That Happens:

Faster Frames, Smoother Gameplay: New games need new tricks. Driver updates often include specific optimizations. That shiny new game running like a slideshow? An update might fix it. (Personal gripe: I waited months for a fix for that one racing game’s stutter. The driver landed, boom, fixed.)
Fewer Crashes & Glitches: That random black screen mid-movie or the game freezing? Outdated drivers are prime suspects. Updates squash bugs.
Better Visuals & Features: Sometimes you get new image sharpening options, better HDR support, or fancy features like NVIDIA Reflex or AMD Anti-Lag. Free upgrades!
Security Patches: Yeah, seriously. Graphics drivers can have vulnerabilities. Updates plug those holes.
Playing Nice with New Hardware/Software: Got a new monitor? Installed a major Windows update? New drivers ensure everything talks nicely.

What Happens If You Don't:

Performance Tanking: Games feel sluggish, videos stutter, everything just feels… off.
Annoying Visual Bugs: Textures flickering, weird colors, artifacts (those strange polygons or lines on screen). Super distracting.
Crashes Galore: Apps freezing, games crashing to desktop, maybe even the dreaded Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). Not fun.
Features Just Don't Work: Trying to use GPU encoding for streaming? Ray tracing looking broken? Could be the driver.
New Stuff Might Not Run: That hot new game refuses to launch? "Unsupported driver" is a common error message.

So yeah, figuring out how to update my video driver isn't just busywork. It's essential maintenance.

Before You Start: What You Absolutely Need to Know

Rushing in is how you end up with a black screen. Let's avoid that. Do these first:

Who Made Your Graphics Card? (Finding Your GPU Model)

Is it NVIDIA? AMD? Intel? Maybe it's integrated graphics? You NEED to know. Here's how:

Windows:
- Press `Windows Key + R`, type `dxdiag`, hit Enter.
- Go to the "Display" tab.
- Look under "Device" for the "Name." It'll say something like "NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070" or "AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT" or "Intel(R) UHD Graphics 770." That's your guy.
macOS:
- Click the Apple logo () > About This Mac.
- Look under "Chip" or "Graphics." It'll say "Apple M1 Pro," "AMD Radeon Pro 5500M," "Intel UHD Graphics 630," etc.

(Seriously, write this down or remember it. You'll need it constantly!)

Finding Your Current Driver Version

Good to know what you're upgrading from. Plus, it helps if you need to roll back.

Windows:
- Same `dxdiag` window. On the "Display" tab, look for "Driver Version". It'll be a long string of numbers (e.g., 31.0.15.5179).
- Or, right-click the desktop > Display settings > Advanced display (at the bottom) > Display adapter properties. Look under "Driver Version."
macOS: Driver updates are usually bundled with macOS system updates. Check your macOS version (Apple logo > About This Mac).

Download the RIGHT Driver (Manufacturer vs. OEM)

This trips people up. Big time.

Major Brands (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel): If you built your own PC or bought a pre-built from a major brand (Alienware, HP Omen, etc.), ALWAYS get your driver directly from NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel's website. These are called "Reference" or "Generic" drivers. They work best 99% of the time.
Laptops & Some Pre-builts: Manufacturers like Dell, Lenovo, HP, ASUS sometimes tweak drivers for their specific hardware. If an automatic tool (like NVIDIA GeForce Experience) doesn't see an update, OR if you have problems with the generic driver, you *might* need the "OEM" driver from your laptop/support page. They're often older, though. I lean towards the generic ones unless forced otherwise.

My Opinion: I generally avoid OEM drivers unless I absolutely have to. They're often months behind, missing features and performance fixes. The generic drivers from NVIDIA/AMD are usually safer and better. But hey, sometimes the laptop maker knows best... rarely, but sometimes.

How to Update My Video Driver: The Easy Ways (Recommended)

Let's start simple. These methods cover most people.

Method 1: Using the Manufacturer's App (Super Simple)

NVIDIA and AMD have awesome apps that do everything for you.

Brand	App Name	How It Works	Perks	Annoyances (Because Nothing's Perfect)
NVIDIA	GeForce Experience	Install it, log in (you must create an account, sadly). It scans your PC, shows available driver updates right on the "Drivers" tab. One-click download & express install. Can even optimize game settings.	Dead simple. Auto-notifies. Clean install option. Downloads fast.	Forces login. Sometimes wants extra telemetry. Can be bloated if you just want drivers.
AMD	AMD Adrenalin Edition Software	Comes bundled with the driver installer usually. Check the "System" tab or the notifications bell icon. "Check for Updates" button. Also one-click install.	Integrated control panel (adjust graphics, overclocking). Clean install option. Good performance metrics.	UI can feel cluttered. Occasionally, the auto-detect is slow finding new releases.
Intel	Intel Driver & Support Assistant (Intel DSA)	Download and install it from Intel's site. It scans your system and lists available driver updates, including graphics. Click download/install for your GPU driver.	Covers all Intel hardware drivers (chipset, Wi-Fi, etc.). Straightforward.	Less focused solely on GPU. Might not detect Arc discrete cards as seamlessly as NVIDIA/AMD apps.

Process (Using GeForce Experience as Example):

Open GeForce Experience (if not installed, download it from NVIDIA's site first).
Log in (yep, unavoidable).
Click the "Drivers" tab at the top.
If an update is available, you'll see a green "Download" button next to the new driver version.
Click "Download." Wait.
Click "Express Installation." (This is usually fine. Choose "Custom" only if you want fresh install or need specific components).
Agree to the license. The installer runs. Your screen will flash! This is normal.
It prompts for a restart. Do it. Done!

Literally that easy. AMD's Adrenalin software works almost identically. This is genuinely the best way for most people learning how to update my video driver.

Method 2: Windows Update (The Set-It-and-Forget-It Way)

Windows tries to keep basic drivers updated automatically.

How: Go to Settings (Windows Key + I) > Windows Update > Check for updates. If Microsoft has a certified driver for your GPU, it might install it.
Pros: Automatic, usually stable, integrated into the OS.
Cons: MAJOR DRAWBACK: These drivers are often MONTHS old. Like, seriously outdated. You won't get the latest game optimizations or features. Performance often lags behind.

My Verdict: Only rely on this if you absolutely never game or use demanding graphics apps and just need basic display working. For anyone else, especially gamers, avoid this as your primary method for updating your GPU driver. It's too slow and outdated.

How to Update My Video Driver: Manual Method (For When Things Get Weird)

Sometimes the easy ways fail. Or maybe you need a super specific version. Manual is your friend (or necessary evil).

Step-by-Step: Manual Driver Download & Install

Identify Your GPU Precisely: You did this earlier, right? (NVIDIA RTX 4070, AMD RX 7800 XT, Intel Arc A750, etc.)
Visit the Official Website:
- NVIDIA: https://www.nvidia.com/Download/index.aspx
- AMD: https://www.amd.com/en/support
- Intel: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/download-center/home.html
Find the Correct Driver:
- Use the dropdown menus (Product Type, Series, Product) to select YOUR EXACT GPU model.
- Select your Operating System (Windows 10 64-bit, Windows 11 64-bit, macOS Sonoma, etc.) VERY carefully.
- Click "Search" or "Submit".
Download the Driver: Click the download button for the latest WHQL (certified) driver. It's a big file (500MB+ usually). Save it somewhere easy to find, like your Downloads folder.
Run the Installer: Double-click the downloaded `.exe` file (Windows) or `.dmg` file (macOS).
- Windows: The installer will unpack files (temporary location like `C:\NVIDIA\DisplayDriver`). Follow the prompts:
- Agree to the license.
- CHOOSE INSTALLATION OPTION:
  - Express: Quick and easy, replaces existing driver. Usually fine.
  - Custom (Advanced): Crucial step! Check "Perform a clean installation". THIS IS KEY if you have problems or are coming from an old/different driver brand. It wipes the old settings completely.
- Click "Next" or "Install". The installer runs. Screen will flash/blank several times! Don't panic.
- It will prompt you to restart. Restart your computer. This is mandatory.
Verify the Update:
- After restarting, open `dxdiag` again (Windows Key + R > dxdiag > Display tab).
- Check the "Driver Version" against the version number you downloaded.
- Alternatively, right-click desktop > NVIDIA Control Panel / AMD Radeon Software / Intel Graphics Command Center > System Information.

When You MUST Do a Clean Install (DDU Method)

If you're changing GPU brands (AMD to NVIDIA or vice-versa), having persistent major issues after a normal update, or installing a very old driver rollback, a true clean slate is best. This requires Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU).

Warning: This is advanced. Only do it if necessary. You'll need temporary basic display drivers from Windows.

Download DDU: Get it from https://www.wagnardsoft.com/ (official site).
Download Your NEW Driver: Get the installer for the driver you WANT to install, ready on your desktop.
Boot into Safe Mode:
- Windows 10/11: Press `Windows Key + I` > System > Recovery > Advanced Startup "Restart now". After restart > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Press `5` or `F5` for "Safe Mode with Networking".
Run DDU:
- Extract the DDU zip file.
- Run `Display Driver Uninstaller.exe`.
- Under "Select device type," choose GPU.
- Under "Select device," choose your GPU brand (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel).
- Critical: Select "Clean and restart (Highly recommended)" from the dropdown menu on the right.
- Click "Clean and restart". DDU will wipe every trace of your old driver and reboot.
Install the NEW Driver: Windows will boot using basic Microsoft display drivers (low res, ugly). Don't panic. Immediately run the new driver installer you downloaded earlier. Install normally (Express or Custom WITH Clean Install option checked). Restart again when prompted.
Verify: Check your driver version again. Hopefully, problems solved!

I've used DDU dozens of times over the years. It's saved my bacon when driver installs went horribly wrong or when swapping cards. Powerful tool, but use it wisely.

Troubleshooting Video Driver Update Problems

Sometimes updating your video driver doesn't go smoothly. Here's how to fight back:

Common Issues & Fixes

Problem	Likely Cause	Things to Try
Installer Fails Immediately	Corrupt download, installer conflict, permissions	Redownload the driver installer. Seriously, bad downloads happen. Right-click installer > "Run as administrator". Temporarily disable your antivirus/firewall. Ensure Windows is fully updated (Settings > Windows Update).
Installation Completes but GPU Isn't Recognized / Screen Stuck Low Res	Driver didn't load, conflict, hardware issue	RESTART YOUR PC. Obvious, but often skipped. Check Device Manager (search for it in Start): Under "Display adapters", is your GPU listed? Any yellow exclamation marks? Right-click it > "Update driver" > "Browse my computer" > "Let me pick" > Select the driver manually from the list. Try a different video output port on your GPU (if available). Reseat the graphics card (power down, unplug, open case, push it firmly into the PCIe slot).
Black Screen During/After Install	Critical driver failure, resolution change bug, hardware conflict	WAIT: Give it 5-10 minutes. Sometimes Windows recovers. Force restart (hold power button). Boot into Safe Mode (see DDU steps above). In Safe Mode, use DDU to wipe the driver you just installed. Restart normally. Windows will use basic drivers. Try installing an older, known stable driver version from the manufacturer site.
Games/Apps Crash More After Update	Bug in the new driver, incompatibility	Roll back the driver: Device Manager > Display adapters > Right-click GPU > Properties > Driver tab > "Roll Back Driver" (if available). Manually download and install the previous driver version you had (find it on manufacturer site under "Previous Drivers" or "Beta/Archive"). Check the manufacturer's release notes for any known issues with your specific game/app. Sometimes you just have to wait for a fix.
"Driver Not Compatible" Error	Wrong driver downloaded (32-bit vs 64-bit, wrong OS, wrong GPU model)	DOUBLE-CHECK you downloaded the EXACT driver for your EXACT GPU model and EXACT Operating System (Windows 10 64-bit vs Windows 11 vs macOS version). Go back to the website and verify. Download it again.
Performance is WORSE After Updating	Driver bug, conflicting settings, clean install needed	Use DDU (see advanced method above) to completely remove the new driver, then reinstall it using the "Custom" option WITH "Perform clean installation" checked. Check power settings in Windows (High Performance) and the GPU control panel (NVIDIA Control Panel / AMD Software). Ensure settings aren't overriding things. Roll back to the previous driver.

Where to Get Help

Manufacturer Support Sites: NVIDIA, AMD, Intel have extensive forums and knowledge bases. Search your error code or problem.
Tech Subreddits: r/nvidia, r/amd, r/techsupport, r/buildapc. Search first!
Google is Your Friend: Search your exact error message + GPU model. Chances are someone else had it.

FAQs: Your Burning Questions About Updating Video Drivers

How often should I update my video driver?

There's no single rule. Here's my take:

Gamers: Update when a new game you're playing has issues or when a new "Game Ready" driver drops for a major title you play. Maybe every 1-2 months. Don't jump on EVERY release unless it fixes something specific you need.
Creative Pros (Video Editing, 3D): Update when your software vendor recommends a specific driver version for stability/performance. Less frequent than gamers, more cautious (stability is key). Check software release notes.
Casual Users: Maybe once every 3-6 months, or if you suddenly notice display problems. If things are stable, don't feel pressured constantly.

Don't update just because a new version exists. If everything runs perfectly? You can wait. Check the release notes to see if it addresses anything relevant to you.

Is it safe to update my video driver?

Generally, yes. Major manufacturers test extensively before releasing WHQL (certified) drivers. BUT: Bugs happen. Brand new drivers (<48 hours old) sometimes have undiscovered issues. If your system is mission-critical *right now* (e.g., you're on deadline), maybe wait a few days/week to see if reports of major bugs surface. For most people, updating promptly is fine and safer than running ancient drivers. Always good to have a backup plan (knowing how to roll back!).

Can outdated drivers cause crashes?

Absolutely, 100%. Outdated drivers are one of the MOST COMMON causes of game crashes, application freezes, and even the dreaded Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). If you're experiencing instability, updating (or sometimes rolling back) your graphics driver is one of the first troubleshooting steps you should take. It's often the fastest fix too.

Do I need to uninstall the old driver first?

Usually, NO. The standard installer (whether through the app or manual) is designed to replace the existing driver seamlessly. Exceptions:

You're switching GPU brands (e.g., AMD to NVIDIA). YES, use DDU!
You're encountering persistent, severe problems after a normal update. YES, use DDU then clean install.
You're installing a *much* older version (rollback). YES, use DDU.

For routine updates, the "clean install" option within the custom installer is often sufficient without needing DDU. DDU is the nuclear option.

How to update my video driver without an internet connection?

Tricky, but possible:

On a computer WITH internet: Go to the manufacturer's website (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel).
Find and download the correct driver installer for your GPU and OS.
Transfer the downloaded installer file (it's a single .exe or .dmg) to the offline computer using a USB drive.
On the offline computer: Run the installer file you transferred. It contains everything needed. Follow the normal installation steps (you won't get the "auto-detect" features). Remember to restart!

You cannot use automatic tools (GeForce Experience, AMD Software auto-update) without an internet connection.

My laptop has dual graphics (Intel + NVIDIA/AMD). How to update?

Good question, this setup is common.

Update the Discrete GPU (NVIDIA/AMD): Follow the methods above for NVIDIA/AMD. Use their app or manual download. This driver controls the powerful GPU used for games/apps.
Update the Integrated GPU (Intel): Often updated automatically via Windows Update. If not, go to Intel's download center and get the latest driver for your specific Intel CPU's integrated graphics model. Sometimes the laptop manufacturer (Dell, Lenovo etc.) provides a unified driver pack.

The key point: Update *both*. Usually, the discrete GPU driver is more critical for performance. Windows handles switching between them based on power/load.

Keeping Things Running Smoothly

Learning how to update my video driver is step one. Making it a habit is step two. Think of it like checking for system updates – it should be part of your routine PC maintenance. Set a reminder if you have to. Bookmark your GPU manufacturer's driver page. Enable notifications in GeForce Experience or AMD Software if you haven't.

Remember, updating isn't always mandatory. If everything runs perfectly on an older driver, and a new one doesn't offer fixes or features you need, stick with what works. Stability is king. But when that new game drops, or weird glitches start, you'll be glad you know exactly where to go and what to do. No more guessing, no more frustration. Just smooth graphics and better performance. That's the goal.

Got a driver horror story or a tip I missed? Let me know down below. Good luck!