Keeping your graphics card's drivers up-to-date is essential for maintaining optimal performance and ensuring compatibility with the latest applications and games. In Windows 11, there are several methods to update your GPU drivers:

1. Using Windows Update:

Windows 11 can automatically detect and install driver updates, including those for your graphics card.

  • Steps:
  1. Press INLINECODE0 to open Settings.
  2. Navigate to Windows Update.
  3. Click on Check for updates.
  4. If a graphics driver update is available, it will be listed under Optional updates.
  5. Select the update and click Download and install.
2. Using Device Manager:

Device Manager allows you to manually check for driver updates.

  • Steps:
  1. Press INLINECODE1 and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Display adapters section.
  3. Right-click on your graphics card and choose Update driver.
  4. Select Search automatically for drivers.
  5. If an update is found, follow the on-screen instructions to install it.
3. Downloading from the Manufacturer's Website:

For the latest drivers, especially for gaming or professional applications, it's recommended to download drivers directly from the GPU manufacturer's website.

  • NVIDIA:
    • Visit the NVIDIA Driver Downloads page.
    • Enter your GPU model and operating system details.
    • Download and install the latest driver.
  • AMD:
    • Go to the AMD Drivers and Support page.
    • Select your GPU model and operating system.
    • Download and install the latest driver.
  • Intel:
    • Navigate to the Intel Download Center.
    • Search for your integrated GPU model.
    • Download and install the latest driver.
4. Using Manufacturer-Specific Software:

Many GPU manufacturers offer software tools that can automatically detect and update drivers.

  • NVIDIA GeForce Experience:
    • Download and install GeForce Experience.
    • Open the application and go to the Drivers tab.
    • Click Check for updates.
    • If an update is available, click Download and follow the installation prompts.
  • AMD Radeon Software:
    • Download and install AMD Radeon Software.
    • Open the application and navigate to the Home tab.
    • Click Check for Updates.
    • If an update is available, click Download and follow the installation instructions.
5. Using Third-Party Driver Update Tools:

Tools like Driver Easy can automate the process of detecting and updating outdated drivers.

  • Steps:
  1. Download and install Driver Easy.
  2. Open the application and click Scan Now.
  3. Once the scan is complete, click Update next to the graphics driver to download and install the latest version.
Important Considerations:
  • Create a System Restore Point: Before updating drivers, it's advisable to create a system restore point. This allows you to revert to a previous state if any issues arise during the update process.
  • Uninstall Previous Drivers: If you're switching between GPU brands or encountering issues, consider uninstalling old drivers before installing new ones. Tools like Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) can assist in completely removing previous drivers.
  • Be Cautious with Beta Drivers: While beta drivers may offer new features, they can also introduce instability. It's recommended to use stable, WHQL-certified drivers for everyday use.

By regularly updating your GPU drivers using these methods, you can ensure optimal performance and compatibility with the latest software and games on Windows 11.