How to Check Graphics Driver on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Task	Tool	Shortcut
Check GPU and driver version	Device Manager	Windows + X → Device Manager
View driver details	DirectX Diagnostic Tool	Windows + R → dxdiag
Get GPU info in detail	Task Manager	Ctrl + Shift + Esc
Update or reinstall driver	Device Manager / Windows Update	Settings > Windows Update
Identify GPU manufacturer	System Information / NVIDIA Control Panel	msinfo32

Why You Should Check Your Graphics Driver

Your graphics driver is the bridge between your GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) and Windows 11. It ensures that apps, games, and videos display correctly and perform efficiently.

Here’s why checking your driver matters:

• 🎮 Performance: Updated drivers optimize gaming and 3D rendering.

• 🖥️ Compatibility: New Windows updates may require compatible drivers.

• 🧰 Troubleshooting: Fix screen flickers, black screens, or low frame rates.

• 🧩 Feature access: Modern GPUs (like NVIDIA RTX or AMD Radeon) rely on driver updates to enable new technologies like ray tracing or DLSS.

In short, keeping an eye on your graphics driver ensures smooth visuals, better stability, and improved performance.

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2. Step 1: Identify Your Graphics Card (GPU)

Before checking your driver, you need to know which GPU your PC has — integrated (Intel/AMD) or dedicated (NVIDIA/AMD).

🔧 Here’s how to find your GPU:

1. Right-click on the Start Menu and select Task Manager.

2. Click on the Performance tab.

3. On the left panel, choose GPU 0 (or GPU 1, if you have multiple).

4. You’ll see your GPU name, driver version, and usage statistics.

Alternatively:

• Press Windows + R, type msinfo32, and hit Enter.

• Expand Components > Display to see detailed GPU information.

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3. Step 2: Check Graphics Driver in Device Manager

Device Manager is the simplest way to view your GPU’s driver version and status.

🪟 Steps:

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.

2. Expand the section Display adapters.

3. Right-click your graphics card (e.g., NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 or Intel UHD Graphics) and select Properties.

4. Go to the Driver tab.

Here, you’ll see:

• Driver Provider (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel, or Microsoft)

• Driver Date

• Driver Version

• Digital Signer

👉 If the provider is “Microsoft,” it means Windows installed a generic driver — consider updating it manually.

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4. Step 3: Check Driver Details via DirectX Diagnostic Tool (DxDiag)

The DirectX Diagnostic Tool gives you a quick overview of all your display drivers and DirectX capabilities.

🧭 How to use DxDiag:

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.

2. Type dxdiag → press Enter.

3. When the DirectX Diagnostic Tool opens, click the Display tab.

You’ll see:

• GPU name and manufacturer

• Driver version and date

• DirectX version

• Feature support (e.g., Direct3D, DirectDraw)

💡 Tip: You can click Save All Information to export your GPU details to a text file.

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5. Step 4: Check GPU and Driver in Task Manager

Task Manager in Windows 11 has a powerful Performance section that displays GPU usage and driver version.

🖥️ Steps:

1. Right-click the taskbar → select Task Manager.

2. Go to Performance → choose GPU 0 or GPU 1.

3. Look in the bottom-right corner — you’ll find the Driver version and DirectX version.

This is handy for real-time monitoring while gaming or editing videos.

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6. Step 5: Use System Information Tool

The System Information tool provides a deep overview of your hardware, including GPU details.

To open it:

1. Press Windows + R, type msinfo32, and hit Enter.

2. Expand Components > Display.

Here you’ll see:

• GPU Name and Manufacturer

• Driver Version and Date

• Adapter RAM

• Installed driver files (DLLs)

This tool is ideal when you need a detailed technical report.

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7. Step 6: Find Graphics Driver Version via Command Prompt

If you prefer command-line tools, you can check your driver using Command Prompt.

🧩 Use this command:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

2. Type:

   driverquery | find "Display"


   or

   wmic path win32_videocontroller get name,driverversion


3. Press Enter.

You’ll see your GPU name and the driver version number.

This method is great for quick checks or automation scripts.

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8. Step 7: Use Windows Settings to View and Update GPU Drivers

Windows 11’s Settings app offers basic GPU and driver info, plus options to manage updates.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + I → open System > Display.

2. Scroll down → click Advanced display.

3. Under Display information, note your GPU name.

4. Click Display adapter properties for Display 1.

A pop-up window shows your driver version, date, and memory info.

To check for updates:

• Go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates → look for Driver updates.

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9. Step 8: Check Graphics Driver Using Third-Party Tools

If you want a more detailed breakdown, third-party utilities can help.

Recommended tools:

• GPU-Z: Displays detailed driver and hardware info in real-time.

• Speccy: Shows system information including GPU temperature and driver data.

• NVIDIA GeForce Experience / AMD Radeon Software / Intel Arc Control: Official apps that manage and update drivers automatically.

These tools can also help benchmark and monitor your GPU.

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10. Step 9: Update Your Graphics Driver

If your driver is outdated, updating it can drastically improve performance and fix issues.

✅ Update through Device Manager:

1. Open Device Manager → expand Display adapters.

2. Right-click your GPU → Update driver → Search automatically for drivers.

✅ Update manually (recommended):

1. Identify your GPU brand (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel).

2. Visit their official website:

   • NVIDIA Drivers

   • AMD Drivers

   • Intel Drivers

3. Download and install the latest driver for your GPU model and Windows version.

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11. Step 10: Roll Back or Reinstall a Graphics Driver

If a recent update caused issues (like flickering, stuttering, or crashes), rolling back might help.

Roll back a driver:

1. Open Device Manager → right-click your GPU → Properties.

2. Go to the Driver tab.

3. Click Roll Back Driver → choose a reason → click Yes.

Reinstall a driver:

1. In Device Manager, right-click GPU → Uninstall device.

2. Restart your PC — Windows will reinstall a compatible driver automatically.

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12. Step 11: Verify Your Graphics Driver After Update

After updating, confirm that your new driver installed correctly.

Check via Device Manager or DxDiag:

• Compare Driver Date and Version with what’s listed on the manufacturer’s site.

• Run dxdiag again and ensure the Driver Date matches the latest release.

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13. Step 12: Common Signs Your Graphics Driver Needs Updating

Not sure if your driver is outdated? Look for these signs:

• Screen tearing or flickering

• Lag in games or videos

• Black screen after login

• Display resolution issues

• “Display driver stopped responding” errors

• System crashes during GPU-heavy tasks

If you experience any of the above, update your driver immediately.

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14. Bonus: How to Keep Graphics Drivers Updated Automatically

You can automate updates to avoid performance issues.

For each brand:

• NVIDIA: Install GeForce Experience → enable automatic driver updates.

• AMD: Use AMD Radeon Software → enable Auto-Detect and Install Updates.

• Intel: Use Intel Driver & Support Assistant → it checks for new drivers automatically.

These tools also notify you about game optimizations and performance improvements.

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15. Troubleshooting Tips for GPU Driver Issues

If checking or updating drivers doesn’t go smoothly, try these solutions:

💡 Tip: Always create a restore point before updating GPU drivers — it lets you revert if something goes wrong.

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Conclusion

Checking your graphics driver on Windows 11 is quick, easy, and incredibly important for keeping your system stable and high-performing.

Whether you’re a gamer, designer, or casual user, understanding how to check graphics driver on Windows 11 helps you fix problems, stay up to date, and unlock your GPU’s full potential.

By following the steps in this guide — using tools like Device Manager, DxDiag, and Windows Settings — you can easily view, update, and manage your graphics drivers with confidence.

So go ahead — check your driver today and make sure your visuals are as sharp and smooth as your workflow!

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FAQs About Checking Graphics Driver in Windows 11

1. How do I check my graphics driver version in Windows 11?

Open Device Manager > Display adapters > [Your GPU] > Properties > Driver tab. You’ll see the driver version and date there.

2. How do I know if my graphics driver is up to date?

Compare your driver version with the latest available on your GPU manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel).

3. Can I update graphics drivers through Windows Update?

Yes. Go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates → check under Driver updates.

4. How do I find out if I have NVIDIA or Intel graphics?

Open Task Manager > Performance tab → check under GPU 0 / GPU 1. It will show your GPU brand and model.

5. Is it safe to uninstall my graphics driver?

Yes — Windows will automatically reinstall a default display driver upon restart. However, reinstall a proper driver from your GPU manufacturer afterward for best performance.

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✅ Key Takeaways

• Use Device Manager, DxDiag, or Task Manager to check GPU and driver details.

• Always compare driver versions with your GPU manufacturer’s website.

• Update regularly for better performance and fewer errors.

• Use GeForce Experience, Radeon Software, or Intel Assistant for automated updates.

• Roll back drivers if new versions cause instability.