how-to-update-video-drivers-windows-11-a-step-by-step-guide

By / October 21, 2025

Updating your video drivers (also known as graphics drivers) is one of the easiest ways to boost performance, fix display bugs, and make games or videos run smoother on Windows 11. If your screen flickers, games lag, or videos stutter — an outdated GPU driver is often the culprit.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to update video drivers Windows 11 step by step, using legitimate and safe methods — no shady download sites required. Whether you use Intel, NVIDIA, or AMD graphics, we’ll cover everything you need to know.

What are video drivers in Windows 11?

Video drivers (or graphics drivers) are software components that allow Windows 11 to communicate with your graphics card (GPU).

Without proper drivers:

  • Games might run slowly or crash.

  • Videos may appear blurry or choppy.

  • Screen resolution options may be limited.

Think of video drivers as translators between Windows and your graphics hardware — outdated drivers mean poor communication and weaker performance.

2. Why should you update your video drivers?

Here are the top reasons to update:

  • Improved performance: New drivers optimize game and app performance.

  • Bug fixes: Updates often solve flickering, black screen, or stuttering issues.

  • Compatibility: Ensures your GPU works properly with the latest Windows updates.

  • Security: Prevents vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit.

  • New features: GPU manufacturers frequently add new tools and technologies.

In short, updating drivers keeps your PC fast, safe, and stable.

3. How to check your current video driver version

Before updating, it helps to know your current driver version.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + X → choose Device Manager.

  2. Expand Display adapters.

  3. Right-click your GPU → select Properties.

  4. Go to the Driver tab.

  5. Note the Driver Version and Date.

You can compare this with the latest version on your GPU manufacturer’s website.

4. Method 1: Update video drivers via Windows Update

Windows 11 can automatically install driver updates through Windows Update.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + I to open Settings.

  2. Go to Windows Update → click Check for updates.

  3. If a driver update is available, Windows will download and install it.

  4. Restart your PC when prompted.

Pros:

  • Simple and safe.

  • Microsoft-certified drivers only.

Cons:

  • Updates may not include the latest features — they’re often a few weeks behind manufacturer releases.

5. Method 2: Update using Device Manager

Device Manager lets you manually check for updates from Windows’ driver database.

Steps:

  1. Right-click the Start button → select Device Manager.

  2. Expand Display adapters.

  3. Right-click your GPU → select Update driver.

  4. Choose Search automatically for drivers.

  5. Follow the prompts and restart your PC if needed.

If Windows says the best driver is already installed, but you suspect it’s outdated, proceed to Method 3.

6. Method 3: Update through manufacturer software

GPU makers provide their own tools for automatic driver updates:

Manufacturer Tool Download link
NVIDIA GeForce Experience https://www.nvidia.com/geforce-experience/
AMD Radeon Software: Adrenalin Edition https://www.amd.com/en/support
Intel Intel Driver & Support Assistant https://www.intel.com/support/

Steps (Example: NVIDIA):

  1. Download and install GeForce Experience.

  2. Open the app → click Drivers tab.

  3. Click Check for updates.

  4. Choose Express installation or Custom installation.

  5. Restart your PC after completion.

Pros:

  • Always the newest drivers.

  • Includes optimizations for latest games.

  • Optional features like performance tuning and overlays.

7. Method 4: Manually download and install from the manufacturer’s website

If you prefer full control, manually download your driver.

Steps:

  1. Visit your GPU manufacturer’s official site:

  2. Select your GPU model.

  3. Download the latest driver for Windows 11 (64-bit).

  4. Double-click the file and follow installation prompts.

  5. Restart your PC.

Tip:

Avoid downloading drivers from third-party websites — they may contain malware.

8. Method 5: Use optional driver updates in Windows 11

Windows 11 sometimes hides additional driver updates under “Optional updates.”

Steps:

  1. Open Settings → Windows Update → Advanced options.

  2. Under Optional updates, click Driver updates.

  3. Select the available video driver update.

  4. Click Download and install.

This option gives you newer drivers directly from the manufacturer via Microsoft’s servers.

9. How to roll back a driver if something goes wrong

Occasionally, new drivers cause crashes or screen glitches. You can easily roll back.

Steps:

  1. Open Device Manager → expand Display adapters.

  2. Right-click your GPU → Properties.

  3. Under the Driver tab, click Roll Back Driver.

  4. Choose a reason and click Yes.

This restores the previous version instantly.

If the button is grayed out, reinstall the older driver manually.

10. How to uninstall and reinstall video drivers

If your screen is blank, flickering, or crashing, reinstalling may fix it.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + X → choose Device Manager.

  2. Expand Display adapters → right-click your GPU → Uninstall device.

  3. Check Delete the driver software for this device → click Uninstall.

  4. Restart your PC — Windows will install a basic driver automatically.

  5. Reinstall the latest driver manually (see Method 4).

For a clean uninstall, you can also use Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) in Safe Mode (recommended for experts).

11. Automatic driver updates vs. manual updates — which is better?

Type Pros Cons
Automatic (Windows Update) Easy, safe, no effort needed May lag behind latest releases
Manual (Manufacturer/Website) Always latest performance and fixes Requires occasional checking
Software Tools (GeForce, Radeon) One-click updates, extra features Needs background app running

If you game or use heavy graphics apps, manual updates or manufacturer tools are best. For casual users, Windows Update is sufficient.

12. How to keep your drivers up to date automatically

You can set Windows 11 to automatically install new drivers.

Steps:

  1. Open Settings → Windows Update → Advanced options.

  2. Enable Receive updates for other Microsoft products.

  3. Check for updates weekly.

For gamers, enable auto-updates in GeForce Experience or Radeon Software.

13. Troubleshooting driver installation issues

Issue Cause Fix
Black screen after update Incompatible driver Boot in Safe Mode and roll back driver
Update fails to install Corrupted system files Run sfc /scannow in Command Prompt
Driver missing Device disabled Re-enable GPU in Device Manager
Error code 43 Hardware/driver conflict Uninstall driver and reinstall manually
Resolution stuck Basic Display Driver active Reinstall manufacturer driver

14. Common signs your video driver needs updating

  • Games stutter or crash frequently

  • Display resolution resets or looks fuzzy

  • GPU usage spikes randomly

  • Video playback is laggy

  • Windows Update suggests a new driver

  • You installed a new GPU

If you’ve noticed any of these, it’s time for an update.

15. Best practices before and after updating

Before updating:

  • Create a System Restore Point.

  • Close all running applications.

  • Note your driver version (in case rollback is needed).

After updating:

  • Restart your PC.

  • Test performance using a game or benchmark.

  • Check for display calibration changes.

Regular updates every few months keep your graphics stable and fast.

16. Conclusion — keep your graphics smooth and secure

Knowing how to update video drivers Windows 11 helps you get the best from your hardware. Whether through Windows Update, Device Manager, or NVIDIA/AMD/Intel tools, staying updated means better performance, security, and stability.

Remember — driver updates aren’t just for gamers. Even casual users benefit from smoother visuals and fewer crashes. So set a reminder every few months, check for updates, and keep your display running like new.

17. FAQs

Q1: How do I know if my video drivers are up to date?
A1: Check in Device Manager → Driver tab → Driver Date. Compare it to the latest version on your GPU maker’s website.

Q2: Is it safe to update video drivers from Windows Update?
A2: Yes, Microsoft verifies drivers before releasing them — but they may not be the latest available.

Q3: How often should I update my GPU drivers?
A3: Every 2–3 months, or when a major Windows or game update is released.

Q4: Can updating drivers cause problems?
A4: Rarely, yes. Always create a restore point before updating so you can roll back easily.

Q5: Do I need to uninstall old drivers before installing new ones?
A5: Usually no. New drivers overwrite old ones, but for major GPU upgrades, a clean uninstall is better.

18. Summary: key takeaways

  • Press Win + X → Device Manager → Update driver for quick updates.

  • Use official tools like GeForce Experience, AMD Adrenalin, or Intel DSA for the latest versions.

  • Create a restore point before updating.

  • Avoid third-party driver websites.

  • Update regularly for smoother visuals and enhanced security.

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