How to Install OpenGL on Windows XP

By Candace Benson

Updated September 28, 2017

Download new drivers for your video card to install OpenGL.
i video card image by TEA from Fotolia.com

Compatible with Windows, Linux and Mac computers, OpenGL or Open Graphics Library provides developers with a cross-platform solution for 3D graphics programming. Although Windows XP includes the opengl32.dll system file by default, you must install the correct driver for your video card in order to enable hardware acceleration for OpenGL-based applications. Video card manufacturers began adding support for OpenGL 4.0 in April 2010. New device drivers may include support for newer versions of OpenGL and for new OpenGL features. Update your video card drivers regularly.

Click on "Start," then "Run." Type "dxdiag," and press "Enter."

Click on the "Display" tab. Write down the manufacturer, model number and driver version.

Search for the latest drivers for your video card online. Download the latest drivers compatible with Windows XP. Save the file to your desktop or to another easy-to-find location.

Close all open programs. Double-click the drivers package you downloaded earlier.

Follow the on-screen prompts to extract and to install your new video card drivers.

Restart your computer if prompted to do so.

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