How to Update ATI Video Drivers

Video cards enhance graphics on computer screens.

AMD (Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.) acquired ATI in 2006. Your video or graphics card probably has ATIs labeling and logo, but that does not mean it is no longer supported. Instead, ATI products now fall under the corporate umbrella of AMD and you can visit that website for your support needs. It is also possible to update your ATI video drivers right from your Windows operating system.

Things You'll Need

• Microsoft Windows Vista or 7 operating system

Instructions

1. Click on the Windows orb logo on the taskbar at the bottom of the desktop to show the Start menu. Move the cursor to the search box at the bottom of the menu. Type "windows update" in the box, then press the "Enter" key on the keyboard to open the "Windows Update" service window.

2. Click the "Check for Updates" link in the left pane of the window, then wait while the service connects to Microsoft's servers to find the latest drivers for the ATI video card. You will see a green animated progress bar labeled, "Checking for updates."

3. Click on "View Available Updates" after the service finishes checking for drivers. You will see a list of updated drivers for all devices on your computer, including the ATI video card.

4. Click on the ATI video card driver to highlight it, then click the "Install" button to begin the download and installation of updated drivers. The process is automatic, but monitor the screen for instructions that might require your attention. Be prepared for a system restart.

Tips & Warnings

• Set the "Windows Update" service to automatically check for "Recommended updates," which includes third-party video cards, in addition to "critical updates" to the operating system.Use Microsoft's link in References, "Windows Vista, Update a Driver for Hardware That Isn't Working Properly," to find and read additional information.

• Microsoft suggests that you should avoid manually updating the video drivers, unless Windows cannot find an updated driver on the servers. You should visit AMD's "Graphics Drivers and Software" webpage to retrieve the drive file (see Resources).

References

• AMD: Windows Vista FAQ
• Microsoft: Windows Vista, Video Cards: Frequently Asked Questions
• Microsoft: Windows Vista, Update a Driver for Hardware That Isn't Working Properly
• Microsoft: Windows 7, Video Cards: Frequently Asked Questions
• Microsoft: Windows 7, Automatically Get Recommended Drivers and Updates for Your Hardware

Resources

• AMD: Graphics Drivers and Software
• AMD: AMD History
• The Wall Street Journal: Digits, Graphic Evidence That AMD Paid A Lot for ATI