How to Upgrade a Notebook Video Card

It is important to keep all of the hardware on a notebook computer up-to-date.

A computer's video card is used to control the video connections and some of the graphics. When using a laptop, the video card is also typically used to connect to an external display, such as a computer monitor. However, as you upgrade the operating system and other hardware on the notebook, you do need to upgrade the video card. This does not require purchasing a video card, as installing a new card is rather difficult and requires taking apart the computer. Instead, install a new driver to ensure the video card functions with all the latest upgrades.

Things You'll Need

• Internet connection

Instructions

1. Open the Internet browser and go to the notebook manufacturer's website, such as Dell.com or HP.com.

2. Select the "Support" feature listed on the website, then choose "Drivers and Downloads," or just "Downloads," depending on the website you are using.

3. Select "Notebook Computers" as the kind of computer you need to upgrade, then choose the product line of the notebook and finally the model number.

4. Choose the operating system on the computer and click "Download" link. In a moment, the driver downloads directly to the computer.

5. Double-click the downloaded driver to launch the driver's Installation Wizard. Accept the license agreement, leave the default installation name and location, as changing this information may result in the notebook being unable to detect the driver. Click "Install" to upgrade the video card driver.

References

• Microsoft Windows: What is a driver?