How to Identify & Change a Video Driver

The drivers installed for your video card are found in the system files on your computer's hard drive. These software files allow the Windows operating system to recognize and utilize the video card. Most of the more basic computers--laptops in particular--use an integrated video card. Machines built for graphic-intensive applications, such as gaming and video editing, have separate video cards installed. The method for locating and updating drivers depends on the type of video card you own.

Instructions

1. Click "Start" and right-click on "Computer." Select "Manage" from the list.

2. Select "Device Manager" under the "System Tools" list.

3. Double-click on "Display Adapters" to expand the list and see what type of video card is installed on your system.

4. Right-click on the video card listed and select "Properties." Navigate to the "Driver" tab and click "Driver details." This will show you all of the driver files installed for your device, their location on your hard drive and the file version date.

5. Visit the drivers and downloads website of your video card manufacturer. Search for your video card to see if there are any updates or updater software. Some video cards use a self-installing program that will automatically update your drivers. If there is an update available, download the recent drivers.

6. Click "Start," then type "Change or remove a program" and click "Enter."

7. Click the "Name" tab to organize your programs alphabetically, then scroll down and look for video driver software. Search for the name that matches the video card manufacturer. For instance, ATI-based video cards use their own driver software that must be installed separately. If you do not see any driver-specific software program installed or you are sure your computer is using an integrated video card, skip to Step 9.

8. Highlight the driver software program and click "Uninstall/Change," then click "Yes." Be warned that doing this without installing different drivers will cause your computer's video and display to malfunction. Be sure to check with the video card manufacturer's website and follow any specific instructions. Some software updates will automatically remove old drivers and install the most recent ones without the need to manually uninstall the old software.

9. Go back to the Device Manager if you have an integrated video card and do not have separate driver software installed. Right-click on the video card and select "Update Driver Software."

10. Click "Search automatically for updated driver software." If Windows finds more recent drivers, it will ask you to agree to the update. If the currently installed drivers are up to date, you will not need an update.

References

• Windows 7: Update a driver for hardware that isn't working properly
• Playtool: How to uninstall your current display drivers
• Windows 7: Update drivers recommended links