| How to Upgrade Drivers for a Video Card and Install Video Card on PC |
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Every now and then, you may find yourself with the need for upgrading the drivers of your video card or installing a new video card. Why would you have to upgrade the drivers? Changes to your computer’s operating system and the installation of new software occasionally causes conflicts with various pieces of hardware, including video cards. If the video card’s manufacturer has new drivers for the card, installing these new drivers often solve the problem. Like software developers, hardware manufacturers update their products to enhance them with new features as well as to address known issues.
Why would you want to replace a video card? If you’re unsatisfied with the video card that came with your computer, installing a new card can increase performance, especially if you use graphics-heavy applications. You would also need to replace the video card if your original card becomes damaged or unstable or when there’s a conflict and installing new drivers isn’t an option.
Neither job is difficult once you know how
Windows comes with a built-in utility that helps you to update your device drivers, Device Manager. Go into the Control Panel and click the Device Manager icon. Depending on your operating system, you may need to click the System icon first. Device Manager lists the various components of your computer by category. Find Display Adapters and click the plus sign to expand the list. Your video card will be listed.
Next, click the Update Driver button.
Click the option that searches the Internet automatically to see if updated drivers are available. If drivers are found, you can go ahead and install them. The Roll Back Driver option will roll back the driver if the results are not to your satisfaction.
You can also visit the video card manufacturer’s website to see if drivers are available there. If so, you’ll need to find the right driver for your specific video card and download it to your computer. Once downloaded, go back into Device Manager, find your video card, and click Update Driver once again. This time, choose the option that lets you browse your disk for the driver. Find the driver and follow the installation prompts.
To install a new video card, you must physically open the computer case. Make sure to power down the PC, unplug it from the power source, and remove all jewelry including rings, necklaces, and bracelets. Because computers are sensitive to static electricity, choose an uncarpeted room to work in. If you have a grounding strap, use it. If not, ground yourself to the PC by touching a metal part of the chassis once the cover is removed.
To remove the cover, first make sure the computer is turned off and disconnected. Disconnect all peripherals and unscrew the screws. Lift the cover off. If the video card is not accessible, you may need to remove the back panel too. Slide out the old video card and replace with the new card, sliding firmly yet gently. Don’t touch any of the connectors and rock it slowly into place if necessary.
If the video card has screws and hardware, screw it into place. If not, replace the cover and screws. Reconnect the peripherals, plug the PC back in, and reboot. The display should work. Follow the onscreen prompts for installing the video card driver and related software. If you aren’t automatically prompted by Windows, you will need to access the New Hardware Wizard via the Control Panel and finish the job manually.
Top pick for the best Driver Update Software:
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