- Why update the video card driver?
- Identifying the video card on a Dell computer
- Updating the video card driver
The video card driver is software that allows the operating system and software application to use the computer's graphics hardware. (Also known as the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU).) In order to get the best performance out of the hardware, it is recommended that the video card (GPU) drivers are kept updated.
On Microsoft Windows operating systems, most hardware drivers can either be installed from the Dell Drivers & Downloads website or through Windows Update. However, video card drivers for Intel, NVIDIA, or AMD graphics hardware are also available through the manufacturers' website.
Updating the video card drivers on the computer may resolve most video or graphics-related issues. (Such as: Flickering, fuzzy image, blurry image, low graphics performance while gaming, jittery video, choppy video while playing games, videos, and so on.)
Dell engineers test the Video card drivers available at the Dell Drivers & Downloads website for the most stable versions available. So they do not cause video (graphics) issues on the computer.
Video card manufacturers like Intel, NVIDIA, or AMD frequently release new video card drivers that often give performance improvements, particularly for gaming.
Note: Installing video card drivers from the manufacturers' website may increase performance and resolve recent issues. If your computer experiences any unexpected behavior, it is recommended that you download and install the video card drivers from the
Dell Drivers & Downloads website.
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To identify the video card installed on your Dell computer:
- Press the Windows logo + R key on the keyboard.
- Type devmgmt.msc in the run dialog box.
- Press the Enter key.
- In Device Manager, click > or + sign next to Display Adapters.
Note: The Dell laptop is using NVIDIA's Optimus technology, if you see both Intel and NVIDIA video card in Windows Device Manager. It uses it to intelligently switch between the NVIDIA and Intel video cards (GPU). It provides better graphics performance and increases the battery life.
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Most of all the video card or Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) drivers have a version number. You can easily determine if the driver is outdated by comparing the version numbers. Video card drivers can be updated by downloading and installing the latest device drivers through:
- Windows Updates - Some device drivers get updated through Windows Update. On Microsoft Windows 11 and Windows 10, Windows Update automatically downloads and installs the latest drivers available for you. However, on Microsoft Windows 8.1, Windows 8, or Windows 7, hardware drivers appear in the Windows Update interface as an optional update. Install any available hardware driver update to ensure the latest drivers are installed.
- Dell Drivers & Downloads - Dell Drivers & Downloads website allows you to download hardware drivers, firmware, and other software downloads. For more information, see the Dell knowledge-base article: Drivers & Downloads FAQs
- Device manufacturer website - Intel, NVIDIA, or AMD provide control panels that can automatically check for and download the latest video card drivers. Alternatively, you can go to the Intel, NVIDIA, or AMD's websites to download the latest driver package for the video card installed in your Dell computer.
Note: The video card manufacturer supports the Video card drivers that are provided directly from the respective manufacturer. Dell may recommend you to install the video card driver available on the Dell Drivers & Downloads website for issues related to drivers installed from other sources.
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