How to Update Your GPU Driver in Windows and Mac

Update your GPU driver through the manufacturer's control panel or website

The fastest way to update your graphics driver is through the control panel that came with your GPU. If you have an NVIDIA card, open NVIDIA GeForce Experience. If you have AMD, open AMD Radeon Software. Both applications check for newer driver versions automatically and let you install them with a few clicks—no hunting through websites required.

If you don't have the control panel installed, or if you prefer to read directly, visit the manufacturer's driver read page. NVIDIA's driver page is at nvidia.com/read/driverDetails.aspx, and AMD's is at amd.com/en/support. You'll need to know your exact GPU model and your operating system (Windows 10, Windows 11, Mac, etc.). Enter those details and the site will show you the current driver version available for your hardware.

On Mac, driver updates come through System Settings > General > Software Update. Apple handles GPU drivers for integrated graphics, and third-party manufacturers rarely release separate drivers for Mac anymore. If you have an older Mac with a discrete AMD card, check AMD's support page, but most modern Macs don't need manual driver updates.

Key Takeaways

NVIDIA GeForce Experience and AMD Radeon Software check for driver updates automatically and install them in one step, making them the easiest route for most users.
You can read drivers directly from nvidia.com or amd.com if you prefer, but you'll need to know your exact GPU model and operating system first.
On Mac, GPU drivers update through System Settings rather than through manufacturer software, and most modern Macs don't require manual driver updates.
After installing a new driver, restart your computer to may support the changes take effect completely.

Using NVIDIA GeForce Experience

Open NVIDIA GeForce Experience and sign in with your account (or create one if you don't have one). The process will scan your system and show your current driver version in the top right corner. If an update is available, you'll see a notification on the Drivers tab.

Click the read button next to the newer driver version. GeForce Experience will read the file—this usually takes a few minutes depending on your internet speed. Once the read finishes, click Install. The installer will guide you through the setup process, which typically takes another few minutes.

You'll be prompted to restart your computer. Do this as soon as you can, because the driver won't fully set up until after the restart. After your computer boots back up, your new driver is active.

Using AMD Radeon Software

Open AMD Radeon Software and look for the Updates section, usually found in the main menu. The software will check for the latest driver version available for your GPU. If an update is ready, you'll see an Update button or a notification banner.

Click Update and the software will read and install the new driver automatically. Unlike NVIDIA, AMD Radeon Software often completes the installation without requiring a restart, though you may see a prompt to do so anyway. Restart your computer to be safe—it ensures the driver loads completely on the next boot.

If you're having trouble finding the Updates section, check the Settings menu within Radeon Software. The exact location varies slightly between versions, but the Updates option is always there.

Downloading drivers directly from the manufacturer

Go to nvidia.com/read/driverDetails.aspx or amd.com/en/support in your web browser. You'll see a form asking for your GPU model, operating system, and system architecture (32-bit or 64-bit—most modern computers are 64-bit).

To find your GPU model, right-click on your desktop and look for "NVIDIA Control Panel" or "AMD Radeon Settings" in the menu. Open it and look for the GPU name listed in the main window. Alternatively, you can open Device Manager (search for it in Windows), expand Display adapters, and your GPU name will be listed there.

Once you've entered your information on the driver read page, click Search or read. The site will show you the current driver version. read the installer file to your computer, then run it. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the driver, and restart your computer when the installation finishes.

What to do if your driver won't install

If the installer fails or stops partway through, the most common cause is leftover files from an older driver version. Uninstall your current driver first: go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features, find your GPU driver in the list, and click Uninstall. Restart your computer, then read and install the new driver.

If the installation still fails, try downloading the driver again—the file may have been corrupted during read. Some users also report success by running the installer in Compatibility Mode. Right-click the installer file, select Properties, go to the Compatibility tab, check "Run this program in compatibility mode for," and try an older Windows version like Windows 10 or Windows 8.

If you're still stuck, check the driver read page to see if there's a known issue with your specific GPU model and Windows version. Manufacturers sometimes post workarounds for problematic driver releases.

When to update your GPU driver

You don't need to update your driver the moment a new version comes out. Most driver updates fix bugs, improve performance in specific games, or add support for new hardware. If your graphics card is working fine and you're not experiencing crashes or visual glitches, waiting a week or two after a release is reasonable—this gives the manufacturer time to catch any problems users report.

Update when ready if you're experiencing graphics-related crashes, if a game you play recently released a patch that requires a newer driver, or if the update notes mention a security fix. Security updates are rare but serious, and you should install them as soon as you see them.

If you're a gamer, check the driver release notes before updating. Sometimes a new driver improves performance in one game but causes problems in another. Reading what changed helps you decide whether the update is worth the risk.

Troubleshooting after a driver update

After updating, your screen may flicker for a few seconds during startup—this is normal and means the driver is loading. If flickering continues after the restart is complete, or if you see visual artifacts (strange lines, colors, or patterns on screen), the driver may not have installed correctly.

Restart your computer again. If the problem persists, uninstall the new driver and go back to your previous version. You can do this by going to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features, uninstalling the driver, restarting, and then downloading the older version from the manufacturer's website (most sites let you select previous driver versions).

If your computer won't start or gets stuck on a black screen after a driver update, restart in Safe Mode. In Windows, hold Shift while clicking the restart button in the power menu, then select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Once in Safe Mode, uninstall the problematic driver and restart normally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to uninstall my old driver before installing a new one?

No. The installer will replace the old driver automatically. Uninstalling first is only necessary if the new driver won't install or if you're troubleshooting a problem. For routine updates, just run the new installer and restart.

What's the difference between a Game Ready driver and a Studio driver?

NVIDIA releases Game Ready drivers optimized for new game releases and performance, and Studio drivers optimized for creative software like video editing and 3D rendering. Use Game Ready if you game or do general computing. Use Studio only if you work with professional creative software and the software recommends it.

Can updating my driver improve gaming performance?

Yes, but usually only for newer games. Manufacturers optimize new drivers for recently released titles. If you're playing older games, a new driver may not change performance. Check the release notes to see which games the update targets.

Is it safe to update my GPU driver?

Yes. Driver updates come from the manufacturer and are tested before release. The only risk is if a particular driver version has a bug—this is rare, but it's why waiting a few days after a release is reasonable if your system is working fine.

Why does my computer restart after installing a driver?

The GPU driver controls how your graphics card communicates with Windows. A restart ensures the old driver is completely removed from memory and the new one loads fresh. This prevents conflicts and ensures the new driver works correctly.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.