How To Update GPU Drivers On Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Home » How-To

Edgar Nicov

How-To

6 min. read

Published on October 30, 2025

Fix Windows errors with Fortect:
Fortect can repair common computer errors by scanning your entire system for damaged or missing OS files and replacing them with the original, working versions. Optimize your PC in 3 simple steps:

Download and Install Fortect on your PC
Use the PC Scan feature to look up any Windows issues (including drivers)
Right-click on Repair, and fix it within a few minutes.

Besides that, it helps you clean up junk files, fix stability problems, and get rid of annoying programs and malware traces.

Keeping your graphics card drivers up-to-date is essential for optimal performance, stability, and security on your Windows 11 system. Outdated drivers can lead to performance issues, graphical glitches, and even system crashes. Fortunately, updating your GPU drivers on Windows 11 is a straightforward process that can be accomplished through several methods.

This guide will walk you through various ways to update your GPU drivers, ensuring you have the latest version installed for the best possible experience. Whether you prefer automatic updates or manual installations, we’ll cover all the necessary steps to keep your graphics card performing at its peak.

What’s the Best Way to Update My GPU Drivers on Windows 11?

Updating your GPU drivers on Windows 11 ensures your graphics card is running with the latest performance enhancements and bug fixes. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you through the process:

Update Through Windows Update

Windows Update is the easiest way to keep your drivers current.

Open Settings: Press Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
Navigate to Windows Update: Click on “Windows Update” in the left sidebar.
Check for Updates: Click the “Check for updates” button. Windows will automatically search for and install any available updates, including driver updates.
View Optional Updates: If driver updates are not automatically installed, click “Advanced options,” then “Optional updates.”
Select Driver Updates: Expand the “Driver updates” section, select the GPU driver you want to update, and click “Download & install.”
Restart Your Computer: After the installation, restart your computer to apply the changes.

Use Device Manager

Device Manager allows you to manually update individual drivers.

Open Device Manager: Right-click the Start button and select “Device Manager.”
Expand Display Adapters: Double-click “Display adapters” to expand the list.
Select Your GPU: Right-click on your graphics card (e.g., NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 or AMD Radeon RX 6800).
Update Driver: Select “Update driver.”
Search Automatically: Choose “Search automatically for drivers.” Windows will search for and install the latest driver.
Update Manually: If Windows can’t find a driver, you can select “Browse my computer for drivers” and point to the location of the driver file you downloaded from the manufacturer’s website.
Follow On-Screen Instructions: If you chose to browse manually, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Restart Your Computer: Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Download Directly from the Manufacturer

Downloading directly from NVIDIA or AMD ensures you get the latest and most optimized drivers.

Identify Your GPU: Determine the exact model of your graphics card.
Visit the NVIDIA or AMD Website:

For NVIDIA: Go to the NVIDIA Driver Downloads.
For AMD: Go to the AMD Drivers and Support.

Enter Your GPU Information: Select your product type, series, and model from the dropdown menus.
Search for Drivers: Click “Search” to find the latest drivers for your GPU.
Download the Driver: Download the appropriate driver for your version of Windows 11 (64-bit).
Run the Installer: Locate the downloaded file and run the installer.
Follow On-Screen Instructions: Follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver.
Clean Installation (Recommended): During the installation process, you might be given the option to perform a “clean installation.” This removes any previous driver files and ensures a fresh installation.
Restart Your Computer: Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Use the GPU Manufacturer’s Software

NVIDIA and AMD offer software that simplifies driver management.

Install GeForce Experience (NVIDIA) or AMD Adrenalin (AMD):

For NVIDIA: Download and install GeForce Experience from the NVIDIA website.
For AMD: Download and install AMD Adrenalin from the AMD website.

Open the Software: Launch GeForce Experience or AMD Adrenalin.
Check for Updates: The software will automatically check for driver updates. If an update is available, you’ll see a notification.
Download and Install: Click the “Download” button to download the driver and then click “Install” to install it.
Choose Installation Options: You may be given options for a “clean installation” or “express installation.” A clean installation is recommended for the best results.
Restart Your Computer: Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Driver Comparison Table

Feature	Windows Update	Device Manager	Manufacturer Website	GPU Software
Ease of Use	Very Easy	Easy	Moderate	Easy
Driver Version	Not Always the Latest	Not Always the Latest	Latest	Latest
Additional Features	None	None	None	Performance Monitoring
Control	Limited	Moderate	Full	Full
Best For	Basic Users	Basic Users	Advanced Users	All Users

Tips for a Smooth Update

Create a System Restore Point: Before updating, create a system restore point to revert to a previous state if anything goes wrong.
Close Unnecessary Programs: Close any running applications before starting the update process.
Disable Antivirus Software: Temporarily disable your antivirus software during the installation to prevent conflicts.
Check for Compatibility: Ensure the driver you’re installing is compatible with your operating system and graphics card.
Monitor Temperatures: After the update, monitor your GPU temperatures to ensure they are within normal ranges.

Keeping Your GPU Drivers Current

Updating your GPU drivers on Windows 11 is a vital practice to maintain peak performance and stability. By following the methods outlined above, you can ensure your graphics card is always running with the latest enhancements and bug fixes, providing you with the best possible gaming and computing experience.

FAQ

How often should I update my GPU drivers? It’s generally recommended to update your GPU drivers whenever a new version is released, especially if you’re experiencing performance issues or playing new games.

What happens if I don’t update my GPU drivers? Outdated drivers can lead to performance issues, graphical glitches, system instability, and security vulnerabilities.

Can updating my GPU drivers improve gaming performance? Yes, updating your GPU drivers can often improve gaming performance by optimizing the drivers for the latest games and fixing bugs that may be causing performance issues.

Is it safe to download drivers from third-party websites? No, it’s not recommended to download drivers from third-party websites, as they may contain malware or incompatible drivers. Always download drivers from the official NVIDIA or AMD websites.

What should I do if the new driver causes problems? If a new driver causes problems, you can roll back to the previous driver version through Device Manager or use a system restore point to revert to a previous state.