Keep your graphics driver fresh and your games will thank you

The graphics card driver plays a major role in system performance, which is why occasionally checking for updates is a good habit to adopt. This is especially important for gamers, as keeping the graphics drivers up to date can significantly boost performance.

Unlike other hardware drivers, which may only offer minor updates, graphics card driver updates often introduce big changes. Nvidia, AMD, and Intel regularly release new drivers that contain significant performance improvements, bug fixes, and optimized functions.

IDG

Technologies such as the DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) upscaling function also benefit from such optimizations. But even if you don’t play games and hardly need 3D graphics performance, you shouldn’t neglect driver updates–after all, the updates often fix bugs.

IDG

To ensure that your drivers are up-to-date, first identify your graphics card. To do this, open “System Information” on your PC by typing the term in the Windows start menu. In the “Display” section under “Components,” you’ll find information on the model of your graphics card.

If you’re using a laptop with Intel, Nvidia, or AMD graphics, your system may automatically switch between integrated and dedicated GPUs depending on the workload. If that’s the case, then you should definitely update the drivers to maximize gaming performance.

Download the drivers directly from the manufacturer’s website. Here, you can either manually select your graphics card model or use the on-site tool to detect your hardware. Alternatively, programs such as Nvidia’s “Nvidia App” or AMD’s “Adrenalin Edition” offer practical functions like automatic updates and game optimization. Intel’s “Graphics Command Center” provides similar services.

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Keep in mind that older graphics cards will eventually stop receiving new driver updates, as manufacturers typically prioritize current models. So, if your graphics card is older than five-years-old, you shouldn’t expect major performance improvements. That said, it’s still worth checking for updates from time to time to ensure stability and compatibility.