How to update the graphics card driver in Windows

No computer can do without a video card. This part of it is necessary for converting internal digital signals into a human-readable image on the monitor screen. Physically, a video card, sometimes also called a discrete video adapter, is a PCB with logic circuits and electronic components placed on it. There are built-in varieties that are part of a processor or other chip on the motherboard.

In order for the computer to perform its functions, it is necessary to install the device drivers that make up the device. A driver is a small program that tells the operating system commands to interact with a specific device. You can give an analogy: the component is a car, and the driver is the driver that controls it. Without a driver, the car will not go anywhere. Sometimes you have to update the driver for the video card and other components. Thanks to this, the computer works optimally. The need to update the driver on the video card arises in the event that for some reason the old one stops arranging the user. This seems rather unobvious, so we will consider it in more detail.

Let's imagine the most common situation: the Windows operating system is installed on the computer, the driver for the video card has been installed from the corresponding disk for a long time, and the user has never wondered "how to update the video card driver?", As games and movies work, the desktop and Internet pages are displayed correctly.

Not everyone knows that after the start of sales of any model of the video adapter (as well as network or sound cards), the developer continues to further improve the software for it, a monthly release of new drivers. With the advent of new models, the released driver is optimized for them, but the old ones are not forgotten either. Why should a developer pay for the work of programmers, often releasing drivers and prompting the user to learn how to update the graphics card driver independently?

The answer is simple: competitive struggle makes you strive to make your sold and sold devices better. This is the market relationship in its pure form. Updating the driver, the user gets accelerated computer games without having to buy a new expensive video adapter; More effective mechanisms for optimizing energy consumption; Correct operation with multiple adapters; Support the acceleration of new video standards. Obviously, everyone should understand how to update the graphics card driver. This is especially true for fans of games, although other users should not ignore this possibility. In rare cases, the performance, however, is slightly reduced, so after the update you need to check the changes in your favorite game.

The best way to update is to go to the developer site of the video adapter chip and download the new driver. Currently, there are three such developers: ATI (AMD), nVidia and Intel. In general, we can assume that the rest of a lot of companies just collect video cards from ready-made components and sell them under their own name.

The manufacturer's website always specifies how to update the video card driver. It is usually required to specify the type of operating system and the generation of the video adapter. Data on the adapter is indicated in one of the brochure instructions supplied with the computer, and for the laptop - on the label of the case (for example, GeForce 8400M). The volume of the update is often more than 100 MB, so users with slow connection or payment for traffic need to have this in mind. After downloading the driver, it should be installed, following the instructions, and restart the computer.