Even though your Nvidia graphics card is of best on the current market, it unfortunately will not run at its maximum capacity if you don’t correctly update the new drivers. Therefore, knowing how to update your Nvidia GPU successfully is a crucial skill for all gamers and device users.
Wondering how to tell if your graphics card is failing or if your GPU can be repaired? We have a whole host of related articles which provide quick and easy solutions to commonly asked questions. Anyway, let’s work out how to update your Nvidia driver.
Step-by-step guide:
Due to its vast use around the globe, Nvidia constantly launches updates that are meant to keep usage clean and smooth in your system. If there’s a new game with a specific technology or a new version of an app, Nvidia will update its GPUs to support it. With current AI development could even become more consistent and necessary. So it’s important you know how to take care of this easily and stress-free.
We will recommend 2 methods to update drivers:
Updating Nvidia drivers with GeForce Experience
This first method involves the use of Nvidia’s own software GeForce Experience.
This method is considered the easiest way to update your Nvidia GPU.
Step
Install GeForce Experience
Go to the Nvidia website to download GeForce Experience.
Follow the installation prompts and create a required Nvidia account.
Step
Access ‘Drivers’ tab
Launch the GeForce Experience.
Navigate to the ‘Drivers’ tab in the top right corner.
Step
Check for graphics driver updates
Click on “Check for Updates”. This will provide all optional updates. If an update is queued, you’ll see it here.
Step
Download update
Click the “Download” icon next to the available update.
Step
Select installation type
Select “Express Installation” for a quick update or “Custom Installation” to choose specific components or perform a clean install.
Step
Complete installation
Allow the driver to install. This should only take a few minutes.
Reboot your desktop to finalize the installation.
Explore your software
When downloading a new software, such as GeForce Experience software, be sure to explore what else the software offers.
For example, GeForce also optimizes your game settings and allows you to share captured video content with friends.
Updating Nvidia GPU drivers manually via Windows update
It is also possible to update your Nvidia GPU driver manually via a Windows update. Let’s show you how.
Step
Visit the Nvidia driver website
Navigate to Nvidia’s driver download page.
Step
Specify graphics card details
Fill out the dropdowns to match your graphics card specifications, including the “Product Series” and “Download Type”.
We recommend “Game Ready Driver” for gamers and “Studio Drivers” for creatives.
Step
Search for driver
To find the latest driver, click the “Search” button to find the latest Nvidia graphics drivers suitable for your GPU.
Step
Download driver
To download a file, click “Download”. The file will be saved to your downloads folder.
Step
Launch installer
Navigate to your downloads folder and open the driver installer.
Step
Choose driver components
Choose whether to install just the driver or both the driver and GeForce Experience.
Agree to the terms and continue.
Step
Pick installation type
Opt for “Express” for a recommended install, or “Custom” to select specific components.
Step
Install driver
Follow the prompts to complete the installation.
Step
Restart PC
Finalize Installation: Restart your computer to complete the driver update process.
- Keep drivers updated: Regularly updating your Nvidia drivers ensures optimal performance and compatibility, especially for new games and software.
- System restore point: Consider creating a system restore point before updating drivers for a safe rollback if needed.
- Internet connection: Ensure a stable internet connection during the download and installation process.
- Custom installation: Custom installation can be useful if you encounter issues with the express installation or need to perform a clean installation.
Is it safe to update Nvidia drivers?
Yes, it is generally recommended to update Nvidia drivers. Keeping your drivers up to date ensures that your graphics card operates at its optimum conditions. Updates often include improvements in performance, stability, and security – providing the ultimate Nvidia GeForce experience. Furthermore, most updates also include bug fixes and new features for the latest versions of games. Find the latest updates on your manufacturer’s website.
Does updating Nvidia drivers increase FPS?
Updating Nvidia drivers can potentially increase FPS, especially in newer games. Drivers are frequently updated to optimize performance for recent game releases, leading to smoother gameplay and possibly higher FPS. These updates can enhance the way your graphics card communicates with the CPU and game software. Overall, this adds to the efficiency of your system. However, an increase in FPS can also depend on a variety of additional factors, such as the specific game or device in use.
Final thoughts
Updating your Nvidia graphics card is a straightforward process that has several methods that are easy to follow and achieve success with. Whether updating via the use of GeForce Experience or manually through Windows updates, updating your GPU can have impressive knock-on effects on your device, hardware, and gameplay experience. We recommended updating your Nvidia GPU to achieve overall improvements in performance, stability, and security.
