Fixing Graphics Driver Issues in Windows⚑
Graphics drivers can be a serious annoyance in windows and all operating systems. Whether using defaults, [[NVIDIA]], [[Intel]], or whatever, dealing with the constant updates and configuration adjustments is an endeavor most would prefer to avoid.
Contents⚑
Device Manager⚑
To access Window's Device Manager simply search for it or utilize the [[WinX PowerUser Menu]] by pressing Win + X and selecting Device Manager.
Once insider device manager navigate to Display Adapters where the graphics drivers are listed. For me these are: - Intel(R) UHD Graphics - NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super
If you right click on one of these display adapters, you have options to Update, Disable or Uninstall the driver. Additionally, if you select Properties > Driver you can view more information and specifications regarding the driver.
A good way to fix issues related to display adapters is to simply remove the driver all together (selecting to uninstall/delete the driver's software for this device also), exit, and restart you machine. On the next startup, windows will automatically detect a missing display adapter and install its default driver depending on your machine.
Manufacturer and Third Party Drivers⚑
As mentioned earlier, I use Intel and NVIDIA display drivers. These are not the generic drivers the Windows provides out of the box with a fresh install. If your machine uses third party drivers, graphics related or not, it is always best to install the latest versions of the drivers from the respective manfacturer's website directly.
MSI Support Page for Driver Downloads⚑
I run an MSI laptop, specifically the MSI GE66 Raider 10SFS Notebook, and you can find all necessary driver related details, plus their download links here: GE66 Raider 10SFS (msi.com).
Intel Drivers⚑
You can download the latest Intel Graphics Drivers from the Intel - Downloads for Graphics Drivers - Drivers and Software Website.
Also, you can utilize Intel's Autodetection Software: Intel Driver and Support Assistant to auto-detect updates across your machine related to Intel Drivers: Intel® Driver & Support Assistant
NVIDIA Drivers⚑
For NVIDIA, go to Download Drivers | NVIDIA and fill out the specifications related to the driver you need to download. For my MSI GE66 Raider 10SFS running on the [[Windows 11 Insider Developer]] version of Windows, this is my input:
*Note that I selected Studio Driver instead of the GameReady Driver, either options should be fine, but here is what NVIDIA has to say about these drivers and their differences:*
All NVIDIA drivers provide full features and application support for top games and creative applications.
If you are a gamer who prioritizes day of launch support for the latest games, patches, and DLCs, choose **Game Ready Drivers.**
If you are a content creator who prioritizes stability and quality for creative workflows including video editing, animation, photography, graphic design, and livestreaming, choose **Studio Drivers.**
AMD Drivers⚑
I am not familiar with AMD but to download drivers for AMD devices go to: AMD Drivers and Support for Radeon, Radeon Pro, FirePro, APU, CPU, Ryzen, desktops, laptops to auto-detect what to install for your system.
Links: Reset Windows Graphics Drivers with a Hotkey | [[Windows]] | MSI | Computer-Setup
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