Q&A for How to Update Your Video Card Drivers on Windows 7

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

Can I play games without updating my graphics driver software?

Community Answer

This depends on the game in question. You could probably play flash-based games in your web browser, or low-resolution two-dimensional games, but in order to play games built using OpenGL or Direct X, you are going to have to update your graphics drivers.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 17 Helpful 69
Question

My PC has 256 MB graphic card of Intel. Can it be upgraded to higher levels?

Community Answer

If your graphics are integrated into your CPU, then no. To get better integrated graphics, you need a better CPU. If your graphics card is a stand alone, it can be. Some graphics cards have slots to add more RAM chips; however, most do not, and you'll be better off completely replacing your old card. If you have a desktop, it's best. Laptops usually don't support upgrades like that.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 5 Helpful 19
Question

How do I determine if I need a more powerful GPU to play games?

Community Answer

Different games have different requirements. However, if your frame per second (FPS) rate within games is below 30, you should upgrade your GPU. Check the Recommended System Requirements field of the games you want to play to see if your video card meets the standards.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 8 Helpful 31
Question

Will this work for an HP laptop?

Community Answer

Yes, it will, however it is probably best to get the drivers from HP's website.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 5
Question

What do I do when my computer does not meet minimum requirements to download the drivers?

Akmal Ghaisan

Community Answer

If it's Windows/Mac/Linux, then you have to update to Windows/Mac/Linux that can support your driver. If it's a hardware problem, then you should replace the old one with new one.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 4
Question

Why does it say my device was updated?

Community Answer

That's simply an automatic digital upgrade to improve performance, add new features, etc. If you want to change it so your computer asks for your permission to update, you can do that from the settings menu.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 6
Question

How do I update video card drivers on Windows 10?

Community Answer

It's pretty much the same process. However, the drivers you choose must be Windows 10 compatible.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 6 Helpful 11
Question

What if my operating system isn't supported by my driver's manufacturer?

Community Answer

If your operating system is not supported by your driver's manufacturer, you may be out of luck. However, there may be a possibility of a tweak. Look for third party drivers or drivers for identical devices that have been re-branded (which is the case with many graphics tablets).

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 8 Helpful 14
Question

What do I do if my computer's driver has been discontinued?

Community Answer

You'll have to replace your graphics card. There's not much you can do about it.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 5
Question

Just for clarification, do I still need to do step 5 after I finished step 4? Or do I only do it if I can't follow step 4?

Community Answer

If step 4 does not work for you, then you should try step 5, but step 4 will generally work.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0