How to Check Graphics Cards & Drivers?

When we talk of checking graphics cards & drivers, there might be numerous reasons associated. It could be because of security concerns, performance levels, compatibility concerns, etc. So make sure you aren’t using graphics cards or drivers which are malfunctioning and/or outdated.

Also, to ensure your system doesn’t end up crashing or with several other concerns and performs optimally, ensure to go through this guide thoroughly.

How to Check Graphics Cards?

If you own a Windows computer, for running a check on your graphics card, enlisted steps will help you:

• First, opt for clicking on a button that says, “Start menu“. Now, type in “Device Manager” using a search bar.
• Once the results show up, opt for the selection of “Device Manager“.
• Here, opt to look at the section called “Display adapters”.
• Now, to expand the given list, opt for clicking on the arrow that is next to it. You will see the graphics cards listed under this section.
• Opt for clicking on every graphics card. This will be required to know its name and more. Additionally, you may use some of the third-party software, which can be GPU-Z or/and CPU-Z. They can help you with detailed data about those graphics cards, like temperature, where the memory is getting used, etc.

If you own a Mac, for running a check on your graphics card, enlisted steps will help you:

• First, opt for the “Apple menu” on the screen’s left top corner and select “About This Mac.”
• Here, opt to click on the button that says “System Report“.
• Now, you will see the “System Information window”. Opt for the selection of “Graphics/Displays” that is in the sidebar on the left.
• You will see the graphics cards listed under this section.
• Opt for clicking on every graphics card. This will be required to know its name and more

1. DirectX Diagnostic Tool

• To put DirectX Diagnostic Tool to use and to launch it, using the search bar, opt for typing “dxdiag” and press Enter.
• Once done, opt to click on the tab which says, “Display”. It will show the complete details about the graphics devices and drivers which are probably running these devices.

2. System Information

• To put this tool to use, first, opt for the search bar on the desktop or opt for the “Start” menu,
• Here, you have to type “System information”. Now, opt for the selection of the same on its appearance on the screen
• Opt for clicking on the “+ symbol“, which is next to “Components”e. basically in the left corner above
• After that, the list will show up, and here, opt for clicking “Display”. You will be able to see the graphics cards listed under this section, the device ID as well as its type. Furthermore, you can notice driver installation details.

3. Control Panel

• Opt for “Start,” then click on the “Control Panel” tab and then opt for the option that says “Appearance and Personalization.“
• Once done with the above step, opt for clicking “Display” and then opt for “Change Display Settings” which is present on the left.
• Now, at this point, opt for clicking the “Advanced Settings” option.
• Here, opt for clicking the “Graphics cards” tab
• Now, opt for the “Graphics Properties” option, and it will help you launch the control panel.

4. Settings

Enlisted are the steps for checking out the GPU with the help of Windows System Settings:

• Using the “Start” menu option, opt for “Settings”. Now, opt for clicking System.
• Now, at this point, opt for selecting “Display”.
• Once done, opt for “Advanced display settings.”
• Below the section “Display information” you will be able to check the graphics card, which has been installed. You will also notice numerous metrics, such as refresh rate and resolution, that impact your PC’s graphics.

5. Windows Task Manager

To put the “Windows Task Manager” to use so you can check the GPU chip, enlisted are the steps you should follow:

• First, opt for the “Device Manager”, and to do so, opt for either the search bar or the Start menu.
• Here, type “Device Manager”. Once done, opt for the same selection, as you will notice many options appear. You may opt for pressing the short keys i.e., “Ctrl + Alt + Del” using the keyboard.
• Now, you will notice a list appeared, and here, opt for the “Task Manager”.
• After the above, opt for clicking the “Performance” option and then opt for the selection of GPU using the shown list. Here, you will not just see your graphic card detail where GPU resides; you will also notice GPU temperature, GPU utilization, and details like these.

Graphics Driver – What is it?

When showing a digital code as a graphic like a video, an image, or so, your PC requires certain software. Now, this software or set of instructions is basically named Graphics Driver. What it does is that it helps in sending instructions to function to the hardware part called a Graphics card.

There are many other names given to graphic drivers, such as video drivers, display drivers, etc. With the help of this, your system can render images, videos, and so on very smoothly.

Nowadays, laptops come equipped with both of these (i.e., Graphics driver and graphics card) already and save everyone their time. They also get updated automatically most of the time. However, in the case of desktops, you must keep a check on these and update these religiously once the update is available.

A Quick Guide to Identifying Your Graphic Driver? – On Windows

• Beneath “Control Panel“, you must opt for “Device Manager”
• Look for the “Display adapters“. On locating them, opt for double-clicking on the same. Now, opt for double-clicking on the device, which is shown on the screen.
• Opt for the selection of the Driver You need to do so, as it will show the Driver version.

Why is Updating Your Graphics Card Driver Crucial?

When you don’t have your graphics card driver updated, you may end up with concerns like a blurry screen, dull colors, and a game experience that is not at all smooth. Well, by just upgrading your graphics card driver, you can possess all the benefits ranging from ensuring smooth functioning and enhanced performance to optimized performance of 3D graphics.

Furthermore, the benefits of updating it involve enhanced gaming experience, fixed errors, bugs, and much more. You can have additional benefits in terms of additional features that you get access to.

Additionally, keeping your graphics card driver updated helps with improved security of the system, and you are able to rely on it more for work. Not just that, it also helps in getting an enhanced experience by enabling color depths and full resolution.

How to Update The Graphic Card Driver?

Given are 2 methods you can opt for to update the graphics driver:

1. With Windows Device Manager

• To opt for Windows Device Manager and access it, using the taskbar, opt for the search box, then opt for typing “Device Manager.”
• Now, opt for double-clicking it to open the same.
• At this point, select the graphics card you wish to use from the list (you will see many options), and opt for right-clicking on it. You, here, will notice an option called, “Update Driver.”
• Opt for the selection of updating the driver and then opt for completing the installation process following the required procedure.

2. Driver Download Using The Manufacturer’s Site

• First, opt for the official GPU website of the manufacturer. This will help you to locate up-to-date (latest if there are any) graphics drivers.
• If your driver isn’t updated and requires an update, download an appropriate graphics driver.
• Open the same by double-clicking on it, then follow the instructions required for its installation and more.

How to Check Graphics Cards & Drivers FAQs –

Conclusion –

To ensure your system works smoothly and doesn’t contain issues related to graphics card drivers, make sure to keep them updated whenever a new update is available. It also affects the overall performance of the computer, and not just that, your PC will not get overheated in the scenario of rendering images or videos and so on.