When a PC stutters while playing games, displays strange screens, or a newly installed title won't even start, the problem is most likely with the graphics card driversHaving a powerful GPU isn't very useful if the drivers are outdated, poorly installed, or mixed with remnants of previous versions.
In this comprehensive guide you will see, in great detail, How to uninstall, install, and update NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel drivers In Windows, how to perform thorough cleanings with DDU, what official tools each manufacturer has, and why it is so important to keep drivers, firmware, microcode, and even the kernel up to date in Linux systems.
Why is it so important to take care of your GPU drivers?
One of the keys to getting your graphics card to perform as it should is having the correct drivers and properly installed. Windows Update It includes a driver repository and is able to recognize and install many automatically, but blindly relying on it is a fairly common mistake.
The drivers that Windows Update installs are usually generic or outdated versionsThese updates are designed more to "make something work" than to fully utilize your GPU, whether it's Intel, NVIDIA, or AMD. Furthermore, when you change graphics cards or install many updates on top of each other, these updates accumulate. remnants of old files and settings which can cause failures, performance drops, or instability.
Furthermore, modern drivers not only ensure you see the desktop: they integrate specific optimizations for games, bug fixessupport for new technologies (ray tracing, intelligent scaling, video encoders, etc.) and in many cases even security fixes that close important vulnerabilities.
In the case of Linux, things go even further, because for certain graphics cards, such as an AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT, to work well, it is essential to combine updated drivers, recent firmware, and a sufficiently modern kernelas well as keeping the CPU microcode up to date (especially in Intel processors) and other low-level components.
Uninstall video drivers: Device Manager vs DDU
Before installing a new driver, especially if you're coming from another GPU or have had a lot of problems, it's advisable to clean old driversHere are two approaches: the quick method with the Device administrator Windows and deep cleaning with the tool DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller).
Device administrator
Uninstall from Device Manager This is the built-in Windows option and is useful when you simply want to remove the current driver without too much hassle. It's not the most thorough method, but it can get you out of a pinch if the problem isn't serious.
To do this, simply search for “Device ManagerOpen "Device Manager" or "Display adapters" in the Windows search box, and locate the "Display adapters" entry. There you will see your dedicated graphics card and, if your processor has integrated graphics, the integrated chip as well; right-click on the one you want to remove, go to "Properties," select the "Driver" tab, and click "Uninstall device." The system will warn you that this is an option for advanced users, but in this context, what we are interested in is remove traces of the previous driver.
When you're finished, Windows will switch to using the basic display adapter and you'll still see the desktop, although without 3D acceleration or your GPU's advanced features. In other words, you'll be able to work and prepare the new installationBut forget about playing games or using demanding applications until you reinstall dedicated drivers.
The problem with this method is that, although it is fast, it often leaves residual files, configurations, and registry entries which, over time, can generate conflicts, especially if you change brands (for example, from AMD to NVIDIA, or from NVIDIA to Intel Arc).
DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller)
DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller) It's the recommended alternative when you want a clean slate. It's a free utility specifically designed to completely uninstall NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel drivers, removing any traces that might remain on your system.
To use DDU correctly, ideally you start Windows in safe modeIn this state, the system loads the basic configuration without the GPU drivers active, allowing you to delete all files without anything being "in use". Once you boot into safe mode and open DDU, select the device type (GPU) and the manufacturer of your graphics card in the right panel.
On the left you will see three main action buttons: “Clean and reset”"Clean and DO NOT restart" deletes the drivers and restarts the PC in normal mode; "Clean and DO NOT restart" leaves the system in safe mode if you want to do more tasks; and "Clean and shut down" completes the cleaning and turns off the machine, very useful if you are going to physically change your graphics card at that moment.
When you've changed models or brands, it's always recommended to use DDU. You prevent controller remnants from coexisting. old with new, helping Stabilize games and prevent microstuttersand you instantly reduce the risk of crashes when starting games or problems when updating the driver itself.
Installing AMD Radeon drivers: manually and with Adrenalin
If you have an AMD GPU, such as a Radeon RX 6000 or 7000 series, or one integrated into a Ryzen APU, you have two clear approaches to installing or updating drivers: Manual download from the AMD website or use of the AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition application.
Download the drivers from the AMD website This is the classic method. You need to go to the official downloads page, find the relevant category (for example, "Graphics"), choose the product family, then the series, and finally your exact card model. Once located, select the operating system you are using and download the appropriate installation file.
When you launch the installer, AMD lets you choose between a quick (Express) installation and a custom installation. The Express option is convenient and faster, but for a smooth, hassle-free installation, choosing the custom installation is recommended. Custom installationThis allows you to choose exactly which components you want to install and, above all, to perform an internal uninstallation of previous versions.
Within that customized option you can use Express Uninstall To ensure the new installation starts from scratch. There's also the "Clean Install" option, which forces an extra search for previous versions, although if you've already gone through the entire cleanup process with DDU, it becomes somewhat redundant.
Using AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition It greatly simplifies the process. This official application centralizes configuration, updates, and performance adjustments. Once installed, the main tab (“Home”) displays the status of your “Drivers & Software,” allowing you to see at a glance whether you're up to date or if new versions are available.
Install and update NVIDIA drivers: web, official app and NVCleanstall
In the NVIDIA ecosystem, whether you have a GTX, an RTX 20, 30 or 40 series, or even older ION solutions, you can choose from three main paths: Manual download from the web, installation via NVIDIA App / GeForce Experience or use of the third-party utility NVCleanstall for an ultra-lightweight installation.
Manual download
Manual download from the NVIDIA website This is the standard and fully official method. You should go to the drivers section, select the product type (for example, "GeForce" if your card is from the gaming range), the series (GeForce RTX 30 Series, GTX 16 Series, etc.), your specific model, and the operating system you are using.
In addition, NVIDIA provides different types of drivers, such as Game Readydesigned for video games, and the Studiogeared towards professional content creation applications. You also choose the language and, after clicking on "Search", you will access the page where the latest available version is displayed, with details such as file size and exact compatibility.
Clicking "Download" will open another page with a final download button. Save the .exe file and, once the download is complete, run it, granting administrator privileges when prompted by Windows. The installer will first extract the contents to a temporary folder (you can leave the default path) and then launch the graphical installation wizard.
NVIDIA App
In that wizard you can choose to install only the drivers or also include them. NVIDIA App (GeForce Experience)This add-on application offers automatic configuration profiles for games, capture and streaming features, and other additional tools. If you're short on resources or prefer to configure games manually, you can install only the driver, or, if you download the full package, disable GeForce Experience from running at startup.
When the installer asks you about the type of installation, they will offer you an "Express" option and a "Custom" option. It is recommended to choose the "Custom" option. custom install and check the box for “perform a clean” or “clean” installation. This will allow the installer to locate and remove files from older versions to ensure a completely clean installation of the new driver.
Another part of the package is the component PhysXThis is a physics engine that was used years ago to offload certain calculations onto the GPU. Nowadays, most games no longer rely on it significantly, so unless you have a specific need, it's common to leave it unchecked or not give it much importance.
Once you've selected your options, you'll need to wait a few minutes while files are copied, devices restart, and settings are applied. This is usually not necessary. restart your PC at the endAlthough in some cases it may be advisable. You only need to close the wizard when it indicates that everything is complete.
NVIDIA App / GeForce Experience It also includes a very convenient integrated update system. From the "Drivers" tab, you can see which version you have installed, if there's a new one, and if so, download and install it. You can also select a clean installation to remove past configurations and avoid conflicts.
NVCleanstall
In addition to the official options, there is a very popular tool called NVCleanstallThis free application downloads drivers directly from NVIDIA servers, but allows you to extensively customize which components are installed, eliminating the bloatware that usually accompanies the standard package.
With NVCleanstall you can, for example, install only the Graphics driver core and Control PanelBy omitting telemetry, extra applications, background services, and other modules you don't use, it reduces disk and RAM consumption and minimizes unnecessary processes. It also makes it easier to install older or specific driver versions if you need to revert to a previous version due to compatibility issues with a game or program.
Intel drivers: integrated UHD / Iris Xe and Intel Arc graphics
Intel GPUs are actually the most common on the market because many are integrated into the processors themselves: we're talking about the Intel UHD, HD Graphics and Iris Xe which are used in a multitude of laptops and desktop computers. In addition, there are the dedicated Intel Arc graphics cards, which are already competing in the gaming market.
Contrary to what many believe, Intel drivers can also They will cause trouble if they are neglected for years.This is especially true for OEM laptops with very old drivers locked by the manufacturer. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure the system isn't running outdated versions and to check the controller signatures before installing the current ones.
Unlike NVIDIA and AMD, Intel installers traditionally didn't include such aggressive removal of older versions, so it's even more important to check if there are any. remnants of previous driversespecially when you migrate from a manufacturer's driver (the typical one offered by the laptop brand) to a generic one from the Intel website.
You have two main paths: use Intel Driver & Support Assistant (DSA) —the official driver assistant— or manually download the universal driver package from Intel's support website. These days, instead of having a separate driver for each GPU, the manufacturer distributes a unified installer that works for several generations.
Intel Driver & Support Assistant (DSA)
The Intel DSA assistant scans your system, detects exactly which processor and integrated GPU you have, and offers you the direct download of the correct driverIt's a fairly convenient way to avoid mistakes, especially if you don't remember the exact model of your CPU or you're using a pre-made brand of equipment.
If you prefer to do it manually, you can filter by product family, processor generation, and operating system on the Intel driver website. For example, if you have a 12th generation Intel Core (Alder Lake), you'll need to locate the corresponding driver packages for Intel UHD or Iris Xe GPUs depending on your specific model (a Celeron G6900, for example, uses an Intel UHD 710).
Once you locate the correct file, download and run it. The installer will display an initial window with a button to... “Start installation”Then it will ask you to accept Intel's terms and conditions. From there, it's a fairly simple, self-guided process.
In the case of cards intel arcIn addition to the standard drivers, you can use Intel Arc Control software, which adds game-specific configuration options, monitoring, and easy updates from a centralized interface, similar to the approach of AMD Adrenalin or NVIDIA App.
Why you should update your drivers regularly
Updating graphics card drivers is not a whim or something reserved for enthusiasts, but a basic PC maintenance taskEven if you don't do it every week, letting years go by without touching the drivers can lead to very serious performance losses and strange behavior.
A fairly typical case is that of a user who installs a GPU like a Radeon RX 470, leaves it with the factory drivers, and plays for two or three years without updating them. Gradually, new games start running worse, crashes or graphical errors appear, and the causes are sought in the temperature, the hard drive, or some other component… when the root of the problem lies with… obsolete drivers that have never been updated.
There are several reasons to keep them updated. For one thing, manufacturers usually include updates in each new version. specific performance improvements For recent titles: sometimes they are small adjustments, but on other occasions the gains can be significant, especially at the launch of big games.
On the other hand, drivers fix compatibility and stability bugs. An outdated driver can cause a newly released game to malfunction. It doesn't even start or it shuts down shortly after starting.or cause crashes like the DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL errorWith the correct version, these problems disappear. Display errors, flickering, corrupted textures, and other graphical glitches are also fixed.
Security shouldn't be overlooked. Vulnerabilities are occasionally discovered in GPU driver components that can compromise system integrity, either directly or indirectly. Updating to recent versions helps to mitigate these vulnerabilities. close those gaps and prevent potential exploitsespecially on equipment that is used daily for work or browsing.
How to update AMD, NVIDIA, and Intel drivers step by step
The update process is similar across the three major brands, although each has its own specific features. The essential thing is Always access the manufacturer's official website or use their own update tool and avoid third-party websites of dubious origin. To diagnose problems you can use the command dxDiagwhich will help you identify the driver version and other useful information.
AMD
In the case of AMDYou can go to the drivers section and from there select the product type (for example, "Graphics" for dedicated cards), the generation (RX 6000, RX 7000, etc.), the series, and the specific model. Once submitted, you'll see the available downloads for your operating system, where it's important to always choose the correct ones. WHQL drivers or marked as stable.
AMD also offers an auto-detection tool that scans your system and downloads the appropriate driver without you having to search for anything manually. After downloading the file, simply run it and follow the wizard's instructions, choosing custom installation if you want control over removing previous versions and which components are installed.
NVIDIA
En NVIDIAFrom their website, you choose the product type (GeForce for gaming), series, model, operating system, driver type (Game Ready or Studio), and language. After clicking "Search," you'll be taken to the download page. Once you have the installer, run it and follow the guided process. Again, it's highly recommended to select custom installation and enable the option to “clean/correct installation” to delete old files and reset controller profiles to their default values.
Intel
As for the IntelThe driver website groups downloads by family. You can filter by GPU type and operating system, but if you're unsure which exact model you need or overwhelmed by the number of options, it's best to use the Intel Driver & Support Assistant auto-detection tool, which identifies your specific driver. both the integrated GPU and a possible Intel Arc GPU and directly offers you the appropriate package.
If you use applications like NVIDIA App, AMD Adrenalin, or Intel Arc Control, you often won't even need to visit the website: simply open the application, go to the drivers section, and click on "check for updates" to have them take care of downloading and installing the latest version available for your hardware.
In short, have Keep your graphics card drivers up to dateAlong with updated firmware and operating system, this makes all the difference between a smooth, stable, and secure experience and a PC that sluggish, crashes, or behaves unpredictably for no apparent reason. Maintaining this part of your computer takes only a few minutes every now and then and saves you a lot of headaches in the long run.
