A graphics driver update can bring fixes and speed, and on rare occasions a new problem. The safe routine is the same for every maker: know what you have, use the official source, protect yourself first, and keep the way back open.
Open Device Manager and expand Display adapters. A PC can show two entries, for example Intel graphics plus an NVIDIA or AMD card. The vendor code in the hardware ID (10DE NVIDIA, 1002 AMD, 8086 Intel) tells you whom to ask.
If everything works, a newer driver is optional. Update when a game or app you use needs it, when the maker lists a fix for a problem you have, or when the driver is very old. 'Newer' is not automatically 'better', and laptops often need the laptop maker's version first.
NVIDIA, AMD and Intel each publish drivers on their own download pages, and Dell, HP, Lenovo and other laptop makers publish customised versions for their models. Windows Update also offers graphics drivers. Pick one source and avoid third-party driver packs.
Create a restore point (search for 'Create a restore point', turn protection on for the system drive, then Create). Export your current drivers with pnputil /export-driver * D:\Drivers so the old package is on a drive you can reach. Close games and apps, and expect the screen to flicker during the install.
Open Device Manager, double-click the display adapter, open the Driver tab and choose Roll Back Driver if it is available. Otherwise use the restore point, or boot into Safe Mode and install the previous version. Do not keep installing different versions in a row; change one thing at a time.
Rain Driver does the export, checksum and restore steps for you — but every step above works without it.
Last updated: 2026-10-01
Usually not. A normal install over the old one works for most people; use the maker's clean-install option only if you have problems.
On a laptop, start with the laptop maker's version, because it is tested with that model's hardware and firmware.
Export, verify and restore the drivers you actually need.
What it means and the safe order to fix it.
Driver, firmware or hardware? A safe way to tell.
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