GPU & System Driver Update Guide

Keeping your drivers updated is the easiest way to ensure your gaming PC runs at peak performance and stays stable during long sessions. Whether you’re rocking an NVIDIA RTX card or an AMD Radeon powerhouse, here is the direct, no-nonsense way to keep your system current.

1. Updating NVIDIA GeForce Drivers

For NVIDIA users, the goal is to get the Game Ready Driver. These are optimized specifically for the latest titles.

  1. Open the NVIDIA App: If you don’t have it, download the official installer.

  2. Navigate to Drivers: Open the app and click the Drivers tab in the top left.

  3. Check for Updates: Click the Check for Updates button.

  4. Download: If an update is available, click the green Download button.

  5. Express Installation: Once the download finishes, select Express Installation. Your screen may flicker or go black momentarily—this is normal.

2. Updating AMD Radeon Drivers

AMD uses the Adrenalin Edition software to manage everything from performance tuning to driver updates.

  1. Open Adrenalin: Right-click your desktop and select AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition.

  2. Check for Updates: On the Home tab, look at the Drivers & Software section in the top right corner.

  3. Download & Install: Click Check for Updates. If one is found, click Download.

  4. Choose Install Type: Once downloaded, click Install. We recommend the "Factory Reset" option (found under 'Additional Options') only if you’ve been having crashes; otherwise, a standard install is fine.

3. General Drivers via Windows Update

Windows Update is the most reliable way to handle "set and forget" drivers like your chipset, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth modules.

  1. Open Settings: Press the Windows Key + I.

  2. Update & Security: Go to Windows Update.

  3. Check for Updates: Click the Check for updates button.

  4. Optional Updates (Crucial): Many drivers are hidden here. Click Advanced Options > Optional Updates > Driver Updates. Select everything listed and click Download and Install.

4. Using Driver Booster (Third-Party)

If you have obscure hardware or Windows Update is missing something, Driver Booster is a popular automated tool.

  1. Scan: Open Driver Booster and hit the large SCAN button.

  2. Review: Look through the list. It will categorize drivers by "System" or "Game Components."

  3. Update: Click Update Now at the top right.

    • Note: Check the "Automatically create a restore point" box before starting as a safety net.

  4. Reboot: Once finished, restart your PC to finalize the changes.

Pro-Tips from the Build Room

  • Don't Fix What Isn't Broken: If your PC is running perfectly and you aren't playing a brand-new release, you don't always need the latest GPU driver the second it drops.

  • Clean Slate: If you are switching from an NVIDIA card to an AMD card (or vice versa), use a display driver uninstaller tool first to wipe the old files completely.

  • Restart Often: Always restart your PC after driver installations to ensure the registry entries update correctly.

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