How to Check Graphics Driver on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Your graphics driver plays a crucial role in how your Windows 11 system handles visuals, gaming, video playback, animation, and high-performance apps. Whether you’re troubleshooting display issues, preparing to update drivers, or checking compatibility for a game, knowing how to view your graphics driver details is essential.

This complete guide explains how to check your graphics driver version, manufacturer, model, and update status using several built-in Windows tools—no technical background required.


Why Check Your Graphics Driver?

There are several situations where checking your GPU driver becomes important:

  • Games or apps showing errors

  • Screen flickering or black screens

  • Low FPS or lag during gameplay

  • After a Windows update

  • Before installing a new graphics driver

  • Troubleshooting crashes and freezes

Once you know your GPU model and driver version, updating or fixing issues becomes much easier.


How to Check Graphics Driver on Windows 11 (4 Best Methods)

Below are the most reliable and beginner-friendly methods to view your graphics card and driver information.


1. Check Graphics Driver Using Device Manager

Device Manager is the quickest way to view basic graphics driver details.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.

  2. Expand Display adapters.

  3. You will see your graphics card name (e.g., Intel UHD, NVIDIA GTX, AMD Radeon).

  4. Right-click your GPU and select Properties.

  5. Go to the Driver tab to view:

    • Driver version

    • Driver date

    • Driver provider

    • Digital signer

This is the best method to quickly confirm the current driver version.


2. Check Graphics Driver Using DirectX Diagnostic Tool (DXDIAG)

DXDIAG provides a detailed overview of your GPU, including features and driver details.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.

  2. Type dxdiag and press Enter.

  3. Click the Display tab (or Display 1, Display 2 if multiple GPUs).

  4. Check details such as:

    • GPU name

    • Manufacturer

    • VRAM (Memory)

    • Driver version

    • Driver model

    • Feature levels

DXDIAG is especially useful when troubleshooting games or software errors.


3. Check Graphics Driver Through Windows Settings

Windows 11 includes a built-in GPU information page that’s easy to access.

How to find it:

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Go to SystemDisplay.

  3. Scroll down and click Advanced display.

  4. Under Display information, click Display adapter properties.

A new window opens showing:

  • Adapter type

  • Total memory

  • Driver version

  • Driver date

  • Manufacturer

This method is perfect for users who prefer a general overview without opening multiple tools.


4. Check Graphics Driver Using GPU Software (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel)

If you have a dedicated GPU, the manufacturer’s software gives the most accurate driver data.

Open the following apps if installed:

  • NVIDIA Control Panel or GeForce Experience

  • AMD Radeon Software (Adrenalin Edition)

  • Intel Graphics Command Center

Inside these apps, you can view:

  • Driver version

  • Update availability

  • GPU usage

  • System optimization suggestions

These tools often provide a “Check for Updates” button to make upgrading easy.


How to Know Which Graphics Card You Have

If you’re unsure which GPU your system uses, follow these quick steps:

Steps:

  1. Right-click the Start button.

  2. Select Task Manager.

  3. Go to the Performance tab.

  4. Select GPU 0 or GPU 1.

This displays the GPU model, type (Intel, AMD, NVIDIA), and video memory.


How to Check If Your Graphics Driver Is Updated

Use Device Manager to confirm the update status.

Steps:

  1. Open Device Manager.

  2. Expand Display adapters.

  3. Right-click your GPU → Update driver.

  4. Select Search automatically for drivers.

If Windows finds a new version, it will install it. If not, your driver is already up to date.


When Should You Update Your Graphics Driver?

Update your graphics driver if:

  • Your screen flickers or freezes

  • Games are lagging or crashing

  • You installed a new game requiring recent drivers

  • GPU performance is low

  • You see “Display driver stopped responding” errors

Updating often improves performance, fixes bugs, and adds new features.


Final Thoughts

Checking your graphics driver on Windows 11 is simple once you know where to look. Whether you use Device Manager, DXDIAG, Windows Settings, or manufacturer software, each method gives you clear insight into your GPU’s status and driver version.

Keeping your graphics drivers updated ensures smoother performance, fewer display issues, and a more stable computing experience.

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