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How to reset your video driver on Windows, using both built-in tools and manual methods.

By admin | September 14, 2024

Resetting your video driver can help resolve display issues such as flickering, crashing, or incorrect screen resolutions. Here’s how to reset your video driver on Windows, using both built-in tools and manual methods.

1. Using Device Manager

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Open Device Manager:
  • Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager from the context menu.
  1. Locate Your Video Driver:
  • Expand the Display adapters section to find your graphics card. It will be listed with a name like “NVIDIA,” “AMD,” or “Intel.”
  1. Update Driver:
  • Right-click on your graphics card and select Update driver.
  • Choose Search automatically for updated driver software. Windows will search for and install the latest driver if one is available.
  1. Restart Your Computer:
  • After the update process is complete, restart your computer to apply the changes.
  1. Reinstall Driver (Optional):
  • If updating the driver doesn’t fix the issue, you might need to uninstall and reinstall it:
    • Right-click the graphics card again and select Uninstall device.
    • Check the option to Delete the driver software for this device if available.
    • Restart your computer. Windows will attempt to reinstall the driver automatically. Alternatively, you can download and install the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website.

2. Using Windows Key + Ctrl + Shift + B Shortcut

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Reset Driver:
  • Press Windows Key + Ctrl + Shift + B simultaneously. This shortcut restarts the graphics driver and is useful for fixing temporary display issues without restarting your computer.
  1. Wait for the Screen to Flash:
  • Your screen might flicker or go black briefly. This is normal and indicates that the driver is being reset.

3. Using Command Prompt

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
  • Right-click the Start button and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin).
  1. Reset Driver:
  • Type the following command and press Enter:
    cmd devmgmt.msc
  • This opens Device Manager directly from the Command Prompt. Follow the steps in the Device Manager method described above to update or reinstall your video driver.

4. Using the Graphics Card Control Panel

For NVIDIA Users:

  1. Open NVIDIA Control Panel:
  • Right-click on your desktop and select NVIDIA Control Panel.
  1. Check for Updates:
  • Go to the Help menu and select Check for updates.
  1. Update Driver:
  • Follow the prompts to download and install the latest driver if available.

For AMD Users:

  1. Open AMD Radeon Settings:
  • Right-click on your desktop and select AMD Radeon Settings or AMD Catalyst Control Center.
  1. Check for Updates:
  • Go to the Updates section and follow the prompts to update your driver.

For Intel Users:

  1. Open Intel Graphics Command Center:
  • Right-click on your desktop and select Intel Graphics Command Center.
  1. Check for Updates:
  • Go to the System tab and select Check for Updates.

5. Using Safe Mode

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Restart in Safe Mode:
  • Open Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
  • Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.
  • Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
  • Press 4 or F4 to boot into Safe Mode.
  1. Update or Reinstall Driver:
  • In Safe Mode, open Device Manager and follow the steps to update or reinstall your video driver.

6. Downloading and Installing Drivers Manually

If the above methods don’t work, you can manually download and install the driver from the manufacturer’s website:

  1. Visit the Manufacturer’s Website:
  • Go to the website of your graphics card manufacturer (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel).
  1. Download the Latest Driver:
  • Search for the driver corresponding to your graphics card model and Windows version.
  1. Install the Driver:
  • Follow the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Conclusion

Resetting or updating your video driver can resolve a variety of display issues and ensure that your graphics hardware operates efficiently. Whether you use built-in tools, shortcuts, or manual methods, keeping your drivers up-to-date is crucial for maintaining a smooth and reliable computing experience.

If issues persist after these steps, consider seeking further assistance from a professional or contacting the hardware manufacturer for additional support.

Keep your graphics smooth and your experience seamless!

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