Share via

Which Graphics driver should I install?

Anonymous
2021-08-02T03:58:59+00:00

I have a laptop from Dell and it has an Intel processor with integrated Intel graphics. I am confused to which driver should I install? I mean, on Intel's website the latest drivers were released recently, but on Dell's website, for specifically searching for my device, it still shows the driver from 2017. So which should I install, intel's latest driver, or the recommended 2017 driver? I think what happening is that because laptops are prebuilt and have a lack of support of hardware compatibility than a desktop computer, Dell is recommending the 2017 driver because it knows that that I have a laptop, but intel doesn't. But, months ago I had installed the very latest driver intel provided that time, and a few issues I was having with some games were fixed, but I thought that I should not be using this driver, so I rolled back to the previous, but then the issues with some games started again. Mainly it was a V-sync problem. V-sync was off, but the screen would go haywire.

So which driver should I install? Latest, or recommended? Also on Dell's website, it shows that with the Intel's 2017 graphics driver, there is a Nvidia GT graphics card driver??? WHAT? There is no way on Earth that I spent 6 years of my life with integrated graphics when I already had an actual graphics card. Also if so, Windows would show that I had that installed, but it didn't so there is now way I have a Nvidia GT graphics card, but then why Is Dell recommending that driver to me?

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Devices and drivers

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

Answer accepted by question author

  1. Anonymous
    2021-08-02T04:50:16+00:00

    Hi W10U. I'm Greg, a Volunteer Moderator and 10 years Windows MVP here to help you.

    It's a good question, especially because as you may know many laptop manufacturer's customize the drivers - especially for the GPU - so first preference should always go to the driver from the PC manufacturer. In Dell's case you want to be sure to use the Service Tag so you know you're getting the exact build's drivers, as shown here:

    https://www.dell.com/support/contents/us/en/04/...

    and inputted here:

    http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/19/Produ...

    While there make sure that you also have the latest chipset, BIOS, display, network, bluetooth, USB and all other drivers, compared to the ones presently installed in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start button.

    With Dell you can also trust the Dell Support Assist or Dell Update utility (whichever came with your build) to update the drivers automatically.

    I'd also make sure whether you have Switchable Dual Graphics which is managed a bit differently in the Nvidia software so that under stress it kicks in the video card. Study how this works here;

    https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000054...

    http://www.geforce.com/hardware/technology/opti...

    https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support...

    https://www.microcenter.com/tech_center/article...

    https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support...

    There is also no harm in comparing the Nvidia and Intel drivers to what Dell offers. I'd try the auto-updaters from both, and if those aren't enough then manually search:

    http://www.nvidia.com/Download/Scan.aspx?lang=e...

    https://www.nvidia.com/Download/Find.aspx

    http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/...

    https://downloadcenter.intel.com/

    If you want to discuss this more with Dell you can contact their Support or Forums:

    https://www.dell.com/support/incidents-online/u...

    https://www.dell.com/community/Dell-Community/c...

    I hope this helps. Feel free to ask any questions. Based on the results you post back I may have other suggestions if necessary.

    ______________________________________________

    Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

    4 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments

0 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest