How To Reset Your Graphics Driver On Windows

If your Windows PC is experiencing display issues or performance glitches, resetting your graphics driver can be a quick and effective solution. 

Graphics drivers are crucial for your system’s ability to render visuals smoothly. Sometimes, you can face issues with the display due to software updates, conflicts, or temporary glitches. By resetting the driver, you can restore optimal functionality without extensive troubleshooting. This guide will explore simple methods to reset your graphics driver, helping you get your display back on track quickly and easily. 

Also Read: ‘Warning: Known Issues with Graphics Driver’ | How to Fix

Why Should You Reset Your Graphics Drivers

1. Resolve Display Issues: If problems like screen flickering, black screens, or artifacts bother you, resetting the driver often helps.
2. Improve Performance: A reset can help restore optimal performance, significantly if recently updated software or drivers may have caused conflicts.
3. Fix Crashes or Freezes: If applications or games frequently crash or freeze, resetting the graphics driver may help stabilize performance.
4. Refresh Graphics Settings: It clears any temporary settings or errors that might be affecting display quality or responsiveness.
5. Easy Troubleshooting: Resetting the driver is a quick troubleshooting step that requires minimal effort and can save time compared to more complex solutions.

Also Read: How To Fix Windows Update Automatically Replacing Your AMD Graphics Driver

Steps On How To Reset Your Graphics Driver On Windows

Method 1: Reboot the Graphics Driver Using a Keyboard Shortcut

The easiest way to reset the graphics driver on Windows is by using the graphics reset shortcuts Win + Ctrl + Shift + B keyboard shortcut. When you press this combination, your screen will briefly flash, and you may hear a beep. After a moment, everything should return to normal. This shortcut effectively reboots the graphics driver on your Windows PC and is completely safe, as it won’t disrupt any running applications or unsaved work. 

Note: This shortcut may not function while playing games, as games often take control of the keyboard and prevent Windows from recognizing this shortcut.

Also Read: Unable to Initialize Graphics System – Fix Graphics Card Error Windows 11/10/7

Method 2: Use Device Manager To Reset The Graphics Card Driver

Device Manager is a useful tool in Windows for managing and troubleshooting connected hardware devices. You can also reset the graphics driver on a Windows PC using this method. Here are the steps:

1. Press Win + X to open the Power menu, select “Device Manager” and press Enter.
2. Click on the Display Adapters option to expand it..
3. Right-click on your graphics driver and choose Properties.
4. In the Properties window, navigate to the Driver tab and click Disable Device. Confirm by clicking Yes.
5. After a few seconds, click on Enable Device.

Your screen will briefly go black when you disable and then re-enable the graphics driver, which is completely normal. Once done, check to see if your issue has been resolved.

Also Read: How to Fix Graphics Card Shows as Microsoft Basic Display Adapter

Method 3: Reinstall The Graphics Card Driver

If other methods haven’t resolved the issue, you may want to uninstall and reinstall the graphics driver. This process completely removes the driver from your system, potentially fixing any glitches or compatibility issues affecting your display. Here is what you need to do:

1. Open Device Manager by pressing Win + R and typing “devmgmt.msc” followed by the Enter key.
2. Click on the Display Adapters section.
3. Right-click on your graphics driver to view the context menu and choose Uninstall device.
4. Confirm by selecting Uninstall.
5. Reboot your PC. Windows will recognize the missing driver and install it.

Also Read: Application Has Been Blocked from Accessing Graphics Hardware Error on Windows – Fixed

Editor’s Bonus Tips: Fix Graphical Issues

If you face issues after resetting your graphics card, update your graphics drivers. There are three methods to update your graphics drivers and we have explained the steps below.

Method 1: Update Windows

Step 1: Press Win + I to open the Settings box.
Step 2: Click on Windows Update in the left panel.

Step 3: Next, click the Check For Updates button on the right.
Step 4: After the Updates have been found, click on the Download & Install button.
Step 5: Next, click the Advanced Options followed by Optional Updates.
Step 6: Check if you have updates under Driver Updates and Other Updates.
Step 7: Check the boxes next to them to select and click on the Download and Install button.

Also Read: Solved – Nvidia Graphics Driver Not Compatible With This Version of Windows

Method 2: Update Graphics Drivers Using OEM Websites

Step 1: Go to the official website of your device’s manufacturer (e.g., Dell, HP, Lenovo).
Step 2: Find the support, drivers, or downloads section.
Step 3: Input your device’s model or serial number to locate the appropriate drivers and updates for your hardware.
Step 4: Download the latest drivers, firmware updates, or BIOS updates available for your device.
Step 5: Double-click the downloaded file to initiate the installation process and follow the on-screen instructions.
Step 6: Restart your computer after installation to ensure all changes take effect.

Method 3: Update Drivers Using Advanced Driver Updater

If the above methods sound too technical for you, we have an easy method that will help you update your graphics card driver with a few mouse clicks.

Step 1: Download and install Advanced Driver Updater.

Step 2: Launch the app and click the Start Scan Now button.

Step 3: A list of driver issues will appear on the screen.

Step 4: Locate the Graphics Driver among the list and click on the update link next to it.
Step 5: The update process will now begin. Restart your computer once the update is completed.

Top Ways to Reset Your Graphics Driver On Windows

Resetting your graphics driver is a straightforward and effective way to troubleshoot and resolve display issues on your Windows PC. By using keyboard shortcuts or the Device Manager, you can quickly restore optimal performance and fix common problems like screen flickering or application crashes. Regularly resetting your graphics driver can also be a good practice, especially after updates or software changes, to maintain a seamless user experience. Do write to us about which method you choose and why in the comments section below.