1. Causes and Symptoms of Graphics Card Driver Conflicts 🧐

Graphics card driver conflicts can exhibit the following symptoms:

• Screen Flickering: Sudden screen flickers.
• Performance Drops: FPS drops and game lag.
• Graphic Glitches: Screen distortions and texture errors.
• System Crashes: Blue screens and forced reboots.

The main causes of graphics card driver conflicts include:

• Incorrect Driver Installation: Using incompatible drivers.
• Conflicts with Windows Updates: Drivers not compatible with the OS.
• Residual Files from Previous Drivers: Files not completely removed.
• Hardware Faults: Issues with the graphics card itself or overheating.

2. Quick Fixes ⚡

Temporary Measures

• Save ongoing graphic-intensive tasks.
• Check the graphics card temperature.
• Lower the resolution for a temporary fix.

2.1 Reboot Your PC

This is the most basic method. If the driver issue is temporary, a reboot might resolve it.

2.2 Run Windows Troubleshooter

• Press Windows + I to open Settings.
• Go to System → Troubleshoot → Additional troubleshooters.
• Run the ‘Hardware and Devices’ troubleshooter.

2.3 Enable Basic Display Adapter

• Press Windows + X and select ‘Device Manager’.
• Right-click the graphics card under ‘Display Adapters’ → ‘Disable Device’.
• Right-click again → ‘Enable Device’.

3. Checking Drivers in Device Manager 🛠️

3.1 Verify Driver Status

• Open Device Manager → Expand ‘Display Adapters’.
• Look for a yellow exclamation mark (⚠️) next to the driver name.
• Right-click the problematic driver → Click ‘Properties’.
• Check if the message ‘This device is not working properly’ appears.

3.2 Roll Back Driver

• Right-click the problematic driver → ‘Properties’.
• Go to the ‘Driver’ tab → Select ‘Roll Back Driver’.
• Reboot and check if the issue persists.

4. Completely Removing Drivers with DDU 🔄

4.1 Download and Install DDU

• Search online for Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) and download it.
• Install the program and run it.

4.2 Remove Drivers in Safe Mode

• Press Windows + R → Type msconfig.
• Go to the ‘Boot’ tab → Check ‘Safe Boot’ and restart.
• Run DDU → Select ‘Clean and Restart’.

4.3 Remove Residual Files

Manually delete remaining files in C:\NVIDIA or C:\AMD folders after using DDU.

5. Installing the Latest Driver Versions 🔧

5.1 Download Drivers from Manufacturer’s Website

• NVIDIA users: Visit NVIDIA’s official website.
• AMD users: Visit AMD’s official website.
• Intel users: Visit Intel’s official website.

5.2 Manual Installation Method

• Run the downloaded driver installation file.
• Choose ‘Custom Installation’ during setup.
• Check ‘Remove previous drivers’ before proceeding.

5.3 Use GeForce Experience or Radeon Software

• NVIDIA users can use GeForce Experience for automatic updates.
• AMD users can manage drivers with Radeon Software.

6. Advanced Troubleshooting 🔍

6.1 Check Graphics Card Settings in BIOS/UEFI

• Enter BIOS/UEFI by pressing Del or F2 during boot.
• Disable integrated GPU or ensure PCIe is set as primary.

6.2 Change Power Settings

• Press Windows + X → Select ‘Power Options’.
• Choose a high-performance power plan.
• Check and adjust graphics card-related options in ‘Advanced power settings’.

6.3 Prevent Overheating and Test Hardware

• Monitor the graphics card temperature using HWMonitor or MSI Afterburner.
• Clean dust and check the cooling system.
• Test the graphics card in another PC to confirm hardware issues.

6.4 Clean the Registry

Run PowerShell with administrative privileges and execute:

sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
        

6.5 Optimize Graphics Card Settings

• Set ‘Power Management Mode’ to ‘Prefer Maximum Performance’.
• Adjust vertical sync settings.
• Set up optimized profiles for individual games.

Preventive Management 🛡️

• Regularly check for driver updates.
• Monitor the graphics card temperature.
• Clean dust regularly.
• Optimize game settings.

7. Frequently Asked Questions 💭

Q: My screen goes black after installing NVIDIA drivers. 😢
A: Remove the drivers completely using DDU in Safe Mode, then reinstall the latest version.

Q: I experience frame drops after a driver update.
A: Roll back to the previous driver or check manufacturer forums for a stable version.

Q: My graphics card is not recognized.
A: Ensure the graphics card is properly seated and check PCIe slot settings in BIOS.

Q: Driver installation keeps failing.
A: Restart Windows Update services:

net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
net start wuauserv
net start bits
        

Q: Frequent blue screens occur.
A: This may indicate a hardware issue with the graphics card. Consider visiting an authorized service center.