How to Reset Graphics Drivers: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Quick tricks to restart your graphics card without rebooting
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If your computer's screen is freezing, crashing, flickering, displaying error messages, or has poor graphics quality, resetting your graphics driver may fix the problem. If the problems started occurring after you changed your graphics driver settings, you can restore your graphics drivers to their default settings. This wikiHow guide will teach you how to reset your graphics driver in Windows 11 and 10, plus a few handy tips for Mac and Linux users.

Resetting a Graphics Driver

Press Windows key + Ctrl + Shift + B to instantly refresh your graphics driver without restarting the operating system. Alternatively, use an app like Custom Resolution Utility or PowerShell to reset the driver. You can also disable and re-enable your graphics drivers in Device Manager.

Method 1
Method 1 of 11:

Using a Keyboard Shortcut

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  1. Step 1 Press ⊞ Win+Ctrl+⇧ Shift+B.
    This is by far the easiest way to reset your graphics drivers. Simply press the Windows Key, plus Shift, Ctrl, and B at the same time. You will hear a beep and your screen will flash quickly.[1] This indicates your graphics drivers have been reset.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 11:

Using Custom Resolution Utility

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  1. Step 1 Download Custom Resolution Utility.
    Custom Resolution Utility (or CRU) is a free application that allows you to set a custom resolution for your monitor. It also comes with an application that allows you to reset your graphics driver. Use the following steps to download the CRU zip file:
  2. Step 2 Extract the CRU zip file.
    Double-click the CRU zip file you just downloaded within your web browser or from within your Downloads folder. Extract the contents of the zip file to a location that you can remember.
  3. Step 3 Run the "Restart64.exe" file.
    It's one of the files that was extracted from the CRU zip file. Your screen will flash a couple of times before the image returns. Then you will see a pop-up informing you that your graphics drivers have been reset.
    • If you receive a message informing you that Windows Defender prevented you from running an unrecognized app because it might put your PC at risk, simply click More Info, then click Run Anyway.
  4. Step 4 Click Exit.
    After you run the application, you should see a pop-up informing you that your graphics drivers have been restarted. Click Exit to close the application.
    • Alternatively, you can click Restart again to reset your graphics drivers a second time.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 11:

Using Device Manager

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  1. Step 1 Open the Device Manager.
    Use the following steps to open the Device Manager:[2]
    • Press Windows Key + X, or right-click the Start menu.
    • Click Device Manager.
  2. Step 2 Expand "Display Adapters."
    Click the bracket next to "Display Adapters" to display all your Graphics Drivers.
  3. Step 3 Right-click a graphics driver and click Disable Driver.
    This disables your graphics driver. Your screen may flicker, or your system may restart.[3]
    • If you have two or more graphics drivers, the other one will take over for the one that was just disabled.
  4. Step 4 Restart your PC.
    After applying the default settings, restart your PC for them to take effect. To do so, click the Windows Start menu, click the Power icon, and click Restart.
  5. Step 5 Open the Device Manager again and expand "Display Adapters."
    Click the bracket next to "Display Adapters" to display all your Graphics Drivers.
  6. Step 6 Right-click your graphics driver and click Enable Device.
    This will restart your graphics driver and force it to reset.[4]
    • If you have more than one graphics driver, you may need to repeat these steps with all of them.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 11:

Using PowerShell

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  1. Step 1 Open PowerShell as an admin.
    PowerShell is a command-line interface you can use to enter text commands. Use the following steps to open PowerShell.
    • Press Windows Key + X.
    • Click Windows PowerShell (Admin) (Windows 10) or Terminal (Admin) (Windows 11).
  2. Step 2 Type the command to show your graphics driver information.
    Enter the following command and press Enter to show your graphics driver information:
    • pnputil /enum-devices /class Display
  3. Step 3 Copy the Instance ID.
    There should be a long string of numbers and letters after "Instance ID". Highlight the entire string and press Ctrl + C to copy it.
    • You may have more than one graphics driver. If so, look for ones that have “NVIDIA,” “AMD,” or “Intel.”
  4. Step 4 Enter the command to restart your graphics driver.
    You will see your screen go black for a second or two, and then your display will return. This indicates your graphics drivers have been reset. Use the following steps to reset your graphics driver.[5]
    • Type pnputil /restart-device
    • Paste the Instance ID in quotes.
      • For example, pnputil /restart-device "PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_3EA0&SUBSYS_14311043&REV_00\3&11583659&1&10"
    • Press Enter.
  5. Step 5 Disable and re-enable all display devices.
    Alternatively, you can use the following commands to disable and re-enable all devices. Your screen will go black for a few seconds after disabling your graphics driver. If it stays black for too long, use the keyboard shortcut to try to restart your graphics driver. Use the following steps to enable and disable all graphics drivers in PowerShell:[6]
    • Type Get-PnpDevice -Class Display and press Enter.
    • Wait at least 3 seconds.
    • Type Get-PnpDevice -Class Display and press Enter.
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Method 5
Method 5 of 11:

Using Task Manager

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  1. Step 1 Press ⇧ Shift+Ctrl+Esc.
    This is the keyboard shortcut to open the Lock Screen menu.[7]
  2. Step 2 Click Task Manager.
    It’s the last option in the menu. This opens Task Manager.
  3. Step 3 Click the Processes tab.
    On Windows 11, it’s the first tap at the top of the menu bar on the left. On Windows 10, it’s at the top of the Task Manager.
  4. Step 4 Scroll down to "Background Processes."
    It's the second header below "Apps."
  5. Step 5 Look for any AMD or Nvidia processes.
    If you have an AMD graphics card, you will see processes involving AMD. If you have an Nvidia graphics card, you will see processes involving Nvidia. Processes are listed in alphabetical order.
  6. Step 6 Select a process and click End Task.
    When you see an AMD or Nvidia process, click it to highlight it, then click End Task in the lower-right corner. Repeat for all AMD or Nvidia tasks. This will reset your graphics driver. Your screen may flash or flicker when your drivers are reset.
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Method 6
Method 6 of 11:

Reinstalling Your Drivers

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  1. Step 1 Open the Device Manager.
    If you are still experiencing problems with your graphics driver, you may want to try uninstalling and reinstalling it. Alternatively, try updating Windows, which will update all your drivers, including your graphics drivers. You can uninstall your drivers using the Device Manager. Use the following steps to open the Device Manager:[8]
    • Press Windows Key + X.
    • Click Device Manager.
  2. Step 2 Expand "Display Adapters."
    Click the bracket next to "Display Adapters" to display all your Graphics Drivers.
  3. Step 3 Right-click your graphics driver(s).
    Your graphics drivers will be listed below "Display Adapters." Right-click your graphics driver to display a pop-out menu.
  4. Step 4 Click Uninstall device.
    This displays a pop-up dialogue box.[9]
  5. Step 5 Check "Delete the driver software for this device" and click Uninstall.
    Click the checkbox in the pop-up dialogue box. This will remove the driver software from the driver store. Then, click Uninstall in the lower-right corner. Your computer screen may flicker, or restart on its own.[10]
    • If you have more than one graphics driver, your other graphics driver will take over for the one you uninstalled.
  6. Step 6 Restart your computer.
    After you restart your computer, Windows will automatically reinstall your graphics drivers on its own. However, it may not install the latest graphics drivers.
    • Alternatively, you can download the latest graphics drivers from your PC manufacturer or the graphics card manufacturer's website. In order to do this, you will need to know which version of Windows you are using, as well as the make and model (and possibly serial number) of your PC, or the make and model of your graphics card.
    • You can also use third-party applications, like Driver Easy or Advanced Driver Updater, to scan and install your drivers for you.
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Method 7
Method 7 of 11:

Restoring Intel Graphics Drivers to their Default Settings

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  1. Step 1 Open the Intel HD Graphics Control Panel.
    To do so, right-click your desktop and click Graphics Properties. Alternatively, you can click the Windows Start menu and type "Intel." Then, click the Intel HD Graphics Control Panel.
  2. Step 2 Click 3D.
    It has an icon that resembles a 3D cube.
  3. Step 3 Click Restore Defaults.
    It's at the bottom of the app on the left. It has a curved arrow icon pointing left.
  4. Step 4 Click Apply.
    This will restore your Intel graphics drivers to their default settings.
  5. Step 5 Restart your PC.
    After applying the default settings, restart your PC for them to take effect. To do so, click the Windows Start menu, click the Power icon, and select Restart.[11]
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Method 8
Method 8 of 11:

Restoring NVIDIA Graphics Drivers to their Default Settings

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  1. Step 1 Open the NVIDIA Control Panel.
    To do so, right-click on your desktop and click Nvidia Control Panel. Alternatively, you can click the Windows Start menu and type "Nvidia" and click the Nvidia Control Panel app.
  2. Step 2 Click Manage 3D Settings.
    It's the second option below "3D Settings" in the panel to the left.
  3. Step 3 Click Restore.
    It's in the lower-right corner below the Settings window. This restores your Nvidia graphics drivers to their default settings.[12]
  4. Step 4 Restart your PC.
    After applying the default settings, restart your PC for them to take effect. To do so, click the Windows Start menu, click the Power icon, and select Restart.
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Method 9
Method 9 of 11:

Restoring AMD Graphics Drivers to their Default Settings

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  1. Step 1 Open the AMD Radeon Settings app.
    To do so, right-click on your desktop and click AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition. Alternatively, you can click the Windows Start menu, type "AMD", and select the AMD Software app.
    • On some devices, this may be the AMD Radeon app instead.
  2. Step 2 Click the Gear icon.
    It’s in the upper-right corner. This opens the Settings menu.
    • If you are using AMD Radeon instead, click Preferences.
  3. Step 3 Click Perform Reset next to “Factory Reset.”
    It’s the second option in the menu on the left.
    • If you are using an AMD Radeon, click Restore Factory Defaults instead.
  4. Step 4 Click Proceed.
    It’s the red button in the pop-up windows. This restores your AMD graphics card settings to their default settings.
  5. Step 5 Restart your PC.
    After applying the default settings, restart your PC for them to take effect. To do so, click the Windows Start menu, select the Power icon, and click Restart.
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Method 10
Method 10 of 11:

Using a Mac

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  1. Step 1 Restart your Mac.
    If you have an Apple Silicon Mac (most Macs built after 2021), all you need to do is power your Mac off for about 30 seconds. If you have an older Intel-based Mac, you’ll need to reset the PRAM or NVRAM upon booting up your Mac. Use the following steps to power-cycle your Mac:[13]
    • Click the Apple icon in the upper-left corner.
    • Click Shut Down.
    • Wait 30 seconds.
    • Power your Mac back on.
  2. Step 2 Reset the PRAM or NVRAM (Intel-based Macs only).
    The PRAM or NVRAM is a small amount of memory your Mac uses to store system settings for quick access. This includes graphics driver information. Resetting your PRAM or NVRAM may resolve any issues you are having. However, you may need to adjust the system settings once you reset the PRAM or NVRAM. Use the following steps to reset your PRAM or NVRAM:[14]
    • Shut down your Mac.
    • Power on your Mac and immediately press and hold Command + Control + P + R.[15]
    • Release the buttons after you hear the startup sound play twice, or until after you see the Apple logo appear and disappear twice.
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Method 11
Method 11 of 11:

Using Linux

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  1. Step 1 Press Ctrl+Alt+T to open the Terminal.
    On Debian-based versions of Linux, the Terminal has an icon that resembles a black screen with a white cursor. You can open the Terminal in your Apps menu, or by using the keyboard shortcut.[16]
  2. Step 2 Make a backup copy of your configuration.
    You can use this to restore your configuration if anything goes wrong. Enter the following command and press Enter to make a backup copy of your configuration:
    • sudo cp /etc/X11/xorg.conf /etc/X11/xorg.conf.bk
  3. Step 3 Update your software repository.
    You can use the following command to update your software repository on Debian-based versions of Linux:[17]
    • sudo apt update
  4. Step 4 List your graphics packages.
    Use the following command to list all the packages associated with your graphics driver. Replace "[graphics card]" with "intel," "amd," or "nvidia," depending on which graphics card you have.
    • apt-cache pkgnames [graphics card]
  5. Step 5 Reinstall your graphics packages.
    Once you identify what graphics packages you have, use the following command to reinstall them. Replace "[graphics package]" with the name of the package you want to reinstall:[18]
    • sudo apt install [graphics package]
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.computerhope.com/tips/tip102.htm
  2. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/open-device-manager-a7f2db46-faaf-24f0-8b7b-9e4a6032fc8c
  3. ↑ https://www.groovypost.com/howto/reset-a-graphics-card-on-windows/
  4. ↑ https://www.groovypost.com/howto/reset-a-graphics-card-on-windows/
  5. ↑ https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/drivers/devtest/pnputil-examples
  6. ↑ https://www.ninjaone.com/blog/how-to-restart-the-graphics-driver/
  7. ↑ https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/how-to-open-task-manager-in-windows-10/
  8. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/open-device-manager-a7f2db46-faaf-24f0-8b7b-9e4a6032fc8c
  9. ↑ https://www.asus.com/support/FAQ/1015072/
  1. ↑ https://www.asus.com/support/FAQ/1015072/
  2. ↑ https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/articles/000057389/graphics.html
  3. ↑ https://www.nvidia.com/content/Control-Panel-Help/vLatest/en-us/mergedProjects/nv3d/To_set_a_default_3D_setting.htm
  4. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-gu/102603
  5. ↑ https://www.technewstoday.com/how-to-reset-graphics-driver/
  6. ↑ https://www.macworld.com/article/676207/how-to-reset-nvram-on-an-m1-or-intel-mac.html
  7. ↑ https://ubuntu.com/tutorials/command-line-for-beginners#3-opening-a-terminal
  8. ↑ https://docs.nvidia.com/cuda/cuda-installation-guide-linux/
  9. ↑ https://docs.nvidia.com/cuda/cuda-installation-guide-linux/

About This Article

Luigi Oppido
Reviewed by:
Luigi Oppido
Computer & Tech Specialist
This article was reviewed by Luigi Oppido and by wikiHow staff writer, Travis Boylls. Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over 7 years. This article has been viewed 551,863 times.
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Co-authors: 3
Updated: June 29, 2026
Views: 551,863
Categories: Basic Computer Skills
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