How to Update Microsoft Basic Display Adapter In Windows 11/10 [Tutorial]

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How to Update Microsoft Basic Display Adapter In Windows 11/10 [Tutorial]

The Microsoft Basic Display Adapter is a generic driver installed by Windows when it cannot identify a specific graphics card. Users may encounter this driver when there are issues with their graphics cards or when they perform a clean install of Windows without installing the appropriate drivers. While the Basic Display Adapter is functional, it lacks the performance optimizations and features provided by the specific drivers from your GPU manufacturer. Hence, regularly updating or replacing it with the correct driver is paramount in ensuring optimum performance and stability of your graphics system.

In this tutorial, we will provide a detailed walkthrough on how to update the Microsoft Basic Display Adapter in Windows 11 and Windows 10. Whether you need to upgrade due to new software capabilities, enhanced gaming graphics, or improved overall system performance, we’ll cover several methods to get your graphics up to date.

Why Update the Microsoft Basic Display Adapter?

The Basic Display Adapter is primarily useful for debugging, compatibility, or basic functionality. However, there are several reasons to consider updating it:

  1. Improved Graphics Performance: Updated drivers provide better rendering and graphics capabilities, critical for gaming, video editing, or graphic design.
  2. Compatibility: Newer drivers often come with bug fixes and compatibility for the latest applications and games.
  3. Enhanced Features: Specific drivers offer features like hardware acceleration, better resolution support, and power-saving modes.
  4. Stability Improvements: Updates often resolve known issues, leading to greater system stability and performance.

Step-by-Step Guide to Update Microsoft Basic Display Adapter

In this tutorial, we will go through several methods to update the Microsoft Basic Display Adapter: using Device Manager, through Windows Update, employing the manufacturer’s website, and using third-party software.

Method 1: Using Device Manager

This method is straightforward and allows Windows to search for the latest driver automatically.

  1. Open Device Manager:

    • Press Windows + X on your keyboard or right-click on the Start menu.
    • Select Device Manager from the list.

  2. Locate the Display Adapter:

    • In the Device Manager window, find the section labeled Display adapters.
    • Click to expand it, and you should see Microsoft Basic Display Adapter listed.

  3. Update Driver:

    • Right-click on Microsoft Basic Display Adapter.
    • Select Update driver from the context menu.

  4. Search Automatically for Drivers:

    • In the next window, choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
    • Windows will now search online for the latest driver and install it if available.

  5. Restart Your PC:

    • After installation, restart your computer to apply changes.

Method 2: Using Windows Update

Sometimes, Windows Update provides driver updates that can help in enhancing overall system performance.

  1. Open Windows Settings:

    • Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.

  2. Navigate to Updates:

    • Click on Update & Security.
    • Click Windows Update on the left sidebar.

  3. Check for Updates:

    • Click on the Check for updates button.
    • If any updates related to drivers are available, they will be downloaded and installed automatically.

  4. Restart Your PC:

    • If updates are installed, make sure to restart your computer.

Method 3: Download from Manufacturer’s Website

For the best performance, downloading the specific driver from the manufacturer of your graphics card is ideal. This is particularly relevant if you have a dedicated GPU.

  1. Identify Your Graphics Card:

    • Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
    • Type dxdiag and press Enter.
    • In the DirectX Diagnostic Tool, check the Display tab to see the name and manufacturer of your graphics card.

  2. Visit the Manufacturer’s Website:

  3. Download and Install:

    • Find the appropriate driver for your model and OS version.
    • Download the installation package.
    • Open the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver.

  4. Restart Your PC:

    • Complete the installation by restarting your computer.

Method 4: Using Third-Party Software

If you are uncomfortable with manually finding and updating drivers, third-party software can automate the process.

  1. Choose a Trusted Third-Party Driver Updater:

    • Some popular choices are Driver Booster, Snappy Driver Installer, or DriverPack Solution. Always ensure to download from reputable sites to avoid malware.

  2. Install the Software:

    • Download the installer, then open it and follow the instructions to install.

  3. Run the Application:

    • Launch the driver updater tool, which will scan for outdated drivers.

  4. Find Microsoft Basic Display Adapter:

    • After the scan completes, locate the Microsoft Basic Display Adapter in the list of outdated drivers.

  5. Update the Driver:

    • Click on the update option next to the Microsoft Basic Display Adapter driver.
    • Allow the software to download and install the new driver.

  6. Restart Your PC:

    • Once completed, restart your computer to finish the installation.

Checking If the Update Was Successful

After performing any of the methods above, you may want to verify that the driver update was successful.

  1. Return to Device Manager:

    • Open Device Manager as described earlier.

  2. Check Driver Details:

    • Right-click the Microsoft Basic Display Adapter and select Properties.
    • Go to the Driver tab, where you can see the driver date and version.

  3. Update Success:

    • Check the version with the latest one available on the manufacturer’s website to confirm successful installation.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  1. No Update Found: If Windows reports that you are already using the best driver, you may need to manually check for updates from the manufacturer’s site if you suspect a newer one is available.

  2. Graphics Problems Post-Update: If you encounter display issues after updating, you may want to roll back the driver to the previous version through the Driver tab in Device Properties.

  3. Uninstalling the Driver: If problems persist, you can uninstall the driver entirely, allowing Windows to revert to the Basic Display Adapter as a fallback. Right-click on the adapter in Device Manager, then select Uninstall device.

  4. Safe Mode: If your display becomes unusable, boot your PC into Safe Mode. This mode uses the basic drivers and may allow you to fix the driver issues.

Conclusion

Regularly updating your graphics drivers, including the Microsoft Basic Display Adapter, is crucial for achieving the best performance and reliability from your system. Whether you choose to rely on Windows’ built-in tools, the manufacturer’s resources, or third-party utilities, the steps outlined in this guide should serve you well.

Remember simple preventive measures like confirming updates periodically can save you a lot of trouble in the long run. Following the steps outlined above will help you ensure that you are utilizing the best possible drivers for your hardware configurations, unlocking the full potential of your graphics capabilities in Windows 10 and Windows 11.

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