How to Upgrade Your Graphics

How Do I Install a Graphics Card?

1: Uninstall the old drivers. Start by uninstalling your old card's drivers in Windows. Right-click My Computer, select Properties, and under the Hardware tab click on Device Manager. Double-click the name of your current graphics card, listed under Display Adapter, and under the Driver tab, click the Uninstall button. Then uninstall any other software used to manage your current card by running Add or Remove Programs in the Windows Control Panel (available in the Start menu). Typically these programs will be listed under ATI, NVIDIA, or the model name of your graphics card. Shut down your PC once you've taken care of the software.

2: Open the case. Unplug your PC and position it so that you can comfortably reach into the case's interior. If you have a tower case, you'll find it easier to install a graphics card if you lay the case on its side. Remove the cover.

3: Ground yourself. Protect your PC's delicate circuits from static electric charges on your body by properly grounding yourself. If you don't have a grounding strap, at least ground your body by touching a metal faucet, pipe, or even a metal part on the outside of your PC's case before touching the inside of your PC or any component.

4: Remove your current graphics card. First, remove the small screw that secures the card to the computer chassis. Then remove the card by grabbing its edges and pulling it upward with an even force while opening the small clip at the end of the card slot. If the card seems stuck, try gently rocking it lengthwise.

5: Install the new card. Remove the card from its packaging. Avoid touching the chips or circuits on the face of the card; hold the card by the edges only. Align the card's connector with the expansion slot and gently but firmly push down on the top edge with even pressure until the card is securely seated. Secure the card to the chassis with the existing screw or another clamping mechanism. If applicable, connect any power connectors.

6. Install the new drivers. Reassemble the PC case, power up the system, and install the graphics card drivers. Click Cancel to ignore the Windows prompt to run the installation wizard, then run the installation program that came with your graphics card.

If you have only the card's drivers and no installation program, you can manually install the new card by selecting Add Hardware from the Windows Control Panel. The program will walk you through the installation process and ask for the location of the driver files, which will be either on CD or on your hard drive, if you downloaded them.

Note: For a visual tutorial on installing a graphics card, watch our video.

Kirk Steers is a PC World contributing editor and the author of PC Upgrading and Troubleshooting QuickSteps from McGraw-Hill, Osborne Press.