How to Find Graphics Card in Computer

It is important to know how to access your computer’s graphics card for replacement or updating reasons. This can be somewhat confusing for those who are not really computer proficient.  If you are updating the driver, you can do this within the computer system. If you are replacing or updating the actual graphics card, you must access the inside of the unit.

Locate Graphics Card Driver

1. Click “Start.”


2. Select “All Programs,” the “Accessories,” then “Run.”


3. Type “devmgmt.msc” into the text field and click “OK.”  The device manager will open.  If you encounter a user account control window, click “continue.”


4. Click the plus sign next to “display adapters.” This will tell you the name of your graphics card.  If there is more than one, then you probably have an onboard graphics card installed to your motherboard and a graphics card installed to one of the expansion slots.


5. Click “Update.” The computer will automatically connect to the Internet to update the driver.

Locate Graphics Card Hardware

1. Turn off your computer.


2. Remove all of the cables and cords that are connected to the computer. 


3. Take the case off of your computer – it will either unscrew or slide off. 


4. Touch the computer’s chassis in order to discharge any static electricity, which is important because you don’t want to damage the computer.


5. Look at the back of the motherboard for a thin, rectangular piece of software that sticks out of the motherboard at a 90-degree angle.  This is the graphics card.