subject: Can You Uninstall and Reinstall a Video Driver on a Laptop [print this page] Can You Uninstall and Reinstall a Video Driver on a Laptop
The question, "Can you uninstall and reinstall a video driver on a laptop?" comes up quite often on forums. People want newer and better video and they think a new video driver is the answer. While generally it is gamers and techy people who ask, occasionally a regular person wants to know, too.
Video Driver Basics
Actually, this applies to all drivers but since we are talking about video cards, we will focus on this aspect. Video drivers support video cards on the computer and come in two forms internal (integrated) and external.
External video cards are similar to your plug and play devices like your mouse and printer. The drivers are not an integral part of your computer and can be uninstalled without harming your system. However, unless you have an internal video card as well, uninstalling the driver will mean you cannot see anything on your computer.
Internal video cards are embedded in your computer's system. They cannot be uninstalled. If you attempt to uninstall the driver, when you reboot your computer, it will just install itself again.
Laptops and Video Cards
The majority of laptops have internal or integrated video cards. This means you will not be able to uninstall the driver. At best, you can install updated drivers to make your graphics look better and run smoother.
In rare cases, laptops do come with an extra slot where you could add an external video card. However, you need to take your laptop to a computer professional to have this done. Opening up your laptop is never advised as you could do permanent damage to the system.
Computer Towers and Video Cards
When you have a home or business computer that is not a laptop, the system is generally called a tower. This is based on the "tower" shape of the container. Towers are easier to upgrade and easier to maintain due to the accessible nature of the components.
On towers, you have about a 50/50 chance of the video card being internal as you do external. The only real way to know is to unscrew the bolts and open up the computer. However, there is one little cheat, which may help you determine without opening everything up.
Look at the back of your computer and you will see a few closed slots. They kind of look like CD slots but a little bit narrower. One or two of the slots may be open and have stuff plugged into them. Now, trace the monitor's cord to where it enters the computer tower. If the cord plugs into one of these narrow slots, then chances are you have an external video card. If not, then you have an integrated card.
Like the laptop, you can add an external video card for better performance. However, if you feel comfortable opening the tower, then you can install it yourself.
Updating Your Video Drivers
If you are looking for a quick way to fix a bad driver, then updating is your best bet. Install and run driver update software to see if your drivers need updating. If so, download and install the new drivers.
