When in doubt, contact your system manufacturer directly for guidance on driver updates.

The installation process and drivers are just for Intel graphics (models HD 4000-5200) and have been tested repeatedly on the Microsoft Surface series of tablets with positive results, but only minimally tested on other systems. Please note that this process will not work on all systems. There is also a video of the process embedded below that might be helpful to watch prior to performing the installation steps. This post details the necessary steps to manually update your Intel HD Graphics drivers using Intel reference drivers on Windows 8/8.1 systems. In these cases you might need the latest driver direct from the graphics chip maker (usually Intel, AMD, or Nvidia). Once testing is complete Intel advises reinstalling the OEM driver until they validate it and release their own version.Originally authored by: Gary Zeller, December 3, 2014įixing graphics driver issues sometimes requires a newer driver than is available from the system manufacturer or Windows Update. The only caveat is that the restriction lift is only available for computers using the 6th Generation Intel Processor platform or higher.Īlthough this new approach will give users more freedom to upgrade drivers as soon as new updates become available, Intel warns that using generic graphics drivers are meant for testing purposes only “to temporarily test new features, game enhancements, or check if an issue is resolved. “As of this release, Intel Graphics DCH drivers are now unlocked to upgrade freely between Computer Manufacturer (OEM) drivers and the Intel generic graphics drivers on Download Center.” Intel also explains: “your OEM customizations remain intact with each upgrade and the OEMs can maintain customizations separately via Windows Update.” In other words, if you’re using a laptop or desktop from a known brand, you can now upgrade the driver to a newer version with new enhancements, features, and fixes without the manufacturer validation. However, Intel now reveals that is has change its driver distribution policy allowing anyone to install generic GPU drivers on Windows 10 without having to wait until the next release of a customized version of the controller.

Intel graphics driver install