Windows errors

Programs or games crash due to an outdated driver

Specific applications, games, or features crash, freeze, or display graphical glitches, and the underlying cause turns out to be a driver that hasn't been updated in a while, rather than the application itself.

Difficulty
Easy
Time
20–45 minutes
DIY cost
$0
Pro cost
$60–$120

Symptoms

  • Crashes happen specifically in one program, game, or feature (like video calls or graphics rendering)
  • Crash logs or error messages sometimes name a specific driver or hardware component
  • Problem started after a long period without updating drivers, or after a Windows update
  • Other basic functions of the PC work fine

Likely causes

  • CommonOutdated graphics driverGraphics drivers need frequent updates to stay compatible with new games and applications.
  • CommonOutdated audio driverAudio drivers can cause crashes in video conferencing or media applications when outdated.
  • PossibleOutdated chipset or storage driverThese lower-level drivers can cause less obvious but still significant instability.
  • PossibleDriver conflict after a Windows feature updateA major Windows update can leave an older driver incompatible without immediately breaking everything.
  • Less commonCorrupted driver installationA partially damaged driver install can behave like an outdated one.

What to do

  1. Identify which specific driver is most relevant to the crashing application (graphics for games/video, audio for calls/media, network for online features).
  2. Go to Device Manager, find that hardware category, right-click, and check the currently installed driver version and date under the Driver tab.
  3. Download the latest driver directly from the manufacturer's website (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel, Realtek, etc.) rather than relying solely on Windows Update.
  4. Uninstall the old driver completely if the manufacturer provides an uninstall utility, then install the fresh driver from a clean state.
  5. Restart the PC after the driver update and retest the specific application that was crashing.
  6. If crashes continue, check the application's own support pages for known driver compatibility issues with your specific hardware.
  7. If updating doesn't help, try rolling back to a slightly older, more established driver version instead, since the very latest release can occasionally introduce new bugs.

Tools and parts

  • None beyond what's built into Windows

When to call a pro

If updating and rolling back drivers doesn't stop the crashes and they're isolated to one specific application, a technician or the software's own support team can help narrow down the conflict further.

Safety

Generally low risk

Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.

Related guides

Operator provides AI-generated troubleshooting information. It can be wrong. For safety-critical, electrical, gas, structural, medical, automotive safety, or other high-risk problems, consult a qualified professional.