Frequently Asked Questions

What is NVIDIA GPU Reader?

NVIDIA GPU Reader is a web-based applet that identifies your GPU and finds the latest graphics driver for your GPU.

How does the GPU reader work?

A small Java Applet is downloaded the first time you run the service. This Java Applet only looks at and verifies your system components when you instruct it to do so from the website. This system information is then used to determine the best driver for your GPU.

Troubleshooting

  • We could not detect your GPU
    • Try Manual Driver Search. If you are not sure what GPU your system contains, reference the question, how do i determine my system's GPU.
  • We had an issue detecting your GPU
    • Quite often we have found the problem is related to failed or incorrect java installations.
    • Note that if you are using IE browser, there are both 32bit and 64bit java installations required, depending on which bit level of the IE browser you are utilizing.
    • The AUTO-DETECT has been tested with all major browsers on the Windows platform, where IE has the potential to require either 32bit and or 64bit java to be installed.
  • Here are some preliminary suggestions that if followed have a high success rate.

How do I run the GPU Reader?

  • Click Auto-detect your GPU.
  • If you do not have Java installed, follow the Java link for installation and then return to
    GeForce.com Drivers page.
  • Re-Click Auto-detect your GPU.
  • A GPU Reader install window will appear, select Install.
  • GPU Reader will initiate the scan.

Can I remove NVIDIA GPU Reader from my system?

Yes the NVIDIA GPU Reader can be removed from your system at any time. Follow the steps below.

  • Select Start Menu
  • Go to Control Panel
  • Select the JAVA icon
  • Under the General tab VIEW the Temporary Internet files
  • Select GPU Reader and select Delete

What information is read by GPU Reader?

GPU Reader collects hardware and system software information only, such as CPU, CPU speed, OS version, RAM, Video Card, Sound Card, DirectX version, etc. NVIDIA does not collect any personally identifiable information.

Why are non-GPU related specifications read?

In future versions of GPU Reader, we hope to report whether your system will support a given game or application.

Is any personally identifiable information collected?

No. There is no personally identifiable information collected. NVIDIA only collects hardware and system software information.

What Operating Systems and Browsers does the NVIDIA GPU Reader work with?

Currently, the NVIDIA GPU Reader works with Windows 2000, XP, 2003, Media Center, Vista, 7 and 8. For Windows, the Browsers you need are either Internet Explorer 7 and higher or a Mozilla based browser (Firefox, Netscape, etc.) with Java 1.6 and higher.

Enabling NPAPI in Chrome Version 42 and later

http://www.java.com/en/download/faq/chrome.xml#npapichrome

Is the NVIDIA GPU Reader supported for my Mac?

Currently NVIDIA's GPU Reader is not supported on the Mac OS.

How do I determine my system's GPU?

There are two possible ways to identify your GPU manually.

  • If no NVIDIA driver is installed:
    • Open Device Manager in the Windows Control Panel
    • Open Display Adapter
    • The GeForce shown will be your GPU
  • If NVIDIA driver is installed:
    • Right click the desktop and open NVIDIA Control Panel
    • Click System Information in the bottom left corner
    • In the Display tab your GPU is listed in the Components column