NVIDIA driver updates (direct version check)

For NVIDIA GPUs, BRUTAL doesn't rely on Windows Update alone. It queries NVIDIA's own driver service, compares your installed version against the latest, and tells you when a newer driver exists. It reports the update; you install it from NVIDIA's own signed app or nvidia.com.

How the NVIDIA check works

During a normal driver scan, if the app detects an NVIDIA GPU it:

1. Identifies your exact GPU model and maps it to NVIDIA's product ID. If your card isn't in the built-in table (newer cards, some laptop SKUs), it falls back to NVIDIA's live product list rather than guessing.
2. Reads your currently installed driver version (preferring NVIDIA's own NVML library, which reports the marketing version like 572.83 exactly).
3. Asks NVIDIA's service for the latest WHQL driver and does a real number-by-number version comparison.

If a newer version genuinely exists, the GPU row shows it with the new version, size, and a WHQL label, and tells you to install it from the NVIDIA app or nvidia.com/drivers. If the app can't read your installed version or can't resolve your card, it reports “Couldn't determine” — never a false “up to date”.

Installing the NVIDIA driver

BRUTAL reports NVIDIA GPU drivers; it does not download or install them. To update:

1. Open the NVIDIA app (NVIDIA's own signed updater), or go to nvidia.com/drivers.
2. Install the version BRUTAL reported. A GPU driver change usually needs a restart; reboot when convenient.
3. Run a new driver scan in BRUTAL to confirm the installed version moved.

Laptops are handled differently

On laptops with NVIDIA graphics (Optimus / Advanced Optimus), the manufacturer ships a validated driver branch that can differ from the generic nvidia.com driver. So on laptops the app shows the available version as informational and points you to your manufacturer's support page first (Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, Acer, MSI, etc.).

Common issues / troubleshooting

• “Couldn't determine” for your NVIDIA GPU. The app couldn't map your card to NVIDIA's catalog or couldn't read the installed version. You can always update manually from nvidia.com.
• The scan still shows the old version after you updated. Restart the PC if the NVIDIA installer asked you to, then scan again.
• Older GTX card. Cards from the GTX 900 series up to the RTX 50 series are covered by the built-in model table; the live fallback covers most of the rest.