Frequently Asked Questions
What is NVIDIA GPU Reader?
How does the GPU Reader work?
Troubleshooting
How do I run the GPU Reader?
Can I delete the Java applet after NVIDIA GPU Reader has finished analyzing my computer?
What information is collected?
Why are non-GPU related specifications read?
Is any personally identifiable information collected?
What Operating Systems and Browsers does the NVIDIA GPU Reader work with?
Is the NVIDIA GPU Reader supported for my Mac?
How do I determine my system's GPU?
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. Top
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. Top
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.
- Delete or Disable existing java installations //www.java.com/en/download/faq/remove_olderversions.xml
- Install latest java from java.com, using your browser of preference //www.java.com/
- If using IE "Internet Explorer", install once using IE 32bit then a 2nd time while using the 64bit version of the browser. Not required to have both, just a suggestion.
- Does java detection work on the java.com site //www.java.com/en/download/installed.jsp
- If the java detection on the java.com site is successful and the AUTO-DETECT functionality continues to fail, then submit feedback including your contact email and we will provide assistance as applicable.
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 nvidia.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. Top
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. Top
Is any personally identifiable information collected?
No. There is no personally identifiable information collected. NVIDIA only collects hardware and system software information. Top
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
//www.java.com/en/download/faq/chrome.xml#npapichrome Top
How do I determine my system's GPU?
There are two possible ways to identify your GPU manually. Top
- 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 Top
I'm an expert in computer hardware and software, particularly in the realm of graphics processing units (GPUs) and their associated technologies. My expertise is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of GPU architecture, driver development, and the intricacies of system compatibility. I have hands-on experience with various GPU models and have kept abreast of the latest advancements in the field.
Now, let's delve into the information provided in the article about NVIDIA GPU Reader:
What is NVIDIA GPU Reader?
NVIDIA GPU Reader is a web-based applet designed to identify your GPU and locate the most up-to-date graphics driver suitable for your specific GPU.
How does the GPU Reader work?
The GPU Reader utilizes a small Java Applet that is downloaded during the first run of the service. This Java Applet examines and verifies your system components only when prompted by you on the website. The gathered system information is then used to determine the optimal driver for your GPU.
Troubleshooting
-
We could not detect your GPU: In case the GPU is not detected, a manual driver search is recommended. If unsure about your GPU, reference the section on how to determine your system's GPU.
-
Issues detecting GPU: Problems might be related to failed or incorrect Java installations. Suggestions include deleting or disabling existing Java installations, installing the latest Java from java.com, and checking Java detection on the java.com site.
How do I run the GPU Reader?
- Click "Auto-detect your GPU."
- If Java is not installed, follow the provided Java link for installation.
- Return to nvidia.com Drivers page and re-click "Auto-detect your GPU."
- An installation window will appear; select Install to initiate the scan.
Can I remove NVIDIA GPU Reader from my system?
Yes, the NVIDIA GPU Reader can be removed at any time by following these steps:
- Select Start Menu.
- Go to Control Panel.
- Select the JAVA icon.
- Under the General tab, VIEW the Temporary Internet files.
- Select GPU Reader and choose Delete.
What information is read by GPU Reader?
The GPU Reader collects hardware and system software information only, including CPU, CPU speed, OS version, RAM, Video Card, Sound Card, DirectX version, etc. No personally identifiable information is collected.
Why are non-GPU related specifications read?
In future versions of GPU Reader, non-GPU related specifications may be used to report whether a system supports a given game or application.
What Operating Systems and Browsers does the NVIDIA GPU Reader work with?
Currently, the NVIDIA GPU Reader is compatible with Windows 2000, XP, 2003, Media Center, Vista, 7, and 8. For Windows, the required browsers are Internet Explorer 7 and higher or a Mozilla-based browser (Firefox, Netscape, etc.) with Java 1.6 and higher.
How do I determine my system's GPU?
There are two ways to identify your GPU manually:
-
If no NVIDIA driver is installed:
- Open Device Manager in the Windows Control Panel.
- Open Display Adapter; the displayed GeForce is 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.
