How can I find graphics drivers for Windows 7*?
Graphics drivers for Microsoft Windows 7* operating system (OS) support two different graphics driver models: the Windows* Display Driver Model (WDDM 1.0 & 1.1) and the older Windows XP* Driver Model (XPDM). WDDM drivers display a 3D graphical user experience. XPDM drivers deliver an interface that visually resembles Windows XP, but these drivers do not support Windows 7 OS premium features such as Microsoft Aero* and only offer limited functionality on some computers.
Only XPDM drivers are available for the following older Intel® graphics controllers:
- Mobile Intel® 915GM/GMS, 910GML Express Chipset family
- Intel® 82915G/82910GL Express Chipset family
- Intel® 82865G Graphics Controller
- Intel® 82852/82855 Graphics Controller
- Intel® 82845G Graphics Controller
- Intel® 82830M Graphics Controller
- Intel® 82815 Graphics Controller
- Intel® 82810 Graphics Controller
Related Topic:
How to identify your graphics controller
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Does Intel provide WDDM graphics drivers for older graphics controllers?
WDDM graphics drivers are not available due to hardware limitations in the older Intel® graphics controllers. The overall hardware architecture and design of these older graphics controllers were finalized before the Microsoft release of details and specifications on WDDM drivers and running the Aero user interface. Some hardware limitations limit graphics performance and memory capabilities when attempting to run a WDDM driver on Windows 7 operating system with these older graphics controllers.
Intel addressed these hardware limitations in the integrated graphics controllers of the desktop and mobile Intel® 945 Express Chipset families. WDDM graphics drivers are available beginning with the Intel 945 Express Chipset families.
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How do I get XPDM drivers for my Intel® graphics controller?
XPDM drivers are drivers developed for the Windows XP operating system (OS). Intel recommends getting the latest drivers for your computer from your computer manufacturer. Some computer manufacturers require drivers specifically customized and validated for your specific computer model.
Intel offers generic versions of the Intel graphics drivers for the Windows XP OS. If you choose not to use your computer manufacturer's validated driver and want to install the Intel generic driver, see the Intel® Driver Update Utility. But, if you encounter a problem with using the generic driver, Intel recommends installing and using the latest validated driver from your computer manufacturer.
| Note |
Intel has not validated XPDM drivers on the Windows 7 operating system. | |
Related Topic:
How to identify your graphics controller
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Will Intel release newer XPDM drivers for older graphics controllers?
Intel has no plans to release new XPDM drivers for the following older Intel graphics controllers:
- Mobile Intel® 915GM/GMS, 910GML Express Chipset family
- Intel® 82915G/82910GL Express Chipset family
- Intel® 82865G Graphics Controller
- Intel® 82852/82855 Graphics Controller
- Intel® 82845G Graphics Controller
- Intel® 82830M Graphics Controller
- Intel® 82815 Graphics Controller
- Intel® 82810 Graphics Controller
Related Topics:
How to identify your graphics controller
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This applies to:
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