Windows 7: Issue Updating Intel (R) HD Graphics Family

Hey everyone, while using the Intel Driver Update Utility I get a message saying I am unable to update my driver because I have a customized computer manufacturer driver. The utility also lists my graphics driver as an Intel (R) Processor Graphics 3000 but when I go to my control panel it says my graphics driver is an Intel (R) HD Graphics Family. What does this mean exactly?



This is what my computer tells me I have:



This is what the Intel Driver Update Utility tells me I have:



Here are my system specs:



So is it possible for me to uninstall my current graphics driver and then install the latest Intel version? I'm not really sure where to go from here. Thanks in advance guys, I hope you all have a great holiday!

Hello TSSG and welcome to Seven Forums.

Intel has many different series of graphics: 2500, 3000, 4000, etc. Some utilities will simply use the generic designation of "Intel Graphics Family" whenever they detect an Intel driver rather than name a specific version.

When a company like Intel issues a driver, each computer manufacturer is free to customize that driver for their own line of computers. I suspect that Dell did exactly that for its line of Inspiron computers. Because the Intel driver has been customized by Dell, if you try to install the latest and greatest directly from Intel, it could seriously hose your computer. Quick short story:

About a year ago Intel and Windows Update said a new driver was available for my Intel HD 3000 Graphics. I installed it and immediately my Sony Vaio began crashing, hanging, and doing all kinds of weird stuff. Intel and Sony both told me the same thing: never use a non-customized driver if the computer manufacturer had done any modifications to the driver. It took Sony about 6 months to offer their own customized version of the driver. I installed it and haven't had any problems.

So my advice is to wait until Dell does its customizing and then, if you really, REALLY have to get the latest and greatest, get it from Dell. When it comes to drivers, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."

2nd that ^^^

Ok, thanks for the help! I'll wait until Dell comes out with an update. Have a nice holiday!

You're welcome. And Happy Holidays to you and yours.

Hi TheStopSignGuy,

As correctly stated by 'marsmimar', 'OEM drivers' may differ in make/design from the ones listed on the manufacturer website.
However, you may use the following driver update for better performance on your Inspiron n5050: Driver Details | Dell United States

Hope this helps. Do reply if yo have any further questions. Glad to assist.