Alex Ruben
Fixing the Unsupported Video Driver Warning in Assassin Creed Shadows
If you’re encountering the hardware warning “you are running an unsupported video driver” while trying to launch Assassin Creed Shadows on Steam or the Ubisoft client, you’re not alone. This common issue often arises due to outdated or incompatible graphics drivers. Fortunately, this guide will walk you through the steps to resolve this problem, ensuring you can enjoy optimal gaming performance without interruptions.
Before you start, ensure you have a stable internet connection and administrative permissions on your system. You will need to download a tool called Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) and the latest graphics drivers for your GPU. Depending on your graphics card, the download link for DDU and drivers will vary.
Step 1: Download Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU)
To begin, open your web browser and navigate to the following link to download DDU:
Download Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU)
Once you’re on the page, scroll down to find a download mirror link. Click on one of these links to start the download. Be patient, as it may take a few moments for the download to complete.
Step 2: Extract the DDU Files
After the download is complete, locate the zip folder you just downloaded. Right-click on the folder and select “Extract All” to unzip the files. You can also drag the files to a location of your choice to extract them. Once extracted, navigate to the folder where the files are located.
Step 3: Boot Your System into Safe Mode
DDU works best in Safe Mode. To boot into Safe Mode, follow these steps:
- Click on the Start menu and select Settings.
- Choose Update & Security, then select Recovery.
- Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.
- Once the options appear, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings.
- Click on Restart, and then press F4 or 4 to boot into Safe Mode.
Step 4: Run DDU as Administrator
Once in Safe Mode, navigate to the folder where you extracted DDU. Right-click on the Display Driver Uninstaller executable file and select Run as administrator. This will launch the DDU tool.
Step 5: Uninstall Your Current Graphics Drivers
In the DDU interface, you will see a drop-down menu to select the device type. Choose your GPU type (Nvidia, AMD, or Intel). After selecting your GPU, click on the Clean and Restart option. This process may take 5 to 10 minutes, and your screen may go blank for a few moments as the drivers are uninstalled.
Step 6: Download and Install the Latest Graphics Drivers
After successfully uninstalling your old drivers, it’s time to download the latest drivers for your GPU. Depending on your graphics card, use one of the following links:
- For AMD graphics cards, visit: AMD Support
- For Nvidia graphics cards, visit: Nvidia Drivers
Search for your specific graphics card model (e.g., Radeon RX 5500M for AMD) and download the latest stable driver version. Install the downloaded driver and follow the prompts.
Step 7: Restart Your Computer
Once the installation is complete, restart your computer to apply the changes. This ensures that the new drivers are fully integrated into your system.
Step 8: Relaunch Assassin Creed Shadows
After your computer restarts, open Assassin Creed Shadows through Steam or the Ubisoft client. The hardware warning regarding unsupported video drivers should no longer appear, allowing you to enjoy the game without interruptions.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
If you continue to experience issues, consider the following:
- Ensure your Windows operating system is up to date.
- Check for any additional software or driver updates that may be necessary.
- Consider using a tool like Exitlag for improved gaming performance, particularly if you experience lag or packet loss.
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the unsupported video driver warning in Assassin Creed Shadows and enhance your gaming experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I still see the warning after following these steps?
If the warning persists, double-check that you’ve installed the correct drivers for your specific graphics card model. Additionally, you may want to check for any system updates or conflicts with other installed software.
Can I use DDU for other issues?
Yes, DDU is a versatile tool that can help cleanly uninstall graphics drivers from your system, which can be useful if you’re facing issues with other games or applications as well.
Is it safe to use DDU?
Yes, DDU is widely used and recommended for removing graphics drivers safely. However, always ensure you have a backup of important files before making significant changes to your system.