Keep Your Dental PC Running Smoothly

Windows, Intel & NVIDIA updates for dental workflows

A reliable PC helps keep scanning, designing and production moving. This guide covers routine care for Intel-based Windows PCs used in dental practices and laboratories, including systems with NVIDIA graphics.

Before you start: Save your work, close dental applications and confirm that no scan, milling or printing job depends on the PC. Check your backup, connect mains power and allow time to restart and test. For a managed PC, ask your IT provider to handle updates.

1. Keep Windows updated

Windows updates provide security fixes and system improvements. Make checking them part of your regular maintenance routine.

1. Open Start → Settings → Windows Update.
2. Select Check for updates and review available updates.
3. Download and install the appropriate updates, then restart when prompted.
4. Recheck Windows Update after restarting.

Set Active hours under Windows Update → Advanced options to reduce restarts during working hours. Schedule maintenance outside appointments and production. Active hours are not a substitute for checking restart notifications.

Before a major Windows version upgrade, confirm support for your scanner, CAD/CAM software, licence dongles and connected equipment. Optional preview updates and optional drivers should be reviewed with your supplier or IT provider.

Still using Windows 10? Standard support ended on 14 October 2025. Ask your IT provider about a supported Windows upgrade or applicable Extended Security Updates; do not assume an older PC still receives standard security updates.

Microsoft: Windows update instructions · Set active hours

2. Check Intel drivers with Intel Driver & Support Assistant

The correct tool is Intel Driver & Support Assistant (Intel DSA). It checks supported Intel components, such as selected graphics and wireless hardware. It does not update every driver on the PC or manage NVIDIA graphics drivers.

1. Download and install Intel DSA from Intel’s official website.
2. Open it from the Start menu or choose Check for new drivers from its tray icon.
3. Allow the browser-based scan to finish.
4. Read the details and warnings for each proposed update. Install suitable updates and restart if requested.

Check the PC manufacturer first: Some PCs use customised drivers. Prefer the manufacturer’s supported package where required, and check with your supplier before replacing it with a generic Intel driver. A “no updates” result does not mean every component is up to date.

Download Intel DSA · Intel’s step-by-step guide

3. Update the NVIDIA App and graphics driver

This section applies only if your PC has a supported NVIDIA GPU. Check Device Manager → Display adapters if you are unsure. Updating the NVIDIA App and updating the graphics driver are separate tasks.

1. Install the current NVIDIA App from NVIDIA’s official website, or accept its app update prompt.
2. Open the app’s Drivers page and review the available driver and release notes.
3. Confirm the version is suitable for your dental software, then select Download and Install.
4. Follow the prompts, restart if required, and test your normal workflow.

Which driver should you choose? NVIDIA Studio Drivers focus on creative workflows; Game Ready Drivers focus on new games. Neither label guarantees compatibility with dental CAD/CAM or scanner software. Follow your software or equipment supplier’s recommended version first. Professional RTX/Quadro systems may need a different driver branch or manufacturer package.

A brief display flicker during installation can occur. Keep scanning and design work closed. Leave GPU tuning and application graphics overrides at supplier-approved settings.

Download NVIDIA App · Official NVIDIA drivers

4. Small habits that help prevent downtime

• Back up your work: Include case files, databases, libraries and settings using your software supplier’s supported method. Keep a separate protected backup and periodically test a restore. File synchronisation alone is not a complete backup.
• Check storage: Review free space regularly. Archive completed cases according to your practice policy; avoid deleting software databases or unfamiliar folders.
• Keep airflow clear: Keep vents unobstructed and the PC away from milling dust. Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.
• Protect power and connections: Use the supplied power adapter and approved cables. Ask your supplier about suitable surge protection or a UPS. Avoid changing USB or network settings during production.
• Keep security enabled: Use trusted downloads and keep browsers and security software updated. Avoid third-party “driver booster” and registry-cleaning utilities.
• Treat firmware separately: BIOS, scanner and machine firmware updates need the correct model-specific instructions. Arrange them with your supplier or IT provider.

A simple maintenance routine

Daily: Confirm backups completed and save work before closing.
Weekly: Review Windows Update and restart notifications; arrange required updates promptly.
Monthly: Review approved Intel/NVIDIA driver updates, storage and ventilation with your supplier or IT provider.
After changes: Check software opens, licences are detected and connected devices work. Test with a non-patient sample before returning to normal production.

If something stops working after an update

Record the error, update date, Windows version and driver version. Contact your supplier or IT provider before making further changes; they can advise whether a supported rollback is appropriate. Remove patient-identifying information from screenshots sent for support.

Need help with your CM Medical digital workflow? Contact our team with your PC model, software version and a description of the issue so we can help identify the next step.

Prepared November 2026. Menu names may vary by software version. Equipment and software supplier instructions take priority for dedicated dental systems.