How to Update Drivers

Keep your hardware running smoothly with up-to-date drivers. Learn automatic and manual methods for updating device drivers on Windows.

Driver Update Methods

Windows Update

Automatic driver updates through Windows Update service

Device Manager

Manual driver updates for specific devices

Manufacturer Tools

Vendor-specific driver update utilities

⚠️ Important for Work Computers

Check with IT first: Many organizations manage driver updates centrally through tools like Software Center, WSUS, or SCCM.

Policy restrictions: Your computer may have policies that prevent manual driver installation or automatic updates.

Approved drivers only: Some organizations only allow specific, tested driver versions for stability and security.

Before proceeding, contact your IT department to understand your organization's driver update policy.

Method 1: Windows Update (Recommended)

Automatic Driver Updates via Windows Update

Steps for Windows 10/11:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings
2. Click "Update & Security" (Win 10) or "Windows Update" (Win 11)
3. Click "Check for updates"
4. Windows will automatically download and install driver updates
5. Restart your computer if prompted

Benefits:

• Safest method - Microsoft-tested drivers
• Automatic installation
• Includes security updates
• Works with most common hardware
• Rollback options available

Advanced Windows Update Options

Optional Updates (Windows 10/11):

1. In Windows Update settings, click "View optional updates"
2. Expand "Driver updates" section
3. Select specific drivers you want to install
4. Click "Download and install"

Configure Automatic Driver Downloads:

1. Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update
2. Click "Advanced options"
3. Toggle "Receive updates for other Microsoft products" ON
4. This includes driver updates for Microsoft hardware

Method 2: Device Manager

Update Drivers Through Device Manager

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Right-click "This PC" or "Computer"
2. Select "Properties"
3. Click "Device Manager" on the left
4. Find the device you want to update
5. Right-click the device
6. Select "Update driver"
7. Choose "Search automatically for drivers"
8. Follow the on-screen instructions

Alternative Access Methods:

•Press Windows + X, select "Device Manager"
•Search "Device Manager" in Start menu
•Run devmgmt.msc from Run dialog
•Control Panel → Hardware and Sound → Device Manager

Identifying Devices That Need Updates

Visual Indicators:

⚠️Yellow warning triangle - Driver issues
❌Red X mark - Device disabled or failed
❓Unknown device - Missing drivers
⬇️Down arrow - Device disabled

Common Problem Categories:

• Display adapters (graphics cards)
• Network adapters (WiFi, Ethernet)
• Audio devices (sound cards, speakers)
• USB controllers and devices
• Printers and imaging devices
• Bluetooth devices
• Other devices (unknown hardware)

Method 3: Manufacturer Driver Tools

Popular Manufacturer Update Tools

🖥️ Graphics Drivers

• NVIDIA GeForce Experience
• AMD Radeon Software
• Intel Driver & Support Assistant
• Intel Graphics Command Center

💻 Computer Brands

• Dell Command Update
• HP Support Assistant
• Lenovo System Update
• ASUS Live Update

🔧 Chipset & Others

• Intel Driver & Support Assistant
• AMD Chipset Drivers
• Realtek Audio Console
• Logitech G HUB

Using Manufacturer Tools Safely

Best Practices:

✓Download only from official manufacturer websites
✓Create a system restore point before installing
✓Read release notes for known issues
✓Install one driver at a time
✓Restart when prompted

Avoid These Mistakes:

✗Don't use generic "driver update" software from unknown sources
✗Don't install beta drivers on work computers
✗Don't skip reading installation instructions
✗Don't install drivers for the wrong hardware model

Troubleshooting Driver Updates

Common Driver Update Problems

❌ Driver Installation Fails

Possible causes: Incompatible driver, insufficient permissions, antivirus interference

Solutions: Run as administrator, temporarily disable antivirus, check Windows compatibility

🔄 New Driver Causes Problems

Possible causes: Buggy driver, hardware incompatibility, conflicting software

Solutions: Roll back driver, uninstall and reinstall previous version, check manufacturer forums

🔍 Can't Find the Right Driver

Possible causes: Old hardware, discontinued product, wrong hardware ID

Solutions: Check hardware ID in Device Manager, search manufacturer support site, try generic drivers

How to Roll Back a Driver

1. Open Device Manager
2. Find and right-click the problematic device
3. Select "Properties"
4. Go to the "Driver" tab
5. Click "Roll Back Driver" (if available)
6. Follow the prompts and restart if needed

Note: Roll Back option is only available if you previously had a different driver installed.

Driver Update Best Practices

When to Update Drivers

✓Device is not working properly
✓Performance issues with hardware
✓Security vulnerabilities discovered
✓New features or compatibility needed
✓Manufacturer recommends update

When NOT to Update

✗Everything is working perfectly
✗On critical work systems without testing
✗Driver is beta or pre-release
✗You're about to give an important presentation
✗Company policy prohibits it

Need More Help?

If you're having trouble updating drivers or experiencing hardware issues, here are additional resources: