How to update drivers on Windows
Drivers help Windows talk to your hardware, such as your graphics card, printer, Wi-Fi adapter, and sound device. If a device is acting up or you just want the latest improvements, you can update drivers in a few different ways. This guide shows the safest and most common methods for Windows users.
Step-by-step fix
- 1
Open Device Manager
Right-click the Start button and choose Device Manager. This is where Windows lists the hardware installed on your PC.
- 2
Find the device you want to update
Expand the category for your device, such as Display adapters, Network adapters, or Sound, video and game controllers. If you are not sure which device to update, start with the one related to the problem you are seeing.
- 3
Run the driver update check
Right-click the device and select Update driver. Then choose Search automatically for drivers. Windows will look for a newer driver on your computer and through Windows Update.
- 4
Install the driver if Windows finds one
If Windows finds an update, follow the on-screen prompts to install it. When the installation finishes, restart your PC if Windows asks you to.
- 5
Use Windows Update for more driver updates
Open Settings, select Windows Update, then choose Check for updates. Install any available updates, including optional updates if they are offered for your device. Driver updates are often delivered this way.
- 6
Check the manufacturer’s website for the newest driver
If Windows does not find anything, go to the device maker’s support site, such as Dell, HP, Lenovo, NVIDIA, Intel, AMD, or your printer manufacturer. Search for your exact model, download the correct driver for your version of Windows, and then run the installer.
If the file is a zip folder, extract it first and look for a setup file such as
Setup.exeorInstall.exe. - 7
Restart and confirm the update
After the installation, restart your computer to make sure the new driver loads properly. You can return to Device Manager, open the device’s Properties, and check the Driver tab to see the version and date.
- 8
Roll back the driver if problems start
If the update causes a new problem, open Device Manager, right-click the device, choose Properties, and open the Driver tab. If Roll Back Driver is available, you can use it to return to the previous version.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know which driver I need to update?
Start with the device related to the problem, such as graphics, Wi-Fi, audio, or printer. In Device Manager, the device category usually tells you what kind of driver it uses. If you are not sure, update the device driver through Windows Update first, since that is the safest general option.
Is it better to update drivers through Windows Update or the manufacturer?
Windows Update is easiest and safest for most people. The manufacturer’s website is better when you need the latest version, special features, or a fix for a specific device problem. For graphics cards and some printers, manufacturer drivers are often newer than the ones Windows provides.
Do I need to update every driver on my PC?
No. Most users do not need to update every driver manually. Focus on drivers for devices that are not working correctly, or install updates offered by Windows Update. Only use manufacturer downloads when you need a specific fix or newer version.
What should I do if a driver update fails?
Restart your PC and try again. If the update still fails, use Windows Update, download the driver from the device maker’s website, or uninstall and reinstall the device from Device Manager. If the device worked before the update, you can also try rolling back the driver.
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