If your PC has started acting up, whether that means a flickering screen, choppy sound, a printer that suddenly refuses to cooperate, or random freezes during a game, there is a good chance an outdated driver is behind it. Knowing how to update drivers on Windows is one of those small skills that saves you hours of frustration, and once you understand the process, it takes only a few minutes to do it right.
This guide walks you through every reliable method for updating drivers on Windows 10 and Windows 11, explains when to use each one, and shows you how to avoid the mistakes that trip up even experienced users. Whether you are a casual user trying to fix a glitchy webcam or an IT professional managing several machines, you will find a clear path forward here.
What Windows Drivers Actually Do
A driver is a small piece of software that lets your operating system talk to a specific piece of hardware. Your graphics card, network adapter, printer, sound card, and even your touchpad all rely on drivers to function correctly.
Think of a driver as a translator. Windows speaks one language, your hardware speaks another, and the driver makes sure the two understand each other. When that translator is outdated or missing, communication breaks down, and that is when you start noticing problems.
Manufacturers regularly release new driver versions to patch security flaws, fix bugs, and squeeze out better performance. This is exactly why learning how to update drivers on Windows is not just a troubleshooting step. It is routine maintenance that keeps your entire system running smoothly.
Signs Your Drivers Need an Update
You do not always need to wait for something to break before checking your drivers. Here are common warning signs worth paying attention to.
- Your screen flickers, shows artifacts, or games run noticeably worse than before.
- Audio cuts out, sounds distorted, or a device stops being detected at all.
- Your Wi Fi drops constantly or your internet speed feels slower than it should.
- Device Manager shows a yellow warning icon next to a hardware component.
- A newly installed peripheral, such as a printer or webcam, is not recognized.
- You recently upgraded to a new version of Windows and something stopped working properly.
If you notice any of these, it is worth checking whether an updated driver is available before assuming your hardware is failing.
How to Update Drivers on Windows Using Windows Update
For most people, Windows Update is the simplest and safest place to start. It handles the majority of driver updates automatically, and it rarely causes compatibility issues because Microsoft tests these drivers before releasing them.
Here is how to check for driver updates through Windows Update.
- Press the Windows key and the letter I together to open Settings.
- Select Windows Update from the left sidebar on Windows 11, or go to Update and Security, then Windows Update on Windows 10.
- Click Check for updates and let Windows scan your system.
- If driver updates are available, look under Advanced options, then Optional updates.
- Expand the Driver updates section, select the ones you want to install, and click Download and install.
This method works well for network adapters, printers, and general hardware, though it is not always the fastest way to get the newest graphics driver. For that, you may want to look elsewhere, which we cover shortly.
How to Update Drivers on Windows Through Device Manager
Device Manager gives you more direct control than Windows Update. It lets you target one specific piece of hardware instead of scanning your whole system.
Updating a Driver Automatically
- Right click the Start button and select Device Manager.
- Expand the category of the device you want to update, such as Display adapters, Network adapters, or Sound, video and game controllers.
- Right click the specific device and choose Update driver.
- Select Search automatically for drivers. Windows will look for a newer version and install it if one is found.
Installing a Driver You Already Downloaded
Sometimes you will download a driver file that does not come with an installer, just a folder of files. In that case, Device Manager can still install it for you.
- Open Device Manager and right click the device you want to update.
- Choose Update driver, then select Browse my computer for drivers.
- Point Windows to the folder where you extracted the driver files.
- Click Next and let Windows complete the installation.
If Device Manager tells you the best driver is already installed, that simply means it cannot find anything newer through its usual search. That does not always mean a newer version is unavailable elsewhere, which brings us to the next method.
Downloading Drivers Directly From the Manufacturer
For components where performance really matters, such as graphics cards or network chipsets, the manufacturer’s own website is often your best source. These drivers tend to be more current than what Windows Update or Device Manager can find.
Graphics Card Drivers
If you have an NVIDIA card, visit nvidia.com and use their driver download tool, or install the NVIDIA App, which detects your hardware and keeps drivers current automatically. AMD users can do the same through AMD’s Adrenalin software, and Intel users can rely on the Intel Driver and Support Assistant.
These tools are convenient because they identify your exact hardware and only offer compatible drivers, reducing the risk of installing the wrong version.
Laptop and Prebuilt Manufacturer Tools
If you own a Dell, HP, or Lenovo laptop, those companies offer their own driver management tools.
- Dell Command Update scans your system and installs the correct drivers for your exact model.
- HP Support Assistant comes preinstalled on most HP machines and handles driver checks automatically.
- Lenovo Vantage or Lenovo System Update serves the same purpose for Lenovo devices.
Using the manufacturer’s own tool is generally safer than searching for drivers manually, since it matches updates precisely to your hardware configuration.
Which Method Should You Actually Use
Most guides list every method without telling you which one fits your situation. Here is a simple way to decide.
If you are a casual user who just wants things to work, start with Windows Update. It requires the least effort and carries the lowest risk.
If a specific device is misbehaving and Windows Update has not fixed it, move to Device Manager and try updating that device directly.
If you are a gamer or you rely on a graphics intensive application, go straight to the manufacturer’s own software for your graphics card. Waiting for Windows Update to catch up can mean missing out on performance improvements for weeks.
If you manage multiple computers as part of an IT role, manufacturer fleet tools or a patch management platform will save you significant time compared to updating machines one at a time.
There is rarely a single correct answer here. The right method depends on the device, your comfort level, and how urgently the problem needs solving.
How to Check Your Current Driver Version
Before updating anything, it helps to know what you currently have installed. This lets you confirm whether an update actually changed anything.
- Open Device Manager and right click the device in question.
- Select Properties, then click the Driver tab.
- You will see the driver version, the date it was released, and the provider.
Compare this information with what is listed on the manufacturer’s support page. If the website shows a newer date or version number, it is a good sign that an update is worth installing.
How to Back Up Drivers Before You Update Them
Backing up your current drivers gives you a safety net in case a new version causes issues. This step is often skipped, but it takes only a minute and can save considerable frustration later.
Open Command Prompt or PowerShell as an administrator and run this command, replacing the destination with a folder of your choice.
dism /online /export-driver /destination:C:\DriverBackup
This exports all currently installed drivers into that folder, so you have a copy to fall back on if something goes wrong.
What to Do If a Driver Update Causes Problems
Occasionally, a new driver introduces a bug rather than fixing one. If your device starts behaving strangely right after an update, rolling back is usually the quickest fix.
- Open Device Manager and right click the affected device.
- Select Properties, then go to the Driver tab.
- Click Roll Back Driver. If this option is grayed out, it means no previous version is stored on your system.
- Choose a reason for the rollback when prompted and confirm.
If the Roll Back option is unavailable, you can uninstall the current driver instead. Right click the device, choose Uninstall device, restart your computer, and Windows will typically reinstall a working driver automatically.
Common Driver Errors and How to Fix Them
A few error messages show up more often than others. Here is what they usually mean and how to resolve them.
This device cannot start, also known as Code 10 This usually points to a corrupted or incompatible driver. Uninstalling the device in Device Manager and restarting often prompts Windows to reinstall a fresh copy.
Windows has stopped this device, Code 43 This suggests the driver is failing to communicate with the hardware properly. Reinstalling the driver, or checking for a firmware update on the device itself, often solves it.
Driver is not digitally signed Windows blocks unsigned drivers by default for security reasons. If you trust the source, you can temporarily disable driver signature enforcement, though it is safer to look for a signed version from the manufacturer instead.
Windows could not find drivers for your device This typically happens with storage controllers during a fresh installation. Downloading the correct driver from the manufacturer and using the Browse my computer for drivers option usually resolves it.
Should You Use Third Party Driver Updater Tools
Search for driver help online and you will inevitably run into software promising to update every driver on your system with one click. Approach these tools with caution.
Many of them bundle unwanted software, display exaggerated warnings to push a paid upgrade, or install drivers that are not properly matched to your exact hardware. In the worst cases, some have been linked to malware distribution.
The safer route is to stick with Windows Update, Device Manager, and official manufacturer tools. They are free, they are built specifically for your hardware, and they carry far less risk than a generic third party scanner.
Driver Updates vs BIOS Updates
It is easy to confuse these two, but they serve different purposes. A driver update improves how Windows communicates with a specific piece of hardware, such as your graphics card or network adapter.
A BIOS update, sometimes called a firmware update, changes the low level software stored directly on your motherboard. This controls how your computer starts up and how it recognizes core components like the processor and memory.
You should update drivers regularly as part of normal maintenance. BIOS updates are less frequent and usually only necessary if you are experiencing specific compatibility issues, adding new hardware like a newer processor, or following a manufacturer’s recommendation to fix a known problem.
Keeping Your Drivers Updated Long Term
Treat driver updates as routine maintenance rather than something you only think about when a problem appears. A few habits make this easy to maintain.
Check Windows Update for optional driver updates every month or two. Keep manufacturer tools like the NVIDIA App or Dell Command Update installed so they can notify you when something new is available. Create a system restore point before installing major updates, especially for graphics or chipset drivers. And avoid installing a driver update simply because it exists. If your hardware is working perfectly and you are not experiencing any issues, there is often no urgent need to change anything.
Conclusion
Learning how to update drivers on Windows does not need to feel complicated once you understand which method fits your situation. Windows Update covers most everyday needs safely. Device Manager gives you control over individual devices. Manufacturer tools deliver the newest versions for performance critical hardware like graphics cards. And knowing how to back up, roll back, and troubleshoot common errors means you can update your system with confidence instead of guesswork.
Keep this guide handy the next time your PC starts acting unusual, and you will likely have the issue resolved in a few minutes rather than spending an afternoon searching for answers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I update my drivers?
Check every month or two, and update sooner if you notice a specific issue like screen glitches, audio problems, or connectivity drops.
Is it safe to update all my drivers at once?
It is safer to update one device at a time, especially for critical components like graphics cards and network adapters, so you can identify the cause if something goes wrong.
Can outdated drivers cause a blue screen?
Yes. Outdated or corrupted drivers are one of the most common causes of system crashes and blue screen errors, particularly for graphics and storage drivers.
Do I need to restart my computer after updating a driver?
Not always, but it is recommended, especially for graphics, network, and chipset drivers, since some changes only take full effect after a restart.
What is the safest way to update drivers on Windows?
Windows Update and Device Manager are the safest built in options. For performance sensitive hardware like graphics cards, official manufacturer tools such as the NVIDIA App or AMD Adrenalin are equally trustworthy.
