How to Update Device Drivers in Windows

Device drivers are communicators that connect devices with the PC. They take and give commands to the device and communicate with the operating system to perform the desired actions. If the device drivers are not compatible with the operating system, it may not function as desired.

Device Drivers are updated and released by the manufacturer and they keep on updating as per the OS compatibility. Updated drivers ensure that the hardware is compatible enough to communicate with the operating system and works flawlessly. Here are a few of the best practices on how to update drivers to perform their best.

How to Update Drivers?

There are different ways to update drivers on Windows. You can update drivers using the Windows Update features to download and install the latest updated drivers of certified devices. Alternatively, you can download and install the latest device drivers from the manufacturer’s website using the Device Manager utility. You can ensure that all the latest device drivers are downloaded and installed automatically with the help of the Best Driver Updater Software for Windows.

Install Windows Updates

Installing Windows Updates can periodically download and install all the latest updates, bug fixes, patches, and driver updates released by Microsoft. It ensures that all the latest features and utilities are working flawlessly on your PC.

Step 1. Go to the Settings window and click on “Update & Security.” You can also press the (Win + I) shortcut key to access the same.

Step 2. In the Update & Security section, you will be on the “Windows Update” tab by default. (You will need to click on the Windows Update tab in the left panel while using Windows 11.) Click on the “Check for updates” button to start searching for available updates.

Step 3. If any updates are found, click on the “Download”, “Download and install”, or the “Install All” button to initiate the update process. All the found Windows updates will be installed in the background.

Step 4. Once downloaded, Windows will prompt you to install them. It can also prompt you to restart your computer to finish installing critical updates. Ensure you don’t have any open apps or unsaved tasks.

Step 5. You can schedule the installation for a later time. Click on the “Schedule the restart” or “Pick a time” option to choose a more convenient time for the installation of Windows updates.

Download Drivers from Manufacturer’s Website

We use this method to download and install the latest updated drivers for unknown devices or for devices that are not picking up automatic updates. This process requires extra effort to identify and download the latest device drivers from a trusted portal.

Identify Faulty Drivers

Some devices can be checked in the DirectX Diagnostic Tool while others can be diagnosed in the Device Manager console. You can check for the current version, date of installation and then search for the latest device drivers.

Step 1. Press (Win + R) to access the Run command window.

Step 2. Type devmgmt.msc and hit the Enter key to get into the Device Manager console.

Step 3. Expand the device category and double-click on the device to access its properties.

Step 4. Click on the Driver tab and check its version and date of installation.

Download Latest Drivers

Step 5. Access your browser and go to the manufacturer’s website.

Step 6. Search for the latest available device driver compatible with your version of Windows.

Step 7. Compare the device driver, version, and release date.

Step 8. Click to download the latest available drivers.

Step 9. Double-click on the downloaded file to initiate the installation. Follow the installation wizard to complete the installation and restart your computer to update the driver of your PC. Check if the updated device driver is installed properly on your computer and that the device is functioning as desired.

How to Update Drivers Using Device Manager

Device Manager is the Windows inbuilt utility to update, uninstall or disable device drivers.

Step 1. Follow steps 1 and 2 listed above to reach the Device Manager console and right-click on the device that needs to be updated.

Step 2. Click on the Update Driver option.

Step 3. Select the ‘Browse My Computer for Drivers’ if you have recently downloaded the drivers or go for the ‘Search Automatically for Drivers’ option if you have installed all the latest updates.

How to Update Drivers Automatically

The best driver updater for Windows can automate the process and ensure that you never face any device driver conflict. You don’t need to explore how to update drivers as the best driver updater software has advanced algorithms to scan and find outdated, missing, corrupt, or incompatible device drivers and install the latest drivers.

Advanced Driver Updater for Windows comes with a huge library of driver databases. It keeps on updating the driver database from the manufacturer’s websites or from trusted portals. It performs automatic scheduled scans to ensure that all the device drivers are up to date. When you keep your device drivers updated, there is no driver conflict and all the devices function properly.

Final Words

This article on how to update device drivers on Windows has the best methods to update drivers of PC and laptops. You can use manual methods or try one of the best driver updater software to automate the process. The best driver updater for Windows can ensure that all the device drivers are up to date and there is no driver conflict.