Updating drivers on Windows 10 ensures your computer runs smoothly and efficiently. To do this, you need to access the Device Manager, find the device you want to update, and let Windows search for the latest driver version. Follow these steps to keep your system in top shape.
Windows 10 How to Update Drivers
The following steps will guide you through updating drivers on your Windows 10 computer, ensuring your hardware communicates effectively with the operating system.
Step 1: Open Device Manager
To start, press the Windows key + X, and select “Device Manager.”
Device Manager is where you can view all hardware components on your computer. From here, you can manage devices and update drivers.
Step 2: Find the Device
Next, locate the device whose driver you want to update. You can expand the categories by clicking the arrow next to them.
Each category in Device Manager contains different hardware components. Make sure you select the right one for your update.
Step 3: Right-Click on the Device
Once you find the device, right-click on it and select “Update driver.”
Right-clicking brings up a context menu with several options. Choosing “Update driver” starts the process of finding the latest driver version.
Step 4: Choose How to Search for Drivers
You’ll see two options: “Search automatically for updated driver software” and “Browse my computer for driver software.” Select the first option.
Selecting “Search automatically” lets Windows search online for the latest driver updates, which is the easiest method for most users.
Step 5: Let Windows Search
Windows will then search for the latest driver. This might take a few moments.
If Windows finds a new driver, it will download and install it automatically. If not, it will inform you that the best driver is already installed.
Step 6: Restart Your Computer
After the driver update, restart your computer to apply changes.
Restarting ensures everything loads correctly with the updated driver, giving you the best performance and stability.
After you complete these steps, your computer will run the updated driver for the selected device. This can improve performance, fix issues, and provide new features.
Tips for Windows 10 How to Update Drivers
- Check Manufacturer Websites: Sometimes manufacturers release drivers on their websites before they appear in Windows updates.
- Use Device Manager Regularly: Regularly check Device Manager for updates, especially after installing new hardware.
- Backup Drivers: Use third-party tools to backup existing drivers before updating, just in case the new driver causes issues.
- Update Windows: Ensure your Windows 10 is up-to-date, as some driver updates are available through Windows Update.
- Read Reviews: Before manually installing a driver from a website, read user reviews to ensure its reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are drivers?
Drivers are software that allow your hardware to communicate with your operating system, ensuring everything works correctly.
How often should I update my drivers?
It’s a good idea to check for updates every few months or if you notice any hardware issues.
Can updating drivers cause problems?
Yes, sometimes new drivers can have bugs. That’s why it’s important to backup your current drivers before updating.
Can I roll back a driver update?
Yes, you can roll back a driver in Device Manager by right-clicking the device, selecting “Properties,” going to the “Driver” tab, and clicking “Roll Back Driver.”
What if Windows can’t find a driver?
You can visit the manufacturer’s website to download the latest driver, or use a third-party driver update tool.
Summary
- Open Device Manager.
- Find the Device.
- Right-click on the Device.
- Choose how to search for drivers.
- Let Windows search.
- Restart your computer.
Conclusion
Updating drivers on Windows 10 is crucial for maintaining your computer’s performance and fixing hardware issues. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily keep your drivers up-to-date. Remember to check for updates regularly, utilize manufacturer websites, and back up your current drivers. Doing so ensures your system remains in optimal condition, avoiding potential conflicts or crashes. If you’re ever unsure about a driver update, don’t hesitate to seek further information or assistance. Happy computing!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.