Updating drivers in Windows 10 is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and ensuring hardware components work correctly. In a nutshell, you’ll need to access the Device Manager, identify the hardware you want to update, and then follow the prompts to update the driver. Let’s dive into the steps!
How to Update Drivers in Windows 10
In the following steps, you’ll learn how to update drivers in Windows 10 efficiently. This process helps keep your system running smoothly and can resolve various hardware issues.
Step 1: Open Device Manager
To start, open the Device Manager by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting "Device Manager."
The Device Manager is the central hub for managing your hardware devices. From here, you can see all the installed devices and update their drivers if necessary.
Step 2: Locate the Device
Next, find the category that contains the device you want to update, and click on the arrow to expand it. Right-click on the specific device you want to update.
It’s important to know what device category you’re looking for. Whether it’s a display adapter, network adapter, or audio device, ensuring you select the correct hardware is crucial.
Step 3: Select "Update Driver"
Choose "Update driver" from the context menu that appears after right-clicking on the device.
Selecting "Update driver" will initiate the process of finding and installing the latest driver for your hardware. This is the main action needed to keep your device running smoothly.
Step 4: Choose How to Search for Drivers
In the next window, you’ll be prompted to choose between "Search automatically for updated driver software" or "Browse my computer for driver software." Choose the first option for an automatic search.
The automatic search lets Windows scan for the latest drivers available. If Windows finds an updated driver, it will download and install it for you.
Step 5: Follow On-Screen Instructions
Finally, follow any additional on-screen instructions to complete the driver update process.
This might include a few more clicks or confirmations, but it’s generally straightforward. Windows will handle the heavy lifting here.
After you update your drivers, you should see improved performance and fewer hardware issues. Your system might require a restart for the changes to take effect, so be sure to save any work before proceeding.
Tips for Updating Drivers in Windows 10
- Regularly check for driver updates to keep your system running smoothly.
- Use trusted driver update tools if you prefer not to update drivers manually.
- Always create a system restore point before updating drivers, just in case something goes wrong.
- Keep your Windows 10 OS updated as it includes driver updates as well.
- Download drivers directly from the manufacturer’s website for the most reliable versions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I update my drivers?
Typically, you should check for driver updates every few months or whenever you experience hardware issues.
Can outdated drivers slow down my computer?
Yes, outdated drivers can cause performance issues and slow down your system.
Is it necessary to restart my computer after updating drivers?
In most cases, a restart is required to apply the updates properly.
Can I roll back a driver update?
Yes, you can roll back drivers in the Device Manager if the new driver causes issues.
Do I need an internet connection to update drivers?
For automatic updates, yes. However, you can download drivers on another device and transfer them if needed.
Summary
- Open Device Manager.
- Locate the Device.
- Select "Update Driver."
- Choose How to Search for Drivers.
- Follow On-Screen Instructions.
Conclusion
Updating drivers in Windows 10 is a straightforward process that can significantly improve your system’s performance. By regularly checking and updating your drivers, you can avoid many common hardware issues and ensure everything runs smoothly. Whether you use the automatic search in Device Manager or download drivers directly from the manufacturer, keeping your system updated is key. If you’re curious about more advanced methods or tools for driver updates, plenty of resources are available online to guide you further.
Happy updating!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.