Drivers are the small programs that let Windows 11 talk to your hardware: graphics card, Wi-Fi adapter, audio, printer, touchpad, and more. Keeping them current can fix crashes, improve performance, and add features, while a bad update can occasionally cause new problems. This guide covers every reliable way to update drivers in Windows 11, how to choose between them, and how to undo an update that goes wrong.
Quick Answer
The safest method is Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates, then Advanced options > Optional updates > Driver updates to install any available drivers. To update one device, right-click Start, open Device Manager, right-click the device, and choose Update driver. For graphics cards and other performance-critical hardware, the manufacturer's website or app usually has the newest version.
Which Method Should You Use?
| Method | Best for | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows Update | Most people, most devices | Tested for Windows, automatic, safe | Not always the newest version |
| Optional driver updates | Fixing a specific device issue | Official, easy to pick individual drivers | Only offered when available |
| Device Manager | A single device or a downloaded driver file | Precise control | Automatic search often finds nothing new |
| Manufacturer website or app | Graphics cards, gaming, new hardware | Newest versions and features | You must pick the right model |
| PC maker support tool | Laptops and prebuilt desktops | Drivers tailored to your exact model | Extra software to install |
Before You Start
- Create a restore point so you can undo system changes: search for Create a restore point, select your system drive, and click Create.
- Know your hardware. In Device Manager, expand a category to see device names, or run msinfo32 to see your system model.
- Avoid third-party "driver updater" programs from unknown publishers. Many bundle unwanted software, and Windows plus your hardware makers already provide everything you need.
Method 1: Update Drivers With Windows Update
- Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
- Click Windows Update in the left pane.
- Click Check for updates and install anything offered.
- Restart if prompted.
Windows Update installs many drivers automatically, including chipset, network, and some graphics drivers. It is the most stable source because these drivers have been certified for Windows.
Method 2: Install Optional Driver Updates
Some drivers are not installed automatically and appear as optional updates instead.
- Go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options.
- Under Additional options, click Optional updates.
- Expand Driver updates.
- Check the drivers you want and click Download & install.
Only install optional drivers for devices that are having problems, or if your PC maker recommends them. If a device is working fine, there is usually no need.
Method 3: Update a Driver in Device Manager
- Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager (or press Windows key + X, then M).
- Expand the category for your device, such as Display adapters or Network adapters.
- Right-click the device and choose Update driver.
- Choose one of these options:
- Search automatically for drivers: Windows looks for a better driver already on your PC. If it says the best driver is installed, it may offer a link to search Windows Update.
- Browse my computer for drivers: use this if you downloaded a driver. Point it to the folder containing the driver files (usually a folder with an .inf file) and click Next.
- Restart your PC if prompted.
Note: "The best drivers for your device are already installed" only means Windows has nothing newer on hand. The manufacturer may still have a more recent version.
Pick From Drivers Already on Your PC
If a recent driver causes problems, choose Browse my computer for drivers > Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer. Windows shows compatible drivers it has stored, and you can choose an earlier one.
Method 4: Download From the Manufacturer
For the newest drivers, go straight to the source.
- Graphics cards: NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel each offer a driver download page and a companion app that can check for updates automatically. Gamers usually want these, since new game-ready drivers appear much sooner than on Windows Update.
- Laptops and prebuilt PCs: Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, Acer, Microsoft Surface, and others have support pages where you enter your model or serial number, plus update apps that install the right drivers for your machine.
- Printers, audio interfaces, and peripherals: check the device maker's support page for Windows 11 drivers and software.
Most manufacturer downloads are installers: run the file and follow the prompts. Download only from the manufacturer's official site.
Method 5: Command Line (Advanced)
If you have a driver package (.inf file), you can install it from an elevated Terminal:
pnputil /add-driver C:\Drivers\*.inf /subdirs /install
To list installed third-party drivers, use pnputil /enum-drivers. This is mostly useful for IT administrators or when an installer will not run.
How to Check a Driver's Version
- In Device Manager, right-click the device and choose Properties.
- Open the Driver tab to see the provider, date, and version.
Compare the version with the one listed on the manufacturer's site to see whether an update is available.
How to Roll Back a Driver
If a device stops working properly after an update:
- Open Device Manager, right-click the device, and choose Properties.
- On the Driver tab, click Roll Back Driver.
- Pick a reason and click Yes, then restart.
If Roll Back Driver is grayed out, Windows does not have the previous version stored. Use Let me pick from a list (above), reinstall an older version from the manufacturer, or use System Restore.
Stop Windows From Replacing a Driver
Windows Update may reinstall a driver you rolled back. Microsoft has offered a Show or hide updates troubleshooter for hiding a specific update, and on Windows 11 Pro you can use Group Policy (Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update) to exclude drivers from quality updates. Only change these settings if you have a specific reason, and remember to revisit them later.
Bluetooth missing? See how to turn on or install Bluetooth on Windows 11.
Wi-Fi driver acting up? See how to reinstall the Wi-Fi driver in Windows 11.
Firmware is updated separately; see how to check your BIOS version.
Not sure which graphics card you have? See how to see your GPU.
Troubleshooting
A device shows a yellow warning icon
That means Windows has a problem with the device or has no driver. Open its Properties to see the error code, then install the driver from the manufacturer or try Uninstall device and restart so Windows reinstalls it.
"Unknown device" appears in Device Manager
Open its Properties, go to Details, and select Hardware Ids. The vendor (VEN) and device (DEV) values can help you identify the hardware and find its driver on the maker's site.
The installer says the driver is not compatible
Make sure you downloaded the Windows 11 (64-bit, or ARM64 on Arm-based PCs) version for your exact model.
My screen went black during a graphics driver update
That is normal for a few seconds. If it stays black, restart; if the problem continues, boot into Safe Mode and roll back or reinstall the driver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Windows 11 update drivers automatically?
Yes, through Windows Update, for many devices. Some drivers appear only as optional updates, and the newest graphics drivers often come from the manufacturer first.
How often should I update drivers?
Let Windows Update handle routine updates. Manually update when a device has problems, when you install new hardware, or, for graphics drivers, when a new game or app recommends it.
Should I update the BIOS or firmware too?
Only if your PC maker recommends it for a problem you have or a security fix. Firmware updates carry more risk, so follow the maker's instructions carefully and keep laptops plugged in.
Are driver updater tools safe?
Many are not necessary, and some are bundled with adware. Windows Update and official manufacturer tools are the safer choice.
Summary
- Run Windows Update and check Optional updates > Driver updates.
- Use Device Manager > Update driver for a single device or a downloaded driver.
- Get graphics and model-specific drivers from the manufacturer's site or app.
- Create a restore point first, and use Roll Back Driver if something breaks.
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.