Drivers are small programs that let Windows talk to your hardware. Keeping them current helps with performance, stability, and compatibility. Here are the safest approaches.

Use Windows Update first

Windows Update often includes driver updates for common hardware. Press Win + I, go to Windows Update, click 'Check for updates', then look for an 'Advanced options' or 'Optional updates' link where driver updates are sometimes listed separately.

Use Device Manager

  1. Right-click the Start button and choose 'Device Manager'.
  2. Expand the category for the device you want to update (for example, Display adapters for your graphics card).
  3. Right-click the device and choose 'Update driver'.
  4. Select 'Search automatically for drivers'. Windows will check its database and Windows Update for a newer version.

Download directly from the manufacturer

For graphics cards, network adapters, and printers, the manufacturer's website usually has the most up-to-date driver. Common sources include NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel for graphics cards; your laptop or PC maker (Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS) for bundled hardware; and the printer or scanner maker's support page.

Create a restore point before updating

Before installing a new driver — especially for graphics or network hardware — create a System Restore point. Search for 'Create a restore point' in the Start menu, click 'Create', and give it a name. If the new driver causes problems, you can roll back.

Roll back a bad driver

If a new driver causes crashes or display problems, open Device Manager, right-click the device, choose 'Properties', go to the Driver tab, and click 'Roll Back Driver' if available.

Need help identifying which driver is causing a problem? Ask us.