How to Update Drivers on PC: A Complete Guide

To keep your PC running optimally, it's crucial to have the latest drivers installed. Drivers are the software that allows your operating system to effectively communicate with hardware devices such as graphics cards, printers, and network adapters. Using outdated drivers can cause your system to run slowly, malfunction, or even crash. Regularly updating your drivers enhances performance, introduces new features, and resolves bugs that might affect your device's functionality.

In this blog post, we'll walk you through the process of updating drivers on your Windows PC. Whether you're a tech expert or a casual user, our straightforward, step-by-step guide will ensure your hardware is running at its best.

What Are System Drivers?

As we said in the above part of the article, system drivers are software components that allow your computer's operating system to interact with hardware devices. Essentially, drivers act as translators between the hardware and the operating system, ensuring that software and hardware can communicate effectively without needing to speak the same language.

1. Update Drivers Using Device Manager (Built-in Tool)

Device Manager is the built-in tool in Windows 10 and Windows 11 that allows you to manage hardware devices and their drivers. It’s a simple and effective way to ensure your hardware is running the latest driver.

Step 1: Open Device Manager

• Windows 10: Right-click on the Start button and select Device Manager, or press Win + X and choose Device Manager.
• Windows 11: Right-click the Start button or press Win + X and select Device Manager. Alternatively, press Win + R, type devmgmt.msc, and press Enter.

Step 2: Locate the Device You Want to Update

In Device Manager, expand the category that contains the device you want to update. For example:

• Display Adapters for graphics cards (e.g., NVIDIA or Intel).
• Network Adapters for Ethernet or Wi-Fi cards.
• Sound, Video, and Game Controllers for audio devices.

Step 3: Update Driver

Right-click on the device you want to update and select Update driver.

Step 4: Choose How to Search

You’ll be given two options:

• Search Automatically for Updated Driver Software: This option allows Windows to search online and install the latest available driver.
• Browse My Computer for Driver Software: If you have downloaded the latest driver from the manufacturer's website, select this option and browse to the folder containing the driver.

Step 5: Install the Driver

If Windows finds a new driver, it will automatically download and install it. If it doesn’t find anything, it will inform you that the best driver is already installed.

Step 6: Restart Your Computer

After installation, it’s a good practice to restart your PC to ensure the driver changes are applied properly.

Additional Tip for Windows 11:

Driver Updates through Settings: In Windows 11, Device Manager is still available, but Microsoft encourages users to update drivers directly via the Settings app (especially for graphics and network drivers).

• Go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates and look for available driver updates under "Driver Updates."

2. Update Drivers Using Windows Update

Windows Update not only downloads and installs security updates but also checks for important driver updates. While this is a quick and easy method, it might not always offer the latest driver versions, especially for specialized hardware like graphics cards.

Step 1: Open Settings

• Windows 10: Press Win + I to open Settings, then go to Update & Security.
• Windows 11: Press Win + I, then go to Windows Update.
• Or Simply Type Settings in the Task Search Bar and Select Settings.

Step 2: Go to Update & Security and Select Windows Update

• Windows 10: In the Update & Security section, click Check for updates under Windows Update.
• Windows 11: In the Windows Update section, click the Check for updates button.

Step 3: Install Available Updates

If any driver updates are available, they will be automatically downloaded and installed. These may include updates for network adapters, audio devices, or graphics cards.

Step 4: Restart Your PC

If an update is installed, restart your computer to apply the changes.

Additional Tip for Windows 11:

Optional Updates: Windows 11 offers a more user-friendly way to manage drivers through Optional Updates. This is where Windows offers driver updates not included in the main update cycle.

• Go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates to view and install optional driver updates.

3. Update Drivers Using Manufacturer Website

Sometimes, Windows Update or Device Manager won't provide the most up-to-date or compatible driver for your hardware. In such cases, visiting the manufacturer’s website is the best option.

Step 1: Identify Your Device Model

Open Device Manager and locate the device you want to update. Right-click the device, select Properties, and go to the Details tab to view the model and version.

Step 2: Visit the Manufacturer’s Website

Go to the official website of the device’s manufacturer. For example:

• NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel for graphics drivers.
• Realtek for audio and network drivers.
• HP, Dell, Lenovo, or ASUS for laptop or desktop drivers.

Step 3: Search for Your Device Model

Search for your specific device or motherboard model. Make sure to select the correct version of Windows (e.g., Windows 10 64-bit or Windows 11 64-bit).

Step 4: Download and Install the Driver

• Once you find the driver for your device, download the latest driver file.
• Open the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver.

Step 5: Restart Your PC

After installation, restart your system to ensure the new driver is activated.

Additional Tip for Windows 11:

• Windows 11 Compatibility: Some older drivers may not be compatible with Windows 11. Ensure you download drivers specifically designed for Windows 11 from the manufacturer’s site to avoid compatibility issues.

4. Update Drivers Using Third-Party Driver Update Software

For users who prefer an automated solution to update all their drivers at once, third-party driver update tools can be extremely helpful. These tools scan your system, detect outdated drivers, and install the latest versions.

Step 1: Download and Install the Driver Update Software

Go to the official website of the third-party tool (e.g., Driver Booster or Driver Easy), download the software, and install it on your PC.

Step 2: Run the Scan

Open the program and click Scan to detect outdated drivers.

Step 3: Select Drivers to Update

Once the scan is complete, the software will list all outdated drivers. You can choose to update all drivers or select specific ones.

Step 4: Install the Updates

Click on Update All to install the latest drivers. Some programs may ask you to restart your PC to complete the updates.

Step 5: Restart Your PC

After installing the updates, restart your computer to finalize the installation of the new drivers.

Additional Tip for Windows 11:

• Compatibility: Most driver update tools work across Windows 10 and Windows 11, but it’s important to ensure that the third-party tool is compatible with Windows 11. Always download these tools from reputable sources to avoid installing malware.

Things to Keep in Mind When Updating Drivers in Windows

Create a System Restore Point

Before updating any drivers, it’s always a good idea to create a system restore point to safeguard against any potential issues after the update.

• Windows 10 & 11: Go to Control Panel > System and Security > System > System Protection and click Create.

Driver Rollback

If you encounter issues after updating a driver, you can rollback to the previous version using Device Manager.

• Right-click the device > Properties > Driver tab > Roll Back Driver.

Check for Compatibility

Ensure the driver version you are downloading is compatible with your version of Windows 10 or Windows 11 (32-bit vs. 64-bit).

Troubleshooting Driver Update Errors and Messages (Windows 10 and Windows 11)

While updating drivers on Windows 10 and Windows 11, you may encounter errors or issues that prevent successful installation. These problems can arise from various causes, such as corrupted files, compatibility issues, or conflicts with existing drivers. Below is a comprehensive guide to troubleshooting common driver update errors and messages on both operating systems.

1. "Windows Could Not Find Drivers for Your Device"

Cause: This error occurs when Windows is unable to locate a suitable driver for the device.

Solutions:

Use the Manufacturer’s Website:

• Download the driver manually from the manufacturer’s website and install it using the Browse my computer for drivers option in Device Manager.

Check Compatibility:

• Ensure the driver is compatible with your version of Windows (10/11) and its architecture (32-bit or 64-bit).

Update Windows:

• Run Windows Update to ensure your system is up to date, as some drivers require specific Windows updates.

2. "The Best Drivers for Your Device Are Already Installed"

Cause: This message indicates that Windows believes the current driver is the latest version, even if it's outdated.

Solutions:

Manually Update the Driver:

• Visit the manufacturer’s website, download the latest driver, and update it through Device Manager by selecting Browse my computer for drivers.

Uninstall the Existing Driver:

• In Device Manager, right-click the device and select Uninstall device. Restart your computer, then install the updated driver.

3. "This Device Cannot Start (Code 10)"

Cause: This error typically indicates a hardware compatibility issue or that the driver cannot be loaded.

Solutions:

Check Hardware Connections:

• Ensure the hardware is properly connected. For example, reseat cables or verify that external devices are securely plugged in.

Reinstall the Driver:

• Uninstall the problematic driver via Device Manager and reinstall it.

Run Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter:

• Windows 10: Go to Control Panel > Troubleshooting > Hardware and Sound > Configure a device.
• Windows 11: Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters, then select Run next to Hardware and Devices.

4. "Driver is Not Digitally Signed"

Cause: Windows blocks unsigned drivers for security reasons.

Solutions:

Step 1: Install Driver in Test Mode

• Boot into Test Mode, which allows unsigned drivers to be installed:

Step 2: Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:

bcdedit /set testsigning on

Step 3: Restart your computer.

After installation, disable Test Mode by running:

bcdedit /set testsigning off

Step 4: Disable Driver Signature Enforcement (Temporary):

Boot into Advanced Startup Mode

• Press Shift + Restart, then select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
• On the next screen, press 7 or F7 to disable driver signature enforcement.

5. "This Update is Not Applicable to Your Computer"

Cause: This error usually indicates that the driver is incompatible with your system.

Solutions:

Verify Compatibility:

• Double-check that the driver matches your Windows version (e.g., Windows 10 64-bit vs. Windows 11 64-bit).

Download the Correct Driver:

• Visit the manufacturer’s support page to find the correct driver for your hardware and OS.

6. "Access Denied During Installation"

Cause: This error occurs when the installer lacks sufficient permissions to install the driver.

Solutions:

Run as Administrator:

• Right-click the driver installation file and select Run as Administrator.

Check Group Policy:

• If you're on a corporate or school network, group policies may restrict driver installation. Contact your IT administrator for assistance.

7. "Driver Installation Failed"

Cause: This generic error can result from corrupted driver files, conflicts with existing drivers, or installation interruptions.

Solutions:

Download a Fresh Copy:

• Redownload the driver from the official manufacturer’s website to ensure the installation file is not corrupted.

Install in Safe Mode:

• Boot into Safe Mode to prevent conflicts with existing drivers or software:

Windows 10/11: Press Win + R, type msconfig, and go to the Boot tab. Check Safe boot and restart.

Clear Temporary Files:

• Use Disk Cleanup to remove temporary files that might interfere with installation:
• Press Win + R, type cleanmgr, and select Temporary Files for cleanup.

8. "Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) After Driver Update"

Cause: This Blue Screen error in PC occurs when a newly installed driver is incompatible or corrupt.

Solutions:

Boot into Safe Mode:

• Start your PC in Safe Mode and uninstall the problematic driver via Device Manager.

Roll Back the Driver:

• In Device Manager, right-click the device, select Properties, go to the Driver tab, and click Roll Back Driver.

Restore System:

• Use a previously created System Restore Point to revert to a stable system configuration.

9. "Request Timed Out" When Updating Drivers via Windows Update

Cause: This error occurs if the update server is temporarily unreachable.

Solutions:

Retry Later:

• Wait a few hours and try updating again.

Check Internet Connection:

• Ensure your internet connection is stable and firewall settings are not blocking Windows Update.

Manually Download the Update:

• Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog (https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/) to download and install the driver manually.

10. "Your System Requires a Reboot to Complete Installation"

Cause: Some drivers require a system restart to finalize the installation.

Solutions:

Restart Your PC:

• Save all open work and restart your computer to complete the driver installation.

Check for Pending Updates:

• After restarting, check for any pending Windows updates that might be related to the driver.

Conclusion

Updating drivers is an essential part of maintaining a healthy system. Whether you're using Device Manager, Windows Update, the manufacturer’s website, or a third-party tool, keeping your drivers up to date ensures better performance, security, and stability for your hardware.

By following the steps provided in this guide for Windows 10 and Windows 11, you can easily update drivers on PC and enjoy a smoother and more efficient computing experience. Just remember to always download drivers from official sources and create a backup to prevent any issues after updates.