7 Effective Ways to Update Drivers on Windows 11

Driver updates are often the unsung heroes of a smooth computing experience, particularly for Windows 11 users. Keeping your drivers up to date not only enhances the performance of your peripherals and internal components but also ensures compatibility with the latest Windows updates. If you've been wondering how to tackle this seemingly daunting task, you’re in luck! Here’s a thorough exploration of the seven methods to update drivers on Windows 11, along with insights into why doing so is more important than ever.

Introduction​

Device drivers serve as the essential software bridges between your operating system and hardware devices. They help improve performance, fix bugs, and add new features. Whether you're experiencing issues with printers, graphics cards, or even simple peripherals like mice and keyboards, updating the drivers might be the first solution that springs to mind. It’s also critical for resolving compatibility problems and ensuring that your hardware operates smoothly with the OS.
Without further ado, here are seven reliable ways to ensure your drivers are up to date:

1. Using Device Manager​

The Device Manager is your go-to utility for driver management. It allows you to update drivers either automatically or by manually selecting downloaded driver files. Here’s how to use it:

• Open Device Manager: Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
• Find and Update Your Device: Locate the hardware you want to update, right-click on it, and select Update driver. Windows can search for drivers automatically or allow you to browse your computer to find the necessary files.

For manual installations, just click Browse my computer for drivers and follow the prompts.

2. Download and Install Updates from Your OEM​

If you have a pre-built PC or a laptop, your Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) often provides dedicated drivers. While these may not always be the latest drivers available, they are usually optimized for your specific hardware configuration.
Find Your OEM's Support Page: Here are a few links to popular manufacturers’ support pages:

• Acer Support
• HP Support
• Dell Support

Check these pages for downloadable driver packages tailored for your machine.

3. Using OEM Utilities​

Many manufacturers provide utility software that simplifies the process of getting the latest drivers. If you own a pre-built system or laptop, look in the Start menu for a PC assistant tool. If it’s not available, feel free to use the links to directly access your OEM’s site to find necessary utilities.

4. Using Windows Update​

Windows Update isn't just for major OS updates; it also delivers essential driver updates. Here's how you can manually check for updates:

• Open Settings: Press Windows + i, then select Windows Update from the left sidebar.
• Check for Updates: Click on Check for updates. Windows will automatically download and install any available driver updates.

It’s a good practice to conduct this check periodically to ensure that everything is up to date.

5. Enable Automatic Driver Updates via Windows Update​

If you want Windows to take care of drivers automatically, you need to ensure a specific setting is enabled:

• Search for Device Installation Settings: Press Windows + S, type Device installation settings, and launch the application.
• Allow Automatic Updates: Select Yes to enable automatic delivery of OEM driver updates through Windows Update.

6. Check for Optional Updates​

Sometimes optional updates for drivers may be available that offer improvements or fixes not critical for initial system operation. To check:

• Navigate to Windows Update settings and select Advanced Options.
• There you’ll find Optional updates. If any driver updates are available, check the boxes next to those you want to install, and hit Download & install.

7. Manually Adding Drivers for Missing Components​

If a device is missing from the Device Manager, you can manually add its driver:

• Go to Device Manager, click the Add drivers icon, and browse for the necessary driver file on your local storage.
• Click Next to allow Windows to search for and install compatible drivers.

Uninstalling Troubling Driver Updates​

Sometimes, a new driver can cause issues. Here's how to roll back or uninstall a troublesome driver:

Uninstall via Device Manager​

• Access Device Manager, navigate to the problematic device, and go to Properties.
• Under the Driver tab, use the Roll Back Driver option if available, or select Uninstall device.

Uninstall via Windows Update​

If the driver was acquired through Windows Update:

• Access Settings → Windows Update → Update History, and look for Uninstall Updates.

Conclusion​

Updating your drivers is a critical part of maintaining your PC's functionality and ensuring optimal performance. Each of the methods described above presents a straightforward way to keep your Windows 11 system in peak condition.
Remember, while updating drivers can fix many issues, be cautious with new updates especially if your system is functioning well. Always consider checking for user feedback on forums before installing the latest drivers. This is especially true if you depend on a particular application for your work that might be sensitive to changes.
We hope this guide has equipped you with the knowledge and tools you need to effectively manage your drivers on Windows 11. Happy updating!
Source: The Android Soul 7 Ways to Update Drivers on Windows 11 [November 2024]