How to Update Drivers on Windows 10 and 11
Keeping your device drivers up to date is essential for optimal performance, security, and hardware compatibility. Whether you’re troubleshooting a glitchy peripheral or just want to make sure everything runs smoothly, this guide covers every method to update drivers on Windows 10 and Windows 11 in 2026.
Why You Should Update Your Drivers
Device drivers are software that let Windows communicate with your hardware — graphics cards, printers, network adapters, audio devices, and more. Outdated drivers can cause crashes and blue screens, poor performance in games and applications, hardware that stops working, and security vulnerabilities. Microsoft regularly pushes driver updates through Windows Update, but sometimes you need to manually update specific drivers for the best results.
Method 1: Update Drivers Through Windows Update
The easiest way to update drivers is through Windows Update. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I, then click Windows Update (on Windows 11) or Update & Security > Windows Update (on Windows 10). Click Check for updates and let Windows scan for available updates. If driver updates are available, they’ll appear under Optional updates — click that section and check the boxes next to any driver updates you want to install, then click Download & install.
Method 2: Update Drivers Through Device Manager
Device Manager gives you direct control over individual device drivers. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager from the menu. Find the device category you want to update (like Display adapters, Network adapters, or Sound controllers) and expand it. Right-click the specific device and select Update driver. Choose Search automatically for drivers and Windows will look online for the latest version. If Windows finds a newer driver, it will download and install it automatically.
Method 3: Download Drivers Directly from the Manufacturer
For the most up-to-date drivers, go directly to the hardware manufacturer’s website. For NVIDIA graphics cards, visit nvidia.com/drivers. For AMD graphics cards, visit amd.com/en/support. For Intel components, visit intel.com/content/www/us/en/download-center. For Dell, HP, or Lenovo laptops, visit their respective support pages and enter your model number. Download the driver installer, run it, and follow the on-screen instructions. This method often gets you newer drivers than what Windows Update offers.
Method 4: Use Device Manager to Install a Downloaded Driver
If you’ve downloaded a driver package that doesn’t have an installer (just a folder of files), you can point Device Manager to it. Open Device Manager, right-click the device, and select Update driver. This time choose Browse my computer for drivers, then navigate to the folder where you extracted the downloaded driver. Click Next and Windows will install the driver from that location.
Method 5: Reinstall a Driver from Scratch
If a driver is causing problems, sometimes a clean reinstall is the best approach. In Device Manager, right-click the problematic device and select Uninstall device. Check the box that says Delete the driver software for this device if available, then click Uninstall. Restart your computer and Windows will attempt to reinstall a fresh driver automatically. If it doesn’t, use one of the methods above to install the correct driver.
How to Check Your Current Driver Version
Before updating, you might want to know what version you’re running. In Device Manager, right-click the device and select Properties. Click the Driver tab to see the driver version, date, and provider. Compare this with the latest version on the manufacturer’s website to determine if an update is available.
How to Roll Back a Driver Update
If a new driver causes problems, you can revert to the previous version. In Device Manager, right-click the device and select Properties. Click the Driver tab, then click Roll Back Driver. Select a reason for rolling back and click Yes. Your computer may need to restart to complete the rollback.
Tips for Keeping Drivers Updated
Check for driver updates monthly, especially for your graphics card if you game. Always create a System Restore point before installing major driver updates. Avoid third-party "driver updater" tools — many are bloatware or scams, and Windows built-in tools plus manufacturer websites are all you need. If a device is working fine, there’s usually no urgent need to update its driver unless you’re experiencing issues or need new features.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I update my drivers? Check monthly or whenever you experience hardware issues. Graphics drivers should be updated more frequently if you play games.
Are third-party driver updater tools safe? Most are unnecessary and some bundle unwanted software. Stick with Windows Update and manufacturer websites.
Can a driver update cause problems? Rarely, but it can happen. That’s why it’s good to know how to roll back drivers using Device Manager.
Do I need to restart after updating drivers? Not always, but it’s recommended — especially for graphics, network, and chipset drivers.
