How to Update Drivers | Update Drivers Manually in Windows 

Updating drivers is essential to keep your computer running smoothly and performing optimally. Drivers are software components that allow your operating system to communicate with hardware devices, like graphics cards, network adapters, printers, and more. When drivers are outdated or missing, it can lead to various issues, including poor performance, device malfunction, and security vulnerabilities. This article will walk you through the process of updating drivers on your Windows or Mac computer, covering manual and automatic methods, along with tips for troubleshooting common driver issues. 

Regular driver updates ensure your hardware devices run efficiently and remain compatible with your operating system. Here's why keeping drivers up-to-date is crucial:

• Enhanced Performance: Updated drivers often include performance improvements, helping your system run faster and more smoothly.

• Improved Compatibility: Operating systems receive updates frequently, and new software applications demand the latest drivers for compatibility.

• Security Fixes: Outdated drivers can expose your system to vulnerabilities. Updates can provide critical security patches.

• Bug Fixes: Driver updates can address bugs, reduce crashes, and prevent unexpected shutdowns.

Now, let’s dive into the methods to update your drivers efficiently.

Updating drivers manually gives you control over the version you install. While it can be time-consuming, it’s a reliable way to ensure you’re installing the correct drivers.

1. Using Device Manager

The Windows Device Manager allows you to view and update drivers for your devices. Here’s how to do it:

1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager from the menu.

2. Locate the device you want to update (e.g., display adapters for graphics drivers).

3. Right-click on the device and select Update driver.

4. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software. Windows will search online for the latest drivers.

5. If Windows finds an update, it will download and install it automatically. If not, you may need to visit the manufacturer’s website.

2. Downloading from the Manufacturer's Website

Some devices, like graphics cards, have dedicated drivers from manufacturers (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel). Follow these steps:

1. Identify your device model by checking the label on the device or in Device Manager.

2. Visit the manufacturer's website (e.g., NVIDIA for graphics cards).

3. Search for your device model, download the latest driver, and follow the installation instructions.

Automatic driver updates can save you time and ensure you’re getting the right drivers for your hardware. Here’s how to automate the process:

1. Using Windows Update

Windows Update is a built-in feature in Windows 10 and Windows 11 that can download and install essential drivers for various devices. To use it:

1. Open Settings by pressing Win + I.

2. Navigate to Update & Security > Windows Update.

3. Click on Check for updates. If driver updates are available, Windows will install them automatically.

2. Using Driver Update Software

Third-party driver update tools can scan your computer, detect outdated drivers, and automatically update them. Some popular options include:

• Driver Booster

• Driver Easy

• Snappy Driver Installer

To use driver update software, download and install one of these programs, run a scan, and follow the prompts to update outdated drivers.

For Mac users, updating drivers is usually simpler, as Apple manages most driver updates through macOS updates. Here’s how to check for driver updates on a Mac:

1. Using Software Update

macOS updates often include driver updates for built-in and compatible third-party hardware.

1. Go to the Apple menu and select System Preferences.

2. Click on Software Update.

3. If any updates are available, click Update Now to install them.

2. Updating Drivers for External Devices

If you have external devices (e.g., printers, scanners) that require additional drivers, visit the manufacturer’s website to download the latest versions compatible with macOS.

Sometimes, even after updating, drivers can cause problems or fail to work as expected. Here are some common issues and solutions:

1. Driver Installation Fails

• Solution: Restart your computer and try the installation again. Ensure you have administrative privileges. If the problem persists, consider using a third-party driver uninstaller, like Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) for graphics cards, before reinstalling.

2. Device Not Recognized After Update

• Solution: Roll back the driver by opening Device Manager, right-clicking the device, selecting Properties, going to the Driver tab, and clicking Roll Back Driver.

3. Device Malfunctions After Update

• Solution: Uninstall the driver and reinstall it. In Device Manager, right-click the device, select Uninstall device, and restart your computer. Windows will attempt to reinstall the default driver.

4. Performance Drops After Driver Update

• Solution: Reinstall the driver with the previous stable version. Many device manufacturers offer archives of older drivers.

While updating drivers is generally beneficial, following best practices can help prevent potential issues:

• Backup Your System: Before major driver updates, create a system restore point. This allows you to revert to the previous state if the update causes problems.

• Check Driver Version: Verify the driver version by checking the Device Manager or the driver’s About section to confirm the update was successful.

• Avoid Beta Versions: Beta drivers are less stable and might have bugs. Stick to stable releases unless you’re testing new features.

Here are some tools that can streamline driver updates and management:

• Driver Support by Microsoft: Built into Windows, it automatically installs essential drivers.

• Intel Driver & Support Assistant: For Intel-based systems, this tool helps you keep Intel drivers up to date.

• NVIDIA GeForce Experience: For NVIDIA graphics cards, this tool provides automatic driver updates and optimizations for gaming.

1. How often should I update my drivers?

It’s generally recommended to check for driver updates every 3-6 months, especially for graphics, network, and audio drivers. However, unless you’re experiencing issues or need new features, you don’t need to update drivers obsessively.

2. Is it safe to use third-party driver update software?

Yes, if you choose reputable software like Driver Booster or Driver Easy. However, be cautious, as some free programs may bundle unwanted software.

3. Can outdated drivers slow down my PC?

Outdated drivers can cause system instability and poor performance, especially if they’re for critical components like graphics or network adapters.

4. What’s the difference between automatic and manual driver updates?

Manual updates give you more control, but they can be time-consuming. Automatic updates are faster but may sometimes install unnecessary drivers, depending on the tool used.

Updating drivers is essential for maintaining a healthy and efficient computer. Whether you choose to update drivers manually or use automatic tools, the key is to keep critical drivers up-to-date and monitor your device's performance. By following the methods and best practices outlined in this guide, you’ll be equipped to handle driver updates confidently and efficiently. Regular maintenance will ensure optimal performance, better security, and a smoother computing experience.