Here's how to update your drivers on Windows:
- Open Device Manager: In the search bar on the taskbar, type "device manager" and select Device Manager from the results.
- Locate the Device: Expand the category that contains the device you want to update. For example, if you want to update your graphics card driver, expand "Display adapters."
- Update the Driver: Right-click (or press and hold) on the specific device you want to update and select "Update driver."
- Search Automatically: Choose "Search automatically for drivers." Windows will then search your computer and the internet for the latest driver software for your device.
- Follow Instructions: If an update is found, Windows will guide you through the installation process. Select "Update Driver".
Alternative Method: Manually Updating Drivers
If Windows can't find an updated driver, you can try manually installing one, especially if you have already downloaded the driver from the manufacturer's website.
- Download the Driver: Visit the manufacturer's website (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD, Intel, etc.) for your device and download the latest driver for your operating system.
- Open Device Manager: As above, search for and open Device Manager.
- Locate the Device: Find the device you want to update.
- Update the Driver: Right-click on the device and select "Update driver."
- Browse My Computer: Select "Browse my computer for drivers."
- Specify the Location: Click "Browse" and navigate to the folder where you saved the downloaded driver files. Make sure to select the folder that contains the driver installation files (often a .inf file).
- Install the Driver: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the driver installation.
Important Considerations:
- Restart your computer: After updating your driver, it's crucial to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
- Driver Compatibility: Always download drivers specifically designed for your operating system (e.g., Windows 10 64-bit, Windows 11 64-bit).
- Official Sources: It's recommended to download drivers only from the manufacturer's official website to avoid malware or incompatible drivers.
- Roll Back Drivers: If a newly installed driver causes issues, you can usually roll back to the previous driver version through Device Manager. Right-click the device, select "Properties," go to the "Driver" tab, and click "Roll Back Driver" (if the option is available).
- Windows Update: Sometimes, driver updates are delivered through Windows Update. Ensure that you have enabled the option to receive driver updates through Windows Update. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for updates.
- Optional Updates: In Windows Update, click "Advanced options" and then "Optional Updates" to see if any driver updates are available.
