How to Update Drivers on PC in 10 Easy Steps: A Comprehensive Guide

About PC Drivers

Drivers are essential software components that facilitate communication between your computer’s hardware and operating system. Keeping drivers up-to-date ensures optimal performance, stability, and compatibility with the latest software.

In this article, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step process to update drivers on your PC, helping you maximize your system’s potential and avoid potential issues.

How to Update Drivers on PC — Photo by cottonbro studio

Step 1: Identify the Current Driver Versions

Before diving into the update process, it’s crucial to know which drivers need updating. To identify the current driver versions, follow these steps:

Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type “devmgmt.msc” and press Enter to open the Device Manager.
In the Device Manager window, expand the categories to view individual devices.
Right-click on a device and select “Properties.”
In the Properties window, go to the “Driver” tab to find the driver version and date.

Step 2: Visit the Manufacturer’s Website

Once you’ve identified the drivers that require updating, visit the respective hardware manufacturer’s website. For example, if you need to update your graphics card driver, head to NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel’s website based on your card’s brand.

Step 3: Locate the Correct Drivers

On the manufacturer’s website, locate the support or downloads section. Search for the specific driver related to your hardware and operating system. Be cautious while downloading drivers from third-party sources to avoid malware or compatibility issues.

Step 4: Backup Your Drivers (Optional but Recommended)

Before proceeding with the driver update, it’s wise to create a backup of your existing drivers. In case the new drivers cause problems, you can always revert to the previous versions. There are several third-party software options available to assist with driver backups.

Step 5: Uninstall Old Drivers

To ensure a clean installation, it’s essential to remove the old drivers before installing the new ones. Follow these steps to uninstall the old drivers:

Return to the Device Manager (as shown in Step 1).
Right-click on the device with the outdated driver.
Select “Uninstall device” and confirm the action if prompted.
Repeat this process for all devices you wish to update.

Step 6: Install the New Drivers

With the old drivers uninstalled, proceed to install the updated drivers. The process may vary depending on the driver type and installation method. However, most driver installations involve the following steps:

Run the driver installation file you downloaded in Step 3.
Follow the on-screen instructions provided by the installation wizard.
Reboot your PC if prompted after the installation is complete.

Step 7: Windows Update for Generic Drivers

For some devices, such as network adapters or printers, Windows Update may provide generic drivers that suffice for basic functionality. Windows Update often handles these drivers automatically. To check for updates, follow these steps:

Press Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
Go to “Update & Security” and click on “Windows Update.”
Click “Check for updates,” and Windows will search for available driver updates.

Step 8: Verify Driver Updates

After updating the drivers, verify that the new versions are successfully installed. Return to the Device Manager (Step 1) and check the driver versions and dates to ensure they match the latest ones available on the manufacturer’s website.

Step 9: Troubleshooting Driver Issues

Sometimes, driver updates may cause unforeseen issues, such as compatibility problems or performance glitches. If you encounter any problems after updating drivers, consider these troubleshooting steps:

Roll Back the Driver: In the Device Manager, right-click on the device, select “Properties,” go to the “Driver” tab, and choose “Roll Back Driver” if available.
System Restore: If the problems persist, use the System Restore feature to revert your system to a previous state when the drivers were functioning correctly.
Contact Manufacturer Support: If all else fails, reach out to the hardware manufacturer’s support for assistance or further guidance.

Step 10: Regularly Check for Updates

Keep your drivers up-to-date and maintain peak performance by regularly checking for new driver updates. Manufacturers release updates periodically to enhance performance, security, and fix bugs. Make a habit of visiting their websites or enabling automatic update checks for critical hardware components.

Conclusion

Updating drivers on your PC is a crucial maintenance task that ensures your system functions optimally. By following these ten straightforward steps, you can keep your drivers up-to-date, enhance system stability, and enjoy improved performance across all aspects of your PC experience.

Remember to exercise caution while downloading drivers and always back up your existing drivers before proceeding with updates.

Happy computing!