Guide: How to update drivers on Windows 10
Updating drivers on Windows 10 computers is essential for security, system stability and ensuring hardware works properly with the latest software. While most updates occur automatically, there are a number of ways to manually update drivers if needed. Here are some of the best practices.
Many people who work with computers are unfamiliar with drivers and how they function. This guide will provide an overview of drivers and their role in Windows 10.
What are Windows Drivers
A driver acts as a bridge between Windows and a device, allowing two-way communication. It’s like pressing a key on a keyboard: the user issues a command, and the device sends back feedback.
Software developers divide their apps into two components: a graphical user interface (GUI) that allows users to view, navigate, communicate and select options, and a driver that works behind the scenes to interact with Windows and facilitate the execution of commands. The driver operates in core mode to handle protected data.
Drivers provide a connection between apps and the data stored on a device, whether it be internal or external.
How drivers work
Printing a Word document is simple: open the file, press the print button, and you’ll have a physical copy of what was on your screen.
A behind-the-scenes look reveals what transpired.
Microsoft Word sends a command to the operating system, which then uses printer drivers to send data to the printer. The result? A printed document in your hands.
Clicking one button allows you to watch a YouTube video.
Despite its apparent simplicity, the consequences of an action can be far-reaching and complex.
The browser acts as a go-between, communicating your request to view a video to the operating system. This then sends requests to three drivers - for sound, video and network - which enable the computer’s sound card or audio hub, video chip or GPU and network card to stream the video from a remote server.
With a single press of a button, users can access videos in seconds without realizing the complex symphony of drivers that make it possible.
How to Install drivers on Windows
Connecting a hardware device such as a flash drive or printer to your computer will usually result in the automatic installation of the necessary drivers, though an internet connection is required.
Software installation can take time, but you’ll be kept informed of progress via pop-up notifications. No manual driver installation is required; the software package installer takes care of it all.
If you need to manually download and install drivers, you can find the correct or latest version of the driver on the manufacturer’s website or Microsoft Download Center. Once downloaded, you can use a specific method to install them.
Knowing the device manufacturer is only the first step in finding the right driver. To get the exact technical name and model number, use a free app like CPU-Z or Speccy. This will help you search for drivers on the site.
To ensure your device is running optimally, visit the manufacturer’s website for the latest drivers or use Windows Updates. Avoid third-party sites, as they may contain malware that can compromise your data and make your system unstable.
If you’re a gamer, you know that keeping your drivers up-to-date is essential. Graphics card manufacturers like AMD and Nvidia offer their own apps, such as AMD ReLive and NVIDIA GeForce Experience, to help with this. These apps also provide additional features like recording gameplay, taking screenshots and sharing them online.
How to Update drivers on Windows
Updating your operating system is the simplest way to ensure your computer is running optimally. Doing so will install new features, fix bugs, and provide security patches, as well as update drivers. To get started, press Windows Key + I for Settings and select the Update & Security option.
Stay up-to-date by checking here for new updates and installing them promptly.
Gain more control over your computer with Device Manager. Accessible from the Start menu or by pressing Windows + X, it displays all hardware devices installed on your system.
To update mouse drivers, expand the Mice and Other Pointing Devices option, select your trackpad provider or HID option for an external USB connected mouse, right-click and select the Update Driver option.
Visit the device manufacturer’s website and download and install the drivers yourself. Select ‘Browser on my computer for driver software’ in Device Manager to complete the process.
How to Check the driver version and update date
Return to Device Manager and select Properties for the device you wish to monitor. Then, click on the Drivers tab.
The device driver’s version and installation date are visible.
Remove or rollback driver
If you’re having trouble with a driver, you can try rolling it back to an earlier version. This is a simple way to troubleshoot the issue.
Users can access the Driver tab in the Properties menu to either remove or reinstall a device.
Drive safe
Updating drivers is essential for smooth operation of Windows 10 computers. Without the latest version, hardware may become unusable. To avoid errors and ensure optimal performance, users should regularly update their drivers.
Windows 10 users can create restore points to help protect their computers from unexpected issues. These backups can be used if something goes wrong or if something breaks.
How to update drivers on Windows 10: benefits
Faq
Final note
If you’re looking to update your drivers on Windows 10, this guide has you covered. Got questions? Reach out to us. And don’t forget to share the love and spread the word!
Visitors with questions about updating drivers on Windows 10 can contact us through the comment section or directly. This guide is for educational purposes only. To correct any misinformation or add additional methods, please contact us. For further help, use our contact page or follow us on Whatsapp, Facebook and Twitter. We answer questions within 24-48 hours (weekends excluded). For the latest software updates and discussion, join our Telegram channel.
