Updating drivers is an essential part of maintaining your Windows 10 PC. Drivers are pieces of software that allow the operating system to communicate with your PC’s hardware. Without them, your PC would be a paperweight. Most drivers are updated automatically, but it’s a good idea to check for updates regularly just to be sure. Here’s how to do it.
Check for Windows Updates
The easiest way to update drivers is to use Windows Update. Windows 10 automatically checks for updates and installs them as soon as they become available. To check for updates manually, open the Windows Update settings by going to Start > Settings > Update & Security. From there, click “Check for Updates” and Windows will search for and install any available updates. This includes driver updates, so you don’t have to do anything else.
Update Drivers from Device Manager
If you’re having issues with a specific device, you can use the Device Manager to update its driver. To open Device Manager, press the Windows key + X and select “Device Manager” from the menu. From there, you can view a list of installed devices and their drivers. To update a driver, right-click on the device and select “Update Driver.” Windows will search for available updates and install them if they are found.
Download Drivers from Manufacturer’s Website
If you can’t find the driver you need in Windows Update or the Device Manager, you may need to download it from the manufacturer’s website. To do this, you’ll need to know the make and model of the device. Once you have this information, visit the manufacturer’s website and search for the driver you need. Download the driver and follow the instructions for installation. In some cases, you may need to reboot your PC for the driver to take effect.
Use Driver Updater Software
If all else fails, you can use driver updater software to automatically scan for and install the latest drivers for your PC. There are many driver updater programs available, both free and paid. Be sure to research the program before you download it, as some programs are known to contain malware or other malicious software. Once you’ve found a reputable program, simply download it and follow the instructions for installation.
Uninstall Unused Drivers
If you have outdated or unused drivers on your PC, they can take up disk space and cause conflicts with other drivers. To free up disk space and prevent conflicts, you should uninstall any unused drivers. To do this, open the Device Manager by pressing the Windows key + X and selecting “Device Manager” from the menu. From there, you can view a list of installed devices and their drivers. To uninstall a driver, right-click on the device and select “Uninstall Device.” Windows will prompt you to confirm the uninstallation.
Use System Restore
If a driver update goes wrong, you can use System Restore to undo the change and get your PC back to working order. To use System Restore, open the Start menu and type “System Restore.” Select the “Create a restore point” option and follow the on-screen instructions. This will create a restore point that you can use to undo any driver updates that cause problems. To restore to a previous point, open System Restore again and select the “Restore my computer to an earlier time” option.
Conclusion
Updating drivers is an essential part of keeping your Windows 10 PC running smoothly. You can update drivers using Windows Update, the Device Manager, the manufacturer’s website, driver updater software, and System Restore. Be sure to uninstall any unused drivers to free up disk space and prevent conflicts with other drivers. With these tips, you’ll be able to keep your PC up to date and running smoothly.
