How to Update Drivers in Windows 11 and 10

A driver is the software that lets Windows talk to a piece of hardware, such as your graphics card, sound chip, printer or webcam. When a driver is missing, damaged or out of date, that device may stop working properly. This guide shows how to check your drivers and update them safely in Windows 11 and Windows 10, using only tools built into Windows and the manufacturer's own website.

1. Check Whether a Driver Needs Attention

Back to guide

Device Manager lists all the hardware Windows knows about and shows which devices have a problem.

1. Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
2. Expand each category and look for devices with a warning icon.
3. Right-click a device and select Properties. The Device status box shows an error code if Windows has found a problem.
4. Open the Driver tab to see the driver's date and version.

Expected result: you know which devices, if any, need a driver update or reinstall.

2. Create a Restore Point First

Back to guide

A restore point lets you undo recent changes to system files, settings and installed programs, without affecting your personal files. Make one before you change drivers by hand.

1. Select Start, type Create a restore point and select it in the results.
2. On the System Protection tab, select Create. If system protection is turned off for your drive, select Configure > Turn on system protection > Apply first.
3. Type a description, such as "Before driver update", and select Create.

Expected result: Windows confirms the restore point was created.

3. Get Driver Updates From Windows Update

Back to guide

Microsoft says the best way to get driver updates is automatically, through Windows Update. It installs recommended drivers on its own. Optional driver updates aren't installed until you choose them.

1. Select Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates, and install what's available.
2. Select Advanced options and make sure Receive updates for other Microsoft products is on.
3. Under Additional options, select Optional updates.
4. If driver updates are listed, select the ones you want, then select Download and install.
5. Restart your PC, even if Windows doesn't ask you to.

On Windows 10, go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Turn on Receive updates for other Microsoft products when you update Windows in Advanced options, go back, select Check for updates, then View optional updates if it appears.

Expected result: Windows Update shows no more updates waiting.

4. Update a Single Driver in Device Manager

Back to guide

1. Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the category for your device, right-click the device and select Update driver.
3. Select Search automatically for drivers (on Windows 10: Search automatically for updated driver software). Windows installs any driver it finds.
4. If none is found, you can select Search for updated drivers on Windows Update.
5. Select Close.

Expected result: Windows installs a newer driver, or tells you the best driver for your device is already installed.

5. Install a Driver From the Manufacturer's Website

Back to guide

If Windows can't find a newer driver but you need one, check the hardware maker's website for the latest driver that works with your version of Windows. On a laptop or ready-made PC, that's usually your PC maker's support page for your model.

1. Download the driver for your version of Windows and your system type (for example 64-bit). If it comes as an installer, run it and follow the steps.
2. If it comes as a ZIP file, extract it and note where you saved the folder.
3. In Device Manager, right-click the device and select Update driver > Browse my computer for drivers.
4. Select Browse, choose the driver folder, select OK, then Next.
5. Select Close when Windows has finished.

Expected result: Windows installs the driver if it's newer. If it isn't, you'll see "The best drivers for your device are already installed."

6. Roll Back or Reinstall a Driver That Causes Problems

Back to guide

If a device stops working properly after a driver update, go back to the previous driver. You need to be signed in with an administrator account.

1. In Device Manager, right-click the device and select Properties.
2. Select the Driver tab, then Roll Back Driver. Choose a reason and select Yes.
3. Restart if Windows asks you to.

If you can't roll back, reinstall the driver instead: save your work, right-click the device, select Uninstall device > Uninstall, and restart. Windows tries to reinstall the driver when it starts. If it doesn't, install it as in step 5.

Expected result: the device works again and shows no warning in Device Manager.

Still Having Driver Problems? What to Try Next

Back to guide

• Look up the error code: Microsoft lists what each Device Manager error code means. For example, Code 28 means the drivers for the device aren't installed.
• Use your restore point: if a driver change caused new problems, System Restore can take your PC back to the restore point you made in step 2.
• Contact the device maker: if the steps above don't work, the manufacturer can help with a driver for your exact model.
• Want a standalone driver tool? Read What Is WinZip Driver Updater?