Drivers are the small programs that let Windows talk to your hardware: graphics card, audio, network adapter and so on. The golden rules are simple: update when something isn't working or when there's a clear reason, and get drivers from Windows Update or the manufacturer's official site. You don't need a "driver updater" app.
1. Use Windows Update (the easy way)
- Go to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates and install the regular updates first.
- Select Advanced options > Optional updates.
- If Driver updates lists anything, tick what you need and select Download & install.
- Restart when it's done.
If there's nothing under optional updates, Windows already has the newest drivers it knows about.
2. Go to the manufacturer's site
For laptops and brand-name desktops, the PC maker's support page (Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, Acer, Samsung and so on) is the most reliable source. Search by your exact model. For a custom-built PC, get chipset, network and audio drivers from the motherboard maker's site.
You can find your model and components with our PC specs tool or in Settings > System > About.
3. Graphics drivers are a special case
If you game or edit video, get graphics drivers from the chip maker:
- NVIDIA: the driver download page on its website or the NVIDIA app
- AMD: Drivers & Support on its website or AMD Software
- Intel integrated graphics: Intel Driver & Support Assistant
Some laptops use customized graphics drivers from the laptop maker. If a generic driver causes trouble, switch back to the laptop maker's version.
4. Check Device Manager
- Right-click Start and open Device Manager.
- Look for devices with a yellow warning icon. That means a missing or broken driver.
- Right-click the device and choose Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.
- Even if it says the best driver is already installed, the manufacturer's site may have something newer.
5. Roll back if an update causes problems
- In Device Manager, right-click the device and choose Properties.
- On the Driver tab, select Roll Back Driver.
- Pick a reason, select Yes, and restart.
Before major driver changes, creating a restore point gives you an extra safety net.
Which drivers actually matter?
You don't need to chase every device in Device Manager. These are the ones worth keeping an eye on:
- Graphics: affects games, video playback and multi-monitor setups.
- Chipset: helps power management, USB and stability, especially on desktops.
- Network (Wi-Fi and Ethernet): fixes for dropouts and speed problems.
- Audio: when sound is missing or crackles.
For everything else, Windows Update's drivers are usually fine.
Be wary of driver updater apps
Programs that announce "37 outdated drivers found! Update now" often exist to scare you into paying. They can install the wrong driver and create new problems, or bundle software you didn't ask for. Windows Update and official manufacturer sites cover everything you need.
FAQ
Should drivers always be the latest version?
Not necessarily. If everything works, there's no urgency. Update when a fix addresses security or a problem you have, or for graphics drivers when you want performance improvements in new games.
Is a BIOS update the same thing?
No. A failed BIOS (firmware) update can leave a PC unable to start. Only do it when the manufacturer recommends it, with stable power, following their instructions exactly.
Could my sound or internet problem be a driver issue?
It could. See our guides for no sound and internet not working too.
Do Windows 10 PCs get drivers the same way?
Yes. On Windows 10, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View optional updates.