How to update drivers on Windows 11 - Complete guide

Device drivers are essential software components that allow the operating system to interact with hardware components. Keeping drivers up to date is crucial to ensure optimal system performance and stability. This article presents a detailed guide on updating drivers in Windows 11, highlighting both automated and manual methods.

How to update drivers in Windows 11

Updating drivers in Windows 11: A complete guide for experienced users

Device drivers are crucial software components that facilitate the interaction between the Windows 11 operating system and your computer's hardware components. Keeping these drivers up to date is essential to ensure maximum system performance, stability, and compatibility. Below is a complete and detailed guide on updating drivers in Windows 11, aimed at experienced users, covering both automated and manual methods.

Automated methods:

1. Windows Update:

• Windows Update is the tool built into Windows 11 that automatically checks for and installs driver updates along with operating system updates. While this method is convenient, it does not always provide the most recent or appropriate drivers.

Steps:

• Go to Settings > Windows Update .
• Click Check for updates .
• If driver updates are available, they will be downloaded and installed automatically.

2. Device Manager:

• Device Manager offers a more granular automated option for updating drivers.

Steps:

• Find and open Device Manager .
• Expand the category of device for which you want to update the driver.
• Right-click the device and select Update driver .
• Choose Search for updated driver software automatically .
• Windows will search for and install the latest driver available from Windows Update.

Manual methods:

1. Manufacturer website:

• If Windows Update or Device Manager doesn't find the appropriate update, you can manually check for it on the device manufacturer's website. This method offers greater control over which driver is installed, but requires knowledge of the specific device model.

Steps:

• Identify the exact model of your device.
• Go to the manufacturer's website and look for the downloads or support section.
• Download the latest driver compatible with Windows 11.
• Run the downloaded file and install the driver following the manufacturer's instructions.

2. Third party software:

• There are third-party tools that scan your system and recommend updated drivers. However, caution should be taken when using this software as some tools may be unreliable or contain malware.

Important considerations:

• Previous backup: It is recommended to create a system restore point before updating any drivers, in case any problems arise during the process.
• Compatibility: Make sure to only download and install drivers compatible with Windows 11 and the specific model of your device. Installing incompatible drivers may cause system instability or corruption.
• Trusted Sources: Download drivers only from official websites or trusted sources of device manufacturers to avoid installing malware or malicious software.
• Unnecessary updates: Avoid updating drivers if your system is working correctly. Unnecessary updates can lead to instability or compatibility issues.

Keeping drivers updated is an essential task to ensure optimal performance, stability, and security of your Windows 11 PC. The methods outlined in this guide give you a comprehensive approach to updating your drivers effectively, whether using the tools built into Windows or manually searching for the latest drivers on manufacturers' websites. Always remember to follow important considerations before performing any update to avoid problems on your system.