Locating and Updating Drivers on Windows 10
Dealing with hardware hiccups often comes down to whether the right drivers are installed. Windows 10’s built-in tools are pretty handy for finding and updating drivers, but at times it can feel a bit like a wild goose chase. Keeping those drivers up-to-date is crucial for smooth performance — nobody wants their PC throwing a tantrum right when they need it most.
Finding Your Way to Device Manager
First things first: you’ll want to open up the Device Manager. Right-click the Start button and select ‘Device Manager’, or press Windows key + X and choose it from the menu. A window will appear showing all the recognised hardware. If something’s not quite right, you’ll usually see a yellow exclamation mark next to it. Handy, because it’s a flag saying, “Hey, pay attention to me!”
Spotting Devices That Need Updates
Once inside Device Manager, scroll through and look for any devices marked with an exclamation point. That usually means they could do with an update. Right-click the device, select Update Driver, and let Windows do its thing. If you prefer keyboard shortcuts, select the device and press Alt + Space, then choose Update Driver.
How to Update: Automatic vs. Manual
When updating, Windows normally offers two options: search online for the latest drivers, or browse your files if you’ve downloaded one from the manufacturer’s website. Clicking Search automatically for updated driver software is generally the easiest route. If you’ve saved drivers on your PC, go with Browse my computer for driver software. Common folders might be:
C:\Drivers\HardwareName\C:\Users\YourUsername\Downloads\
Finishing the Driver Installation
Once you’ve picked your method, just follow the prompts. Sometimes Windows will ask you to restart your PC to complete the update. Other times, you might need to restart the driver service manually — open PowerShell as an admin and run Restart-Service -Name "wuauserv" if things aren’t playing ball.
Downloading Drivers Directly from Manufacturers
If Windows can’t find the driver, head straight to the device manufacturer’s website. Most have a support section where you can punch in your model to download the right driver. For instance, Intel’s support site (https://downloadcenter.intel.com/) makes it pretty straightforward. After downloading, you can run the setup or go back to Device Manager, select Have Disk, and point it to the INF file you downloaded.
Quick Tips for Managing Drivers on Windows 10
- Before updating, it’s wise to create a system restore point. Open PowerShell as an admin and run
Checkpoint-Computer -Description "Before Driver Update" -RestorePointType "ModifySettings". - If a new driver causes issues, use the Roll Back Driver option in Device Manager to revert to the previous one. Right-click the device, select Properties, go to the Driver tab, then click Roll Back Driver.
- Keep an eye on the manufacturer’s site for critical updates, especially for graphics cards and network drivers. You can check current versions with
wmic path Win32_PnPSignedDriver get DeviceName, DriverVersionin PowerShell. - If manual updating feels a bit too much, tools like Driver Booster or Snappy Driver Installer can automate the process — just be sure to download from trusted sources.
- It’s also a good idea to keep backups of previous driver versions. That way, if anything goes wrong, you can roll back without a fuss.
Common Questions About Drivers on Windows 10
What are drivers, and why do they matter?
Drivers are basically the interpreters between your hardware and Windows. They tell the OS what each component is and how to get the best out of it. Without the right drivers, some hardware might just refuse to work or run poorly.
Can all drivers be updated at once?
Windows does a good job of updating some drivers automatically, but for key devices like your graphics card, it’s often best to update manually. Check for updates via Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and hit Check for updates. Third-party tools can also scan and update multiple drivers at once.
What if a device isn’t showing up in Device Manager?
If something’s missing, make sure it’s plugged in and powered up. For internal hardware, you might need to check BIOS/UEFI settings to ensure it’s enabled. You can open Device Manager directly from the Run dialog (Windows + R) by typing devmgmt.msc. If it still doesn’t show, reinstalling drivers or, in worst cases, the hardware itself might be necessary.
How often should drivers be updated?
Every few months is a good rule of thumb, especially if you’re experiencing issues or after big Windows updates. Regularly checking in via Device Manager or using commands like wmic helps keep your drivers in check.
Can drivers be downloaded safely from third-party sites?
It’s safest to stick with official sources. Downloading from untrusted websites can lead to malware or incompatible drivers. Popular sites like NVIDIA or Realtek are reliable options.
Wrapping Up: Managing Drivers with Confidence
Staying on top of driver updates on Windows 10 is key to keeping everything running smoothly. Using Device Manager and checking manufacturers’ websites can save you a lot of trouble down the track. No need to be a tech whiz — just a basic understanding can make a big difference.
For newcomers, focusing on critical components like graphics and network drivers is a good starting point. Experienced users often find that keeping these drivers up-to-date resolves a host of bugs and boosts performance. Remember to keep backups — it’s better to be safe than sorry!
By staying diligent with regular updates and routine maintenance, your PC will run more reliably, letting you focus on what matters — no interruptions, just seamless performance.