Device drivers are a critical part of your computer’s operating system. Keeping them up to date is essential for maximum performance, security and stability of your system. Fortunately, updating device drivers is easy and straightforward once you know how. There are several ways to update device drivers, depending on your needs and the device itself.
1. Update Drivers Automatically (Using Driver Booster)
The most convenient way to update drivers is to use a driver updater tool such as IObit Driver Booster. Driver Booster can automatically scan your system to detect outdated, corrupted, or missing drivers and quickly install them with just a few clicks. It is free, fast, and easy to use, and it’s considered one of the best driver updater programs available. All you need to do is download and install the software, and it will take care of the rest.
2. Update Drivers Manually
If you would rather update drivers manually, you can do so by visiting the manufacturer’s website and downloading the latest drivers. This method is more time consuming, but it’s also the most reliable. To update device drivers manually:
Step 1: Identify and locate the correct driver
First, you need to identify the device and find the correct driver for that specific device. You can find this information in the Device Manager. Simply press Windows Key + R to open the Run box and type “devmgmt.msc” to open Device Manager. Once there, you should be able to see the device for which you are looking for drivers.
Step 2: Visit the Manufacturer’s Website
Next, you’ll need to visit the manufacturer’s website to download the correct driver. Depending on the manufacturer, you may need to search for the model number or you may be able to select the device directly from a list. Once you’ve found the driver you want, click on the Download button, select a folder to save the driver, and then click Save.
Step 3: Install the Driver
Now it’s time to install the driver. Double-click the downloaded driver file and follow the instructions on the screen to install it. When the installation finishes, restart your PC to complete the process.
3. Use Windows Update
For most devices, you can use Windows Update to automatically download and install the correct driver. This is particularly useful for Windows 10 users, as Windows Update is included as part of the operating system and can be used to keep all your computer’s components up to date. To use Windows Update:
Step 1: Open Windows Update
Press Windows Key + I to open Settings and go to Update & Security. Select Windows Update from the left pane and then click Check for updates.
Step 2: Download the Updates
Windows Update will now check for any available updates for your device. If any updates are available, it will display them in the main window. Select the updates you want to download and then click Install.
Step 3: Restart Your PC
Once the updates have been installed, Windows will prompt you to restart your PC. Click Restart Now to finish the process.
Conclusion
Updating device drivers is an important part of keeping your computer running smoothly and securely. There are several ways to do this, depending on your needs and the type of device. You can use automatic tools like Driver Booster to quickly and easily download and install the correct drivers, or you can manually download and install the drivers yourself. Windows Update is available for many devices, and it can be used to keep your computer up to date. Whichever method you choose, make sure to regularly update your drivers for the best performance, security, and stability.