Updating the network driver in Windows can be done using the Device Manager. To access the Device Manager, either right-click on the “My Computer” icon or press the “Windows + R” keys to open the Run dialog box and type “devmgmt.msc”. Once the Device Manager window is open, look for the “Network adapters” option and expand it. Then, right-click on the driver that you want to update and select “Update Driver Software…” from the context menu.
This will open the Update Driver Software window where you can choose if you want Windows to search automatically for a newer version of the driver, or if you want to browse your computer for the driver software. If you choose to search automatically, Windows will search online for a newer version of the driver and install it if a more recent version is available.
If you choose to browse your computer for driver software, you can navigate to the folder where the driver was extracted and select the driver INF file. This will start the installation of the driver. Make sure to follow all on-screen instructions until the installation is complete.
Once the driver is installed, you may need to restart your computer to apply the changes. After this, your driver should be updated and working correctly.
In some cases, the latest drivers are not published on the manufacturer website. In these cases, you can try looking for drivers directly from the Microsoft Update Catalog website. To do this, go to the catalog website, search for the driver you need and download it. Once downloaded, run the setup package to install the driver and reboot your computer after the installation is complete.
It is also possible to update drivers using third-party software such as Driver Booster. This software is designed to scan your computer for outdated drivers, download the latest versions and install them automatically.
Finally, if you cannot find the driver you need, it is possible to use Hardware Identification websites such as HWInfo.com or DeviceDoctor.com. Here, you can enter the model of the device you are trying to update and the site will detect the current driver and suggest compatible ones.
In summary, there are multiple options available for updating drivers in Windows. The easiest way is via the Device Manager, but for older drivers you can use Microsoft’s Update Catalog or third-party programs such as Driver Booster or hardware identification websites.