The best way to manage drivers on a computer is to keep drivers up to date and organized. Drivers are the software that allow hardware devices such as printers, disks, keyboards, and mice to interact with the operating system. Keeping drivers up to date and organized can help maximize the performance of devices, free up space on the hard drive, and reduce the risk of driver related problems.
1. Automatically Update Drivers
One of the most effective ways to manage drivers is to have them automatically updated. Updating drivers regularly ensures that the hardware devices are running at their optimal level and are as reliable as possible. Windows 10 has an Automatic Update feature that downloads and installs all important and recommended updates, including drivers. Automatically updating drivers can be done by going to Windows Update in the Settings menu of Windows 10. Alternatively, some third-party programs can be used to scan for and download driver updates from the manufacturer’s website.
2. Scan for Outdated Drivers
Another way to manage drivers is to periodically scan for outdated drivers. Outdated drivers can cause instability, decreased performance, and even system crashes. It is important to regularly check for outdated drivers and update them immediately, as this can help prevent driver related issues. Programs like Device Manager, Driver Booster, and DriverEasy can be used to scan for and update out of date drivers.
3. Check Device Manager
The Device Manager is a Windows utility that can be used to view and manage all the hardware devices connected to the computer. Device Manager can be used to check for outdated or incompatible drivers. To open Device Manager, press the Windows key + R, type “devmgmt.msc,” and then press Enter. This will open the Device Manager, where you can view all your installed hardware and the drivers associated with the devices. If there are any issues with the drivers, they will be listed under the device’s entry in Device Manager.
4. Uninstall Unused Drivers
It is also important to periodically uninstall drivers that are no longer being used. Unused drivers take up valuable space on the hard drive and can also cause compatibility problems and errors with newly installed drivers. To remove drivers that are no longer needed, open Device Manager and double-click on the device’s entry. On the Driver tab, click Uninstall. This will remove the driver from the computer.
5. Organize Drivers
It is also important to organize drivers for easy access in the future. Drivers should be stored in an orderly manner, preferably in a folder labeled “Drivers” on the computer’s hard drive. This will make it easy to find and install drivers if needed in the future.
By following these steps, you can effectively manage your installed drivers for maximum performance, reliability, and system stability. Keeping drivers up to date and organized is essential for keeping hardware devices running smoothly and avoiding driver related issues.