How to update drivers
Quick answer
The safest way is Windows Update: go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates and install any driver updates listed. For a single device, right-click it in Device Manager and choose Update driver. Graphics card drivers are best updated with the maker’s own app from NVIDIA, AMD or Intel.
A driver is the small piece of software that lets Windows talk to a piece of hardware, like your graphics card, Wi-Fi adapter or printer. Most of the time Windows keeps them current on its own. When something stops working, updating one is often the fix.
Method 1: Windows Update
- Open Settings > Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates and install anything waiting.
- Go to Advanced options > Optional updates and expand Driver updates.
- Tick the drivers you need and click Download & install, then restart.
Method 2: Device Manager
- Right-click Start and choose Device Manager.
- Expand the category, for example Display adapters or Network adapters.
- Right-click the device and choose Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.
If Windows says the best driver is already installed but the problem continues, try the manufacturer’s site next. Device Manager also offers Roll back driver under Properties > Driver if a new driver made things worse.
Method 3: The manufacturer’s app
| Hardware | Official tool |
|---|---|
| NVIDIA graphics | NVIDIA app |
| AMD graphics | AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition |
| Intel graphics, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Intel Driver & Support Assistant |
| Laptops (Dell, HP, Lenovo) | Dell SupportAssist, HP Support Assistant, Lenovo Vantage |
Gamers usually get the newest graphics drivers this way, often days before Windows Update offers them.
If a Bluetooth device is the problem, uninstalling and reinstalling its driver in Device Manager, then restarting, often helps. Checking your hardware first? Here’s how many cores your processor has.
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