Updating Windows drivers nowadays is very simple. However, if some drivers require special attention, you have to intervene and you don’t know how to do it, here are some methods. Those of us who have already combed a bit of hair and are part of the generation that didn’t grow up with a mobile phone in hand, but with a keyboard on their fingertips, we definitely had problems with drivers in the past with our PC.
Let’s also say that now the process of installing peripheral drivers has changed a lot. Before this process was slow and complicated, now we have reached the point that we can easily care about installing and updating Windows drivers.
Although now the process has been almost automated (Windows 10 automatically installs them and also searches for emergency ones if it deems it necessary), this does not mean that there may be components that require manual driver installation.
Definition of driver
A driver is a program that tells the operating system how to use a specific device and allows it to be identified. Without this information, for example, Windows is unable to recognize almost anything of the hardware we use on our PC. Keep in mind that the most important drivers (RAM, CPU, graphics card, etc.) are already included in the operating system, although in many cases they are often obsolete and require manual installation or updating.
How to install and update Windows drivers
As always when we offer different methods to update drivers without risk. There are several ways to achieve the same result, we want you to choose the one you think is best for you.
Install and update drivers through Windows
One of the positive things about newer operating systems is that it is no longer necessary to open the browser to search for drivers; through the operating system we can find and download what we need. It is the most comfortable and safe way to download and install them. First we said that it is likely that the drivers that Windows offers are not up to date, but as with other operating systems (eg Debian), Microsoft has already tested the drivers to make sure they do not cause problems. In this way we make sure we do not compromise the stability of our PC.
Installing and updating drivers using Windows features can be done in two different ways. Go to the search toolbar for updates and click on the option that appears with that name. Windows Update will open; click on the Check for updates button and the system will install all the new drivers that are required or not updated.
Or…
- In the search box of the toolbar, type device manager.
- In the window that opens, expand the category to which the driver you want to install or update belongs.
- In the category you expanded, look for the name of the component you want to install or update the driver for. Right-click on it and click Update Driver.
If Windows doesn’t find a specific one for what you’re looking for, you can always go to the manufacturer’s website to download what you need.
Install and update drivers through a third-party program
As we have seen on other occasions, the simplest and most painless thing is sometimes to use a specific program for a specific task. The problem of installing and updating drivers is not free and this is why we recommend Driver Booster to perform this activity.
Using it is very simple. Once installed, simply click on Analyze Now to detect which drivers are obsolete. The program has a huge driver database and is free in its basic version, with the possibility of purchasing a premium package in case we need its extra features.
Another program to keep in mind if Driver Booster does not convince you is DriverEasy. It has many things in common with the one mentioned in the previous point- a large database of drivers, real-time scanning of all drivers and repairing those that don’t work well, among other things.
It’s also very easy to use- with one click, scan the entire computer for drivers that need attention and, with another click, take care of them.
