How to Update Drivers in Windows 11 and Windows 10 (2026 Guide)

An outdated driver can cause a range of problems, from Wi-Fi issues and audio glitches to display and Windows update errors. While Windows installs many drivers automatically, it does not always provide the latest versions. 

Knowing when and how to update drivers in Windows can improve hardware compatibility, fix common issues, and keep your PC running smoothly. In this blog, I will explain the safest ways to update Windows device drivers using Microsoft’s recommended methods.

Quick Answer: How to Update Drivers on PC?

• Open Settings and go to Windows Update. Install any available drive updates, including those under Optional updates.
• If Windows can’t find the driver you need, use Device Manager or download it from your device manufacturer’s official website.

What are Windows Drivers?

Windows drivers are small software programs that allow your operating system to communicate with hardware devices such as graphics cards, Wi-Fi adapters, printers, keyboards, webcams, or Bluetooth devices. 

You can think of a driver as a translator. Your hardware and Windows need a common language to work together, and the driver makes that communication possible.

Windows automatically installs many drivers when you connect new hardware. However, manufacturers regularly release updated drivers to fix bugs, improve compatibility, enhance security, and add support for new features. 

Keeping the important drivers up to date helps your devices perform reliably and reduces the chances of various Windows issues like Kernel Security Check Failure.

How to Update Drivers on Windows 11?

Microsoft recommends starting with Windows Update. If the required driver is not available there, you can use other methods mentioned below. Let’s see how to upgrade drivers on PCs.

Method 1: Update Drivers Using Windows Update

For most users, this is the safest and easiest method. Here’s how to update drivers on computers with Windows 11:

• Open Settings from the Start Menu.
• Then, go to Windows Update and click on Advanced options.

  

• Open Optional updates (if available).

  

• Select the driver updates you want to install, and click on Download & Install.

  

Now, just restart your PC when prompted, and your driver will be updated.

Method 2: Update Drivers Using Device Manager

If Windows Update does not find the driver you need, here’s how to update computer drivers manually using Device Manager:

• Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
• Expand the category that contains your device.
• Now, right-click the device and choose Update driver.

  

• Select Search automatically for drivers, and follow the on-screen instructions.

  

If Windows does not find a newer driver, you will need to install it manually using the manufacturer’s latest driver files.

Method 3: Download Drivers from the Manufacturer

This method is useful for graphics cards, chipsets, network adapters, and other hardware that receives frequent updates. Let’s understand how to update drivers on laptops with manufacturer support:

• First, identify your device model using Device Manager or System Information.

  

• Next, visit the official support page of the hardware manufacturer.
• Download the latest driver that is compatible with your Windows version.

  

• Run the installer and just complete the setup.

For example, graphics drivers are best downloaded directly from NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel, while laptop drivers should usually come from your laptop manufacturer’s support page.

Method 4: Use Your PC Manufacturer’s Update Tools

Many PC manufacturers provide their own software to simplify driver updates. Some popular options include:

• Dell Command | Update
• Lenovo Vantage or Lenovo System Update
• HP Support Assistant

These tools scan your system, identify outdated drivers, and install compatible updates automatically. They are generally a safer choice than any third-party driver updater software.

How to Update Drivers on Windows 10?

Although Windows 10 has reached the end of mainstream support, many PCs still use it. The process for updating drivers is almost the same as in Windows 11. Here’s how to update your PC drivers in Windows 10:

• Method 1: Using Windows Update
  • Open Settings.
  • Go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
  • Now, click on Check for updates.

    

  • Click on Install now to download any available updates.

    

  • Restart your PC if prompted.
• Method 2: Using Device Manager
  • Open Device Manager.
  • Locate the device you want to update.
  • Right-click it and select Update driver.

    

  • Choose Search automatically for drivers.

    

  • Follow the on-screen instructions.

If Windows can’t find a newer version, download the latest compatible driver from your PC or your hardware manufacturer’s official support page and install it manually.

When Should You Update Your Drivers?

What drivers do I need to update? You don’t need to update every driver whenever a new version is released. 

In most cases, Windows handles driver updates automatically, and a stable driver is often better than constantly installing the latest one. Consider updating your drivers if:

• A hardware device stops working properly, or you see a warning icon in Device Manager.
• Your PC experiences crashes, freezes, or Blue Screen (BSOD) errors.
• You have installed new hardware.
• The manufacturer releases a driver that fixes a known bug, security issue, or compatibility problem.
• Windows Update recommends a newer driver.

If everything on your PC is working normally, there’s usually no need to update drivers for the sake of having the latest version.

Best Practices for Updating Drivers on PC

Now that you know how to update all drivers in Windows 11 and 10, following a few simple practices can help you avoid installation issues.

• Use the Windows Update option first because it is the safest place to get tested updates.
• Download drivers only from official manufacturers and avoid any unknown driver download websites.
• Create a System Restore Point before manually updating important drivers, such as graphics or chipset drivers.
• Update one driver at a time when troubleshooting hardware issues.
• Do not replace a stable driver unnecessarily; update drivers only when there is a valid reason.
• Keep Windows up to date, as many driver improvements are included in regular Windows updates.

These habits help reduce compatibility problems and improve your PC’s long-term stability.

Final Takeaway

Updating drivers does not have to be complicated. In most cases, Windows Update is all you need to keep your drivers updated. If it can’t find the right driver, Device Manager or the official support page are the next best options. The key is to update drivers when it is necessary, not every time a new version is released.