How to update Windows drivers manually

Updating drivers becomes necessary not only when the problem with the device operating appears, but it also can be a solution for fixing some system errors.

In Windows systems you can update the drivers automatically or manually:

  1. Through Windows Update.
  2. By default Windows updates are downloaded and installed automatically. To check for available updates do the following:

    - Initiate the search for "update"; - Click on Windows Update; - On the left panel choose Check for Updates; - In the appeared list you'll see available updates; - Check the boxes with the drivers you would like to install; - Click OK.

    To make system get the updates automatically click on the Change Settings line on the left panel and choose the preferable option in the category Important updates. It is also recommended to check the box stating Give me recommended updates the same way I receive important updates.

  3. To manually install the updates for drivers is usually more effective, as Windows Update service may not provide all the updates for side hardware.
  4. To update the driver by yourself perform the following steps:

    For Windows XP:

    • Click on the Start, open the Control Panel;
    • Go to the Performance and Maintenance and then System;
    • Go to the Hardware tab;
    • Click Device Manager, choose the driver, click the Update Driver button;
    • Follow the wizard instructions.

    For Windows Vista or Windows 7:

    • Click on the Start menu, go to the Control Panel;
    • Go to the Hardware and Sound and choose Device Manager;
    • Select the driver you need, go to the Driver tab, click the Update Driver Software button;
    • Follow the on-screen instructions.

    For Windows 8/8.1/10:

    • Press Win+X and choose Device Manager;
    • Find the required device;
    • Right click the device, and choose Properties;
    • Go to the Driver tab;
    • Click the Update Driver Software button;
    • Follow the setup wizard steps.