How to update computer drivers—and why you need to

⚡ Fast fix

• Start with Windows Update—It's the safest and easiest way to get most driver updates.
• Skip random driver websites—They're a common source of malware and unnecessary downloads.
• Don't update just because you can—If everything works normally, you may not need a new driver.

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Wi-Fi disconnecting? Printer suddenly stopped cooperating? Game that ran perfectly fine last month now stuttering for no reason? When things like that happen, there's a good chance a driver is involved.

Asurion Experts spend a lot of time helping people solve computer problems that seem complicated but turn out to have a surprisingly simple cause. Driver issues fall squarely into that category.

In most cases, you can update drivers in just a few minutes using tools already built into Windows. Here’s what you need to know.

What are drivers and why do they matter?

Think of a driver as a translator.

Windows speaks one language. Your graphics card, speakers, printer, webcam, and Wi-Fi adapter speak another. Drivers help those devices communicate with your operating system. When they become outdated, corrupted, or incompatible, you can run into everything from audio issues to performance problems.

Without the right driver, Windows may not recognize a device correctly—or it may not be able to use all of its features.

How do I know if a driver needs updating?

One of the biggest misconceptions about drivers is that newer automatically means better. If your PC is working normally, there's often no reason to go hunting for updates.

Consider checking for a driver update if:

• A device suddenly stops working.
• A game starts crashing or performing poorly.
• Wi-Fi or Bluetooth becomes unreliable.
• A device shows a warning icon in Device Manager.
• A manufacturer recommends a specific update.

Our experts frequently see people install dozens of unnecessary driver updates because a third-party utility suggested them. Most of the time, targeted updates are the better approach.

How to update drivers

The easiest approach is usually the best one: let Windows® handle it for you. Microsoft's built-in update tools can identify the right drivers for your device and install tested versions automatically.

In Windows 11:

1. Open Settings (Windows key + I).
2. Select Windows Update.
3. Click Advanced options > Optional updates.
4. Expand Driver updates.
5. Select any available driver updates, then click Download & install.

In Windows 10:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Update & Security.
3. Choose Windows Update.
4. Select Check for updates.
5. Install any available updates.

Depending on your hardware, Windows may also offer optional driver updates.

How to update a specific driver using Device Manager

If one device is giving you trouble, Device Manager can help you update only that driver.

1. Right-click the Start button.
2. Select Device Manager.
3. Expand the category for the device you're troubleshooting.
4. Right-click the device.
5. Select Update driver.
6. Choose Search automatically for drivers.

Windows will look for a newer version and install it if one is available.

How to install the latest drivers from the manufacturer

Sometimes Windows Update doesn't have the newest version available. This is especially common for:

• NVIDIA graphics cards
• AMD graphics cards
• Intel graphics drivers
• Gaming peripherals
• Specialized hardware

In those cases, it's often best to visit the manufacturer's support page directly. This is particularly helpful when troubleshooting gaming performance, display issues, or hardware-specific bugs.

Should you use driver updater software?

Usually not.

Many driver updater tools promise one-click fixes for every problem on your PC. Some are legitimate, but many push unnecessary updates, display aggressive warnings, or try to sell subscriptions.

Our experts generally recommend sticking with:

• Windows Update
• Device Manager
• The manufacturer's website

These sources are more trustworthy and less likely to create new problems.

What if a driver update causes problems?

It doesn't happen often, but occasionally a new driver introduces bugs.

If that happens:

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Right-click the affected device.
3. Select Properties.
4. Open the Driver tab.
5. Select Roll Back Driver (if available).

This restores the previous version.

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Driver updates and AI-powered PCs

As AI features become more common in Windows laptops and desktops, drivers are becoming even more important.

Many newer AI PCs include specialized hardware called NPUs (Neural Processing Units). Driver updates help Windows use these chips correctly for features like:

• Live captions
• AI-assisted image editing
• Video enhancements
• Productivity tools

If you own a newer Windows 11 PC, keeping computer drivers reasonably up to date can help keep those features working as intended.

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FAQ

Is it safe to update drivers?

Yes—when they're installed through Windows Update or directly from the hardware manufacturer.

Do outdated drivers slow down a computer?

Sometimes. They can cause performance issues, compatibility problems, and hardware glitches.

Should I update all my drivers?

Usually not. If your computer is working normally, updating drivers only when needed is often the better approach.

What's the safest way to update drivers?

Windows Update is typically the safest and easiest option for most users. If you need help, a computer expert can take a look and recommend which ones are needed for your specific device.