How to Update Any Device Driver

Device drivers are programs that enable hardware connected to your computer. Keeping all of your drivers up to date will allow each device to function properly by resolving errors, bugs, and other outstanding issues. Driver updates in Windows 7, Vista, and XP can be applied automatically by "Windows Update" ("Automatic Update" in XP) or manually upgraded in the Device Manager menu. The steps below detail how to update your drivers both automatically and manually in Windows.

Method 1

Updating Device Drivers Automatically in Windows 7 and Vista

1. 
   1
   Open the Start menu. Select "All Programs."
2. 
   2
   Click on "Windows Update." You can also type in "Windows Update" in the Start menu search bar and choose it from the search results.
3. 
   3
   Select "Change Settings." This option is located in the left pane.
4. 
   4
   Choose "Install updates automatically (recommended)" option. This option is found under the "Important Updates" in Windows Vista.
5. 
   5
   Check the option to include recommended updates. In Windows 7, this is the box next to the "Include recommended updates when downloading, installing, or notifying me about updates" option in the "Recommended Updates" section. In Vista, the option is "Give me recommended updates the same way I receive important updates."
6. 
   6
   Click "OK."

Method 2

Updating Device Drivers Automatically in Windows XP

1. 
   1
   Open the Start menu. Select "Control Panel." Click twice on "Security Center."
2. 
   2
   Select "Automatic Updates." In the dialog box, select the "Automatic (recommended)" option. Click "OK."

Method 3

Updating Device Drivers Manually in Windows 7 and Vista

1. 
   1
   Open the Start menu. Select "Control Panel."
2. 
   2
   Choose "System and Maintenance" or "System and Security." In Windows 7, the option is "System and Maintenance." In Windows Vista, the option is called "System and Security"; you then click on "System."
3. 
   3
   Click on "Device Manager." You may be prompted for an administrator password during this step. Enter your password to continue.
4. 
   4
   Select a device from the list. Click twice on the device name.
5. 
   5
   Select the "Driver" tab, then click the "Update Driver" option.

Method 4

Updating Device Drivers Manually in Windows XP

1. 
   1
   Right-click on the My Computer icon. Select "Manage" from the sub-menu, then click on "Device Manager."
2. 
   2
   Click twice on the device you want to update.
3. 
   3
   Right-click on the particular driver you want to update. Click "Update Driver."

Video

Tips

• Printer devices won't appear in the "Device Manager" menu. You need to access "Printers" from the "Control Panel."
• You can also choose to roll back drivers. Rolling back a driver means that you are uninstalling the latest version of the driver. This is usually done if the driver did not install properly the first time or it is incompatible with another aspect of your operating system.
• If Windows cannot automatically find updates for all of your drivers, you can go to the device manufacturer's website. Typically, the website will have a section where you can download driver updates directly from the site.

Location:

Share :