How to Update Your PC Device Drivers?

A driver is essentially a mini software that enables your computer to interact with specific hardware components, such as your mouse, keyboard, or printer. Occasionally, these drivers need to be updated to solve certain problems or enhance performance.

Generally, there’s no need to update your drivers frequently. If your hardware is functioning as expected, it’s advisable to leave it as is, since new drivers can sometimes introduce issues along with solving them. 

However, if you’re experiencing problems with a particular hardware component or you’re aware that one particular driver is flawed and needs to be addressed, updating it might be necessary.

By updating your device driver and keeping them upto date, you can accomplish the following:

• Avoid Compatibility Problems: Unofficial or old drivers may result in conflicts between the software and the hardware, which can lead to errors and malfunctions.
• Boosting Cybersecurity: Updated drivers mostly come along with new security patches. Lowering the chances of vulnerabilities and cyber breaches.

Updating Drivers using Windows Update

To use Windows Update for updating device drivers, complete the following steps:

1. Click the Start button, then navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. 
2. Select the Check for updates option.
3. Now, select the View optional updates option.
4. Select the Driver updates option, then choose the drivers you wish to update.
5. Click ‘Download and install’.

Updating Device Driver Using Device Manager (Manually)

Windows, among other devices like network adapters, monitor screens, printers, and video cards, automatically downloads and installs driver updates through Windows Update. You likely already have the latest drivers, but if you want to update or reinstall a driver manually, follow the below steps:

1. Type “device manager” into the taskbar’s search box and launch the device manager from the options that appear.
2. Choose a category to view the list of devices. Right-click or press and hold on to the device you wish to update.
3. Choose the option “Search automatically for updated driver software.”
4. Click on the Update Driver.

If Windows is still unable to locate a new driver, you might want to search for one on the website of the device’s manufacturer and adhere to their guidelines.