Knowing how to update drivers in Windows 10 can help improve your laptop or computer’s performance, fix hardware problems, and ensure that devices such as printers, graphics cards, Wi-Fi adapters, and audio equipment work correctly. Windows 10 provides built-in tools for updating drivers, while manufacturers may also offer newer drivers on their official websites.
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Check Windows Update
Windows Update is one of the easiest ways to find available driver updates.
Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select Check for updates. Windows may automatically download and install compatible driver updates.
- Open Settings
- Select Update & Security
- Choose Windows Update
- Click Check for updates
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Check Optional Driver Updates
Some driver updates may appear under optional updates rather than being installed automatically.
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View optional updates. If driver updates are available, select the appropriate one and install it.
- Open Windows Update
- Select View optional updates
- Look under Driver updates
- Choose the relevant driver
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Use Device Manager
Device Manager allows you to update a specific hardware driver.
Right-click the Start button, select Device Manager, find the device you want to update, right-click it, and select Update driver.
- Open Device Manager
- Find the relevant device
- Right-click the device
- Select Update driver
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Search Automatically for the Driver
After selecting Update driver, choose Search automatically for drivers.
Windows will search for a compatible driver and install it if a suitable update is available.
- Select Search automatically for drivers
- Wait while Windows searches
- Follow the instructions provided
- Restart the computer if requested
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Download Drivers From the Manufacturer
If Windows cannot find a suitable driver, visit the official website of your laptop or hardware manufacturer.
For example, you may need to download drivers from the manufacturer of your laptop, graphics card, printer, Wi-Fi adapter, or other hardware.
- Identify the exact device model
- Visit the manufacturer’s official website
- Find the support or downloads section
- Download the driver designed for Windows 10
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Install the Downloaded Driver
If you downloaded a driver manually, open the installation file and follow the instructions.
Some drivers may come as an executable file, while others may require you to select the downloaded folder through Device Manager.
- Open the downloaded driver file
- Follow the installation instructions
- Allow the installation to finish
- Restart the computer if required
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Check Whether the Driver Was Updated
After installation, you can confirm the driver version through Device Manager.
Right-click the device, select Properties, and open the Driver tab to view information such as the driver provider, date, and version.
- Open Device Manager
- Right-click the device
- Select Properties
- Open the Driver tab
- Check the driver information
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Be Careful With Third-Party Driver Programs
Avoid downloading drivers from unknown websites or installing programs that promise to update every driver automatically.
Use Windows Update, Device Manager, or the hardware manufacturer’s official website whenever possible.
- Use trusted sources
- Avoid suspicious driver websites
- Check the exact hardware model
- Create a restore point before major driver changes where appropriate
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