Updating drivers on Windows 11 isn’t just something you do when stuff bugs out — it’s more like giving your PC a tidy-up now and then. Drivers are basically the middlemen that tell your hardware how to have a chinwag with your system. If they’re out of date or dodgy, weird things can happen: crashes, laggy performance, or peripherals not playing nicely. The good news is, it’s pretty straightforward to keep everything up-to-date, but sometimes Windows can make it more fiddly than it needs to be. So, here’s the lowdown, with some tips to avoid those frustrating moments where a driver update causes more dramas than it fixes.
How to Update Drivers on Windows 11
Getting driver updates through Windows Update
First up, Windows Update is your go-to. It’s quicker and safer since Microsoft checks their updates. To check, head to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates. Sometimes driver updates come bundled with those big Windows updates; other times, they come separately. When you see driver updates available, just click Download and install. On some setups, this might not catch everything — that’s when the Device Manager comes in handy.
You’ll get a notification if new drivers are ready. If not, no worries; you might need to check manually or visit the manufacturer’s website for the latest stuff, especially for graphics cards or peripherals. And, just a heads up, it’s a good idea to set a system restore point before updating drivers — Windows can be a bit cheeky and sometimes things go belly up. Having a restore point makes rolling back easy if something doesn’t feel right.
Using Device Manager for specific drivers
If Windows Update doesn’t find anything, or you need a fresher driver (like for a new GPU), Device Manager is your mate. To open it, right-click the Start button or press Windows + X and select Device Manager. Find the device you want to update, right-click it, and choose Update driver. You’ll get the option to let Windows search automatically or to browse your computer if you already downloaded a driver directly from the manufacturer’s site.
A little tip: Sometimes, Windows drivers aren’t the newest or best. If you know your hardware brand (like NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel), it’s worth heading straight to their official support pages for the latest and greatest drivers. Popular sites include NVIDIA Driver Downloads, AMD Drivers & Support, and Intel Driver & Support Assistant.
Funny thing — on some machines, the automatic driver search in Device Manager can throw a wobbly at first but work fine after a reboot or two. No worries. If things go pear-shaped after an update, you can always roll back the driver by opening the device’s properties and selecting Roll Back Driver. It’s handy to have that option up your sleeve!
Tips for updating drivers in Windows 11
- Back up your system first — a quick restore point can save your skin if something goes sideways.
- Check the manufacturer’s website for the latest drivers, especially for graphics cards or gaming gear. They often release more stable or feature-packed versions than Windows’ auto-updates.
- If a driver is causing grief, sometimes grabbing the full package from the manufacturer and installing it manually (via Device Manager > Update driver > Browse my computer…) is better than relying on Windows to do the lot.
- Don’t go updating drivers for the fun of it — unless there’s a problem. Overdoing it can sometimes cause more issues.
- Keep tabs on your driver versions so you can revert if needed. Windows’ Device Manager has a Roll Back Driver button, but it only works if a previous version was saved.
Frequent Questions
Why should I bother updating drivers?
Because old drivers can slow things down, cause crashes, or open up security gaps. It’s like skipping oil changes in your car — might be alright for a bit, but sooner or later, it’ll cause trouble.
How often should I update drivers?
Every few months, or whenever your hardware starts acting up. If errors pop up or things lag, that’s a sign it’s time to check for updates.
Is it risky to update drivers through Windows Update?
Most of the time, no. Microsoft checks their drivers, but it’s still a good idea to back up first. Sometimes, new drivers can cause compatibility issues, especially with older gear.
What if the driver messes things up after an update?
Use Device Manager to roll back to a previous version. Windows usually keeps a backup of the old driver for a little while after an update, just in case. So, don’t rush into manual installs if things go pear-shaped.
Quick Summary
- Check Windows Update for driver updates.
- Use Device Manager for specific hardware tweaks.
- Visit the hardware maker’s site for the latest official drivers.
- Always back up first — better safe than sorry.
- If needed, roll back drivers — don’t just assume everything’s alright.
Final Thoughts
Sure, updating drivers can be a bit of a grind, but it’s worth the effort. Whether you’re fixing bugs or trying to get your graphics running sweet as, staying up-to-date makes life easier in the long run. Remember to back up your system — Windows can be a bit unpredictable if an update goes belly up. For most setups, automatic updates do the job fine, but if they don’t, hunting down the latest drivers from your hardware’s website is the way to go. Hope this makes things a bit easier — good luck, mate!