Updating drivers on Windows 11 can sometimes feel a bit of a slog, especially when things start buggering up. Usually, it’s because outdated or dodgy drivers are causing hardware dramas, crashes, or just plain weird behaviour. The good news? Windows has built-in tools to help you out, and a few clever tricks make the whole process much easier. This guide walks you through reliable ways to get your drivers up to scratch — because keeping your hardware drivers current can boost performance, fix bugs, and save you from future headaches. Sometimes, a quick update is all it takes, particularly after a big Windows update or if you’ve plugged in some new gear.
How to Update Drivers on PC Windows 11
Find the Device Manager — and get into it
This part can trip people up because Windows has moved things around a bit. To get to Device Manager, click on the Start menu, type Device Manager, then hit Enter. It’s now tucked under System Tools, but it’s basically where Windows keeps tabs on all your hardware.
If you’re troubleshooting a specific issue, like flickering screens or no sound, this is the go-to spot to see if anything’s flagged with a yellow warning triangle. When you open Device Manager, you’ll see a list of all your hardware components — GPU, network cards, peripherals, and all that.
Identify the hardware you reckon needs a new driver
Scroll through to find the device in question — graphics card, network adapter, or whatever’s playing up. Sometimes it’s obvious, other times you’ve got to do a bit of guessing. When you find it, right-click and select Update driver.
For extra caution, you might want to hover over the device and check its properties first — just to make sure you’re updating the right thing. Also, if Windows is being a bit quirky about any device, this is where it’ll flag it up.
It’s a bit odd how Windows sometimes tags stuff with a yellow triangle even if it looks fine, but it’s worth having a squiz.
Pick your search method — let Windows do the heavy lifting
Next, select Search automatically for updated driver software. This is usually the go-to because Windows checks its own database and Windows Update for newer drivers.
It works well most of the time — especially for common hardware like graphics cards or built-in peripherals. But every now and then, Windows might not find the latest drivers, especially if the hardware maker’s released something new that’s not yet in Windows Update. That’s when heading straight to the manufacturer’s website is the best move.
Wait for Windows to do its thing
Once you start the search, sit tight. It might tell you “The best driver software for your device is already installed” or “Windows couldn’t find any drivers.” Not always a good sign, but if it does find an update, it’ll install it automatically.
On some rigs, you might get prompted to restart afterward — do it. Windows needs to reboot to reload the hardware with the new driver. Sometimes, a restart is the only way to make sure everything’s running sweet.
Reboot to lock in the changes
Even if Windows doesn’t explicitly tell you to restart, it’s a fair call to reboot after updating drivers. That way, everything’s fresh and runs smoother, avoiding potential conflicts. If you run into new issues after the update, no worries — you can always roll back, which we’ve got below.
Quick tips to make driver updates less of a pain
- Create a System Restore Point before fiddling with drivers. Because Windows can be funny sometimes. If something goes south, you can revert back easily.
- If Windows won’t find a driver or your hardware still acts up, check out the manufacturer’s site (like NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) for the latest or even beta drivers. Sometimes they’ve got newer updates not yet in Windows.
- Considering tools like Driver Booster or Snappy Driver Installer if you’ve got heaps of devices and want to do it all automatically. Just a heads up — not every tool is top-notch, but they can save you a lot of hassle.
- Keep an eye on Windows Update — it often bundles driver updates, especially for integrated stuff like chipsets or Intel hardware.
- If you update a driver and things go haywire, head back to Device Manager, right-click the device, select Properties, then go to the Driver tab. From there, hit Roll Back Driver — a real lifesaver if the new driver causes more trouble than it’s worth.
FAQs About Updating Drivers in Windows 11
Why bother updating drivers at all?
Outdated drivers can cause crashes, bugs, or just slow things down. Keeping them up-to-date helps Windows and your hardware play nicely, with fewer headaches.
What if the new driver screws everything up?
Use the Roll Back Driver feature in Device Manager. It’s the quickest way to revert to the last working driver if the new one causes dramas.
Can I update all drivers automatically?
Most third-party tools can do this, but be careful about what you trust. Windows itself usually keeps drivers updated pretty well, but for bigger updates, dedicated software can help speed things up.
How often should I check for driver updates?
Every few months is a good shout — especially if you’re troubleshooting or notice odd hardware behaviour. Also, after big Windows updates, it’s worth having a look.
Are driver updates always free?
Yep. Windows updates drivers at no charge. Some hardware makers offer paid or extra driver management tools, but for most folks, Windows does the trick fine.
Summary
- Open Device Manager.
- Find your device.
- Select the update option.
- Let Windows search or head to the manufacturer’s site.
- Reboot and test it out.
Wrap-up
Keeping your drivers up to date on Windows 11 isn’t rocket science — it’s just one of those jobs that keeps your PC running smoothly. Sometimes it’s a quick click, other times you need to do a bit of digging if Windows isn’t playing ball. Either way, it’s well worth doing regularly, especially if you’re facing hardware gremlins or after a big system update. Just make sure to set a restore point before you start, because Windows can be a bit cheeky, and sometimes the latest isn’t always the greatest. Keep your drivers fresh, and your computer will thank you down the track.