Updating your network drivers on Windows 11 might seem like a small thing, but honestly, it can make a real difference to how stable and quick your internet feels. If your Wi-Fi keeps dropping out, speeds are sluggish, or things just feel laggy, the culprit might be outdated or corrupt drivers. The process isn’t too tricky — just a few steps in Device Manager. Sometimes, Windows doesn’t automatically find the latest update, leaving you scratching your head. So, here’s a straightforward rundown that’s helped me sort out those annoying network issues.
How to Update Network Drivers on Windows 11
Keeping your drivers up to date helps with connection stability and can fix bugs or compatibility issues, especially after big Windows updates or hardware swaps. The aim is to grab the latest driver either through Windows Update or from the manufacturer’s website, then install it without messing things up. It’s a bit weird, but sometimes the newest driver doesn’t get pushed through Windows Update straight away, so a manual check can save a fair bit of hassle. Once done, you should notice a more stable network, fewer Wi-Fi dropouts, and maybe a smidge more speed.
Open Device Manager manually
- Press Windows key + X, then select Device Manager. You’ll see all those tiny hardware icons listed—this is your control panel for drivers.
On some setups, it might not open the first time if Windows is being stubborn about driver signatures or updates, so try running it as administrator if you’re having trouble.
Find and expand Network Adapters
- In Device Manager, look for Network adapters. Click the arrow or double-click to expand it. You’ll see all your network hardware—Wi-Fi, Ethernet, sometimes Bluetooth. These are what you want to update.
Sometimes, they’re labelled a bit oddly. Keep an eye out for names like “Intel Wi-Fi 6” or “Realtek Ethernet Controller” — depends on what hardware your system runs.
Right-click your network device and choose Update driver
- Right-click the device and select Update driver. This opens a little wizard.
If the option is greyed out or doesn’t do anything, it’s probably time to try manually installing drivers from the manufacturer’s site.
Select how Windows searches for drivers
- Pick Search automatically for updated driver software. This asks Windows to look online, including Windows Update, for a newer driver. Sometimes, it finds and installs an update automatically. Other times, it’ll say “The best driver is already installed,” even if you know there’s a newer version out there.
- If Windows can’t find anything, don’t rark up. Head over to the manufacturer’s site or use a trusted driver database like Intel Driver & Support Assistant or Realtek Downloads.
Updating drivers manually if automatic updates don’t do the trick
- Download the correct driver file (.exe or .inf) from the site. Be careful — make sure it matches your model and OS version. Unzip it if needed.
- Back in Device Manager, instead of “Search automatically,” choose Browse my computer for drivers.
- Navigate to the folder where you saved the driver files and select it. Hit Next to install.
Some drivers might need a bit of manual fiddling, but usually this does the trick if auto-updates are being stubborn.
Restart your PC and check if it’s sorted
- Once installed, restart your machine. Windows often needs to reload the driver properly.
- After that, test your network — load a webpage or stream a video. Feels better, right? Or still crappy? If it’s still playing up, try rolling the driver back or check for software conflicts.
Tips for Updating Network Drivers on Windows 11
- Backup first: Before fiddling around, save your current driver using tools like DriverBackup! (Windows isn’t always reliable when it comes to driver reverts.)
- Get drivers from trusted sources: Always use factory sites or Windows Update. Avoid dodgy sites — a bad driver can mess up your network.
- Check regularly: Especially if you’re troubleshooting or after big Windows updates. New driver versions can patch up bugs.
- Note error messages: If something goes pear-shaped, jot down what it said. Sometimes driver conflicts cause BSODs or hardware issues. Google those errors.
- Use driver updater tools: Some hardware brands offer their own utilities, like Intel’s Driver & Support Assistant. They’re not perfect, but they often pick up updates quicker than Windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are network drivers?
They’re like the interpreter between your PC’s operating system and the network hardware, making sure Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Bluetooth run smoothly.
Why bother updating them?
Old drivers can cause glitchy connections, slower speeds, or even security holes. Plus, newer drivers can boost performance.
Can I do it manually?
Definitely. You can download specific driver files and install them via Device Manager. It’s a bit more work, but it often sorts things out if Windows isn’t cooperating.
What if Windows just won’t find a new driver?
Head straight to the manufacturer’s site. Sometimes, they’ve got newer or customised drivers that Windows doesn’t offer.
How often should I do this?
Whenever you have issues, or at least every few months. Major Windows updates are also a good time to check for fresh drivers.
Summary
- Open Device Manager
- Find and expand Network adapters
- Right-click your network device and pick Update driver
- Choose automatic search or manually install from the manufacturer’s site
- Restart your PC and test your connection
Wrap-up
Keeping your network drivers up to date on Windows 11 might seem a bit of a hassle, but honestly, it’s worth it when your internet starts acting up. Sometimes a simple driver update can fix ongoing issues or give your speeds a boost. Feels like the system just “feels” snappier afterwards — might be in your head, but if it gets the job done, why not?
Whether you’re troubleshooting flaky Wi-Fi or just doing some regular maintenance, this process is handy to know. And if Windows isn’t playing ball, most hardware sites have the latest drivers ready to go, so a quick manual install could be your best shot. Hope this helps — it’s worked for me heaps!