Updating your drivers on Windows 11 can sometimes feel a bit of a chore, especially when stuff isn’t running smoothly — or you just want that shiny new feature or bug fix. Finding the right drivers and getting them installed without running into errors or conflicts isn’t always straightforward, but once you get the hang of it, it’s dead easy. Doing it regularly helps keep your system running smoothly, sorts out weird glitches, and can even give a bit of a performance boost or keep your hardware happy. Plus, it’s a good habit if you want to dodge those annoying compatibility dramas.
How to Update Your Drivers on Windows 11
Open Device Manager — your hardware’s control centre
First up, find Device Manager. It’s tucked away in Windows, and you can get there by typing “Device Manager” straight into the Start Menu search. Clicking on it opens a window where all your hardware is sorted into categories. Think of it like the nerve centre for your drivers. Sometimes it can be a bit tricky to open, so if it doesn’t pop up right away, try rebooting or right-clicking the icon and choosing “Run as administrator”.
Spot the device that needs a nudge
Once you’re in Device Manager, look for the category containing the device you’re having issues with — like “Display adapters” or “Network adapters”. Click the arrow next to the category to expand it. Sometimes Windows doesn’t quite recognise a device properly, so if you see a warning icon (yellow exclamation mark), that’s a sign something’s off. Heads up — on some setups, the automatic update check might not find the latest drivers straight away. In those cases, it’s worth heading straight to the manufacturer’s website for a manual update later on.
Kick off the update — right-click and select “Update driver”
Right-click on the device you want to update and select “Update driver”. This signals Windows to hunt for newer versions. It’s the standard way to update drivers, whether you’re letting Windows search online or pointing it manually to a driver file. Be patient — sometimes this part can be a bit slow or get stuck, so give it a moment.
Choose how to search — automatically or manually
A small window will pop up asking if you want Windows to search the web for the latest driver or browse your PC for one. If you’re after the quick fix and don’t have a specific driver downloaded, click “Search automatically for updated driver software”. Windows will look for the latest compatible driver online. Usually, this does the trick, but sometimes it might miss the absolute newest version. If you’ve already downloaded a driver from the manufacturer’s site — like from NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel — choose “Browse my computer for driver software” and navigate to where you saved it. That’s handy if Windows doesn’t find anything or if you need a particular version.
Follow the prompts and restart if needed
After the update runs its course, it might tell you it was successful — or that Windows already has the best driver. If prompted, restart your PC to complete the installation. That reboot can clear up any glitches. Sometimes, the first try might not do the trick, so a second go or updating directly from the manufacturer’s website might be the way to go.
Remember, driver updates can be hit or miss, especially with older or customised hardware. If Windows can’t find a driver or your device still acts up, head straight to the manufacturer’s website — NVIDIA, AMD, Intel, Realtek, whatever it is — and grab the latest version from there. It’s often more reliable.
Tips for keeping your drivers up-to-date without the drama
- Set a reminder to check monthly. It’s especially worth doing for graphics and network drivers — newer versions fix bugs and patch security holes.
- Visit manufacturer websites. Sometimes, the latest updates are only available there, not via Windows’ auto-search.
- Create a system restore point before big driver updates. If anything goes pear-shaped, you can roll back to a working setup.
- Double-check compatibility before installing manually — Windows 11 can be a bit picky.
- Use third-party driver tools carefully. There are apps that promise to do the job automatically, but some aren’t reliable or might cause more issues, so be cautious—and back up your system first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why bother updating drivers if everything’s working fine?
Because updates often add new features, fix bugs, improve stability, or patch security flaws. Ignoring them might leave you vulnerable or stuck with quirks that could’ve been sorted.
Can I roll back a driver if it causes drama?
Absolutely. In Device Manager, right-click the device, go to “Properties”, then “Driver”, and click “Roll Back Driver”. That reverts to the previous version if things go haywire with the new one.
What if Windows doesn’t find any drivers for my device?
Head straight to the manufacturer’s website — like NVIDIA Driver Downloads or Intel Download Center. They usually have the latest, most compatible drivers for Windows 11.
Are third-party driver tools safe to use?
Some can be fine, but a lot aren’t worth the risk — many are unreliable or can cause more headaches. If you go down that route, stick to reputable programs and back up your system first.
How do I know if a driver needs an update?
If your device’s acting up, showing errors, or crashing, it’s a good idea to check if the driver’s out of date. Windows Update notifications might also give you a hint.
Summary
- Open Device Manager
- Find your device and right-click
- Select “Update driver”
- Choose automatic or manual setup
- Follow the prompts and restart if needed
Final thoughts
Keeping your drivers up-to-date on Windows 11 isn’t the most exciting task, but it’s well worth the effort — fewer bugs, better support for your hardware, and peace of mind. It can be a bit tedious, especially with older gear, but regular checks save a lot of hassle long-term. Sometimes, a driver update can fix weird issues like Wi-Fi dropping out, screen glitches, or sound problems. Just know where to look and what to do if Windows is being a bit stubborn. Hopefully, this little guide helps you save time and frustration — worked on my PC, and fingers crossed, it’ll do the same for yours, too.