{"id":19782,"date":"2025-09-25T15:38:07","date_gmt":"2025-09-25T15:38:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/?p=19782"},"modified":"2025-09-25T15:38:07","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T15:38:07","slug":"how-to-update-network-drivers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/how-to-update-network-drivers\/","title":{"rendered":"Boost Connectivity with Updated Network Drivers"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"375\" data-end=\"794\">Stuck with slow internet, random disconnections, or security risks? Many times, the culprit isn\u2019t your router\u2014it\u2019s outdated network drivers. Knowing <strong data-start=\"524\" data-end=\"557\">how to update network drivers<\/strong> ensures stable performance, faster connections, and reduced vulnerabilities. For IT managers, cybersecurity leaders, and even CEOs responsible for digital infrastructure, driver updates aren\u2019t just maintenance\u2014they\u2019re risk management.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"796\" data-end=\"952\">In this post, we\u2019ll cover practical methods, security implications, and step-by-step instructions to update your network drivers across different systems.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"954\" data-end=\"957\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"959\" data-end=\"1000\">Why Updating Network Drivers Matters<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1002\" data-end=\"1031\">Outdated drivers can cause:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1033\" data-end=\"1281\">\n<li data-start=\"1033\" data-end=\"1094\">\n<p data-start=\"1035\" data-end=\"1094\"><strong data-start=\"1035\" data-end=\"1059\">Slow internet speeds<\/strong> due to improper packet handling.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1095\" data-end=\"1152\">\n<p data-start=\"1097\" data-end=\"1152\"><strong data-start=\"1097\" data-end=\"1119\">Connectivity drops<\/strong> from compatibility mismatches.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1153\" data-end=\"1208\">\n<p data-start=\"1155\" data-end=\"1208\"><strong data-start=\"1155\" data-end=\"1173\">Security risks<\/strong> that open doors to cyberattacks.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1209\" data-end=\"1281\">\n<p data-start=\"1211\" data-end=\"1281\"><strong data-start=\"1211\" data-end=\"1234\">Limited performance<\/strong> where new hardware features aren\u2019t utilized.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1283\" data-end=\"1444\">For industries depending on cloud services, VPNs, or high-speed data transfers, outdated drivers mean downtime\u2014which directly affects productivity and profits.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"1446\" data-end=\"1449\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"1451\" data-end=\"1497\">Signs Your Network Driver Needs an Update<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1499\" data-end=\"1549\">Before updating, look for these warning signals:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1551\" data-end=\"1794\">\n<li data-start=\"1551\" data-end=\"1600\">\n<p data-start=\"1553\" data-end=\"1600\">Frequent <strong data-start=\"1562\" data-end=\"1590\">\u201cNo Internet Connection\u201d<\/strong> errors.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1601\" data-end=\"1633\">\n<p data-start=\"1603\" data-end=\"1633\">Wi-Fi adapters not detected.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1634\" data-end=\"1695\">\n<p data-start=\"1636\" data-end=\"1695\">System crashes or blue screens linked to <strong data-start=\"1677\" data-end=\"1692\">network.sys<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1696\" data-end=\"1749\">\n<p data-start=\"1698\" data-end=\"1749\">Slower downloads\/uploads despite good ISP speeds.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1750\" data-end=\"1794\">\n<p data-start=\"1752\" data-end=\"1794\">VPN failures or dropped secure sessions.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1796\" data-end=\"1890\">If you\u2019re experiencing any of these, updating your driver is the first troubleshooting step.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"1892\" data-end=\"1895\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"1897\" data-end=\"1951\">Methods to Update Network Drivers (Windows &amp; Mac)<\/h2>\n<h3 data-start=\"1953\" data-end=\"1995\">1. Update Network Drivers on Windows<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1997\" data-end=\"2073\">Updating network drivers in Windows can be done manually or automatically:<\/p>\n<h4 data-start=\"2075\" data-end=\"2115\">Method 1: Device Manager (Manual)<\/h4>\n<ol data-start=\"2116\" data-end=\"2306\">\n<li data-start=\"2116\" data-end=\"2171\">\n<p data-start=\"2119\" data-end=\"2171\">Press <strong data-start=\"2125\" data-end=\"2140\">Windows + X<\/strong> \u2192 select <strong data-start=\"2150\" data-end=\"2168\">Device Manager<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2172\" data-end=\"2205\">\n<p data-start=\"2175\" data-end=\"2205\">Expand <strong data-start=\"2182\" data-end=\"2202\">Network adapters<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2206\" data-end=\"2256\">\n<p data-start=\"2209\" data-end=\"2256\">Right-click your adapter \u2192 <strong data-start=\"2236\" data-end=\"2253\">Update driver<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2257\" data-end=\"2306\">\n<p data-start=\"2260\" data-end=\"2306\">Choose <strong data-start=\"2267\" data-end=\"2303\">Search automatically for drivers<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h4 data-start=\"2308\" data-end=\"2351\">Method 2: Windows Update (Automatic)<\/h4>\n<ul data-start=\"2352\" data-end=\"2516\">\n<li data-start=\"2352\" data-end=\"2412\">\n<p data-start=\"2354\" data-end=\"2412\">Go to <strong data-start=\"2360\" data-end=\"2409\">Settings &gt; Update &amp; Security &gt; Windows Update<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2413\" data-end=\"2445\">\n<p data-start=\"2415\" data-end=\"2445\">Click <strong data-start=\"2421\" data-end=\"2442\">Check for updates<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2446\" data-end=\"2516\">\n<p data-start=\"2448\" data-end=\"2516\">Network driver updates may be included under <strong data-start=\"2493\" data-end=\"2513\">Optional updates<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 data-start=\"2518\" data-end=\"2557\">Method 3: Manufacturer\u2019s Website<\/h4>\n<ul data-start=\"2558\" data-end=\"2720\">\n<li data-start=\"2558\" data-end=\"2612\">\n<p data-start=\"2560\" data-end=\"2612\">Visit Intel, Realtek, or Broadcom\u2019s support pages.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2613\" data-end=\"2669\">\n<p data-start=\"2615\" data-end=\"2669\">Download the latest drivers for your hardware model.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2670\" data-end=\"2720\">\n<p data-start=\"2672\" data-end=\"2720\">Install them manually (requires admin rights).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr data-start=\"2722\" data-end=\"2725\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"2727\" data-end=\"2765\">2. Update Network Drivers on Mac<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2767\" data-end=\"2842\">Mac handles driver updates differently, bundled within <strong data-start=\"2822\" data-end=\"2839\">macOS updates<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2844\" data-end=\"3016\">\n<li data-start=\"2844\" data-end=\"2902\">\n<p data-start=\"2846\" data-end=\"2902\">Go to <strong data-start=\"2852\" data-end=\"2899\">System Settings &gt; General &gt; Software Update<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2903\" data-end=\"2955\">\n<p data-start=\"2905\" data-end=\"2955\">If an update is available, click <strong data-start=\"2938\" data-end=\"2952\">Update Now<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2956\" data-end=\"3016\">\n<p data-start=\"2958\" data-end=\"3016\">Apple delivers driver improvements alongside OS patches.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3018\" data-end=\"3144\">For IT teams, ensuring all devices run the latest macOS version is critical for stable connectivity and endpoint protection.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"3146\" data-end=\"3149\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"3151\" data-end=\"3208\">Best Practices for IT Managers &amp; Cybersecurity Teams<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3210\" data-end=\"3309\">Keeping drivers updated is not just an IT chore\u2014it\u2019s part of a larger <strong data-start=\"3280\" data-end=\"3306\">cybersecurity strategy<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3311\" data-end=\"3661\">\n<li data-start=\"3311\" data-end=\"3367\">\n<p data-start=\"3313\" data-end=\"3367\"><strong data-start=\"3313\" data-end=\"3333\">Automate updates<\/strong> with endpoint management tools.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3368\" data-end=\"3461\">\n<p data-start=\"3370\" data-end=\"3461\"><strong data-start=\"3370\" data-end=\"3400\">Verify vendor authenticity<\/strong> before installing drivers (to avoid supply chain attacks).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3462\" data-end=\"3524\">\n<p data-start=\"3464\" data-end=\"3524\"><strong data-start=\"3464\" data-end=\"3493\">Test updates in a sandbox<\/strong> before company-wide rollout.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3525\" data-end=\"3582\">\n<p data-start=\"3527\" data-end=\"3582\"><strong data-start=\"3527\" data-end=\"3547\">Maintain backups<\/strong> in case updates cause conflicts.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3583\" data-end=\"3661\">\n<p data-start=\"3585\" data-end=\"3661\"><strong data-start=\"3585\" data-end=\"3612\">Schedule regular audits<\/strong> to detect outdated drivers across the network.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr data-start=\"3663\" data-end=\"3666\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"3668\" data-end=\"3709\">Common Issues After Updating &amp; Fixes<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3711\" data-end=\"3786\">Sometimes, updates can introduce new problems. Here\u2019s how to handle them:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3788\" data-end=\"4127\">\n<li data-start=\"3788\" data-end=\"3865\">\n<p data-start=\"3790\" data-end=\"3865\"><strong data-start=\"3790\" data-end=\"3820\">Wi-Fi missing after update<\/strong> \u2192 Roll back drivers in <strong data-start=\"3844\" data-end=\"3862\">Device Manager<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3866\" data-end=\"3933\">\n<p data-start=\"3868\" data-end=\"3933\"><strong data-start=\"3868\" data-end=\"3894\">Connection instability<\/strong> \u2192 Restart router + PC after updates.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3934\" data-end=\"4036\">\n<p data-start=\"3936\" data-end=\"4036\"><strong data-start=\"3936\" data-end=\"3962\">Incompatibility errors<\/strong> \u2192 Install manufacturer\u2019s recommended stable version, not beta releases.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4037\" data-end=\"4127\">\n<p data-start=\"4039\" data-end=\"4127\"><strong data-start=\"4039\" data-end=\"4061\">VPN not connecting<\/strong> \u2192 Check firewall\/driver settings and reapply VPN configuration.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr data-start=\"4129\" data-end=\"4132\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"4134\" data-end=\"4175\">Security Benefits of Updated Drivers<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"4177\" data-end=\"4245\">From a cybersecurity standpoint, outdated drivers pose risks like:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4247\" data-end=\"4431\">\n<li data-start=\"4247\" data-end=\"4307\">\n<p data-start=\"4249\" data-end=\"4307\"><strong data-start=\"4249\" data-end=\"4282\">Privilege escalation exploits<\/strong> targeting old drivers.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4308\" data-end=\"4369\">\n<p data-start=\"4310\" data-end=\"4369\"><strong data-start=\"4310\" data-end=\"4339\">Man-in-the-middle attacks<\/strong> from weak network handling.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4370\" data-end=\"4431\">\n<p data-start=\"4372\" data-end=\"4431\"><strong data-start=\"4372\" data-end=\"4395\">DoS vulnerabilities<\/strong> caused by unpatched driver flaws.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"4433\" data-end=\"4548\">By learning <strong data-start=\"4445\" data-end=\"4478\">how to update network drivers<\/strong> regularly, organizations can close these security gaps proactively.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"4550\" data-end=\"4553\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"4555\" data-end=\"4592\">FAQs on Updating Network Drivers<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"4594\" data-end=\"4716\"><strong data-start=\"4594\" data-end=\"4644\">Q1. How often should I update network drivers?<\/strong><br data-start=\"4644\" data-end=\"4647\" \/>Every 3\u20136 months, or when new issues\/security patches are released.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4718\" data-end=\"4847\"><strong data-start=\"4718\" data-end=\"4777\">Q2. Can outdated drivers cause internet disconnections?<\/strong><br data-start=\"4777\" data-end=\"4780\" \/>Yes, mismatched or outdated drivers often lead to frequent drops.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4849\" data-end=\"4990\"><strong data-start=\"4849\" data-end=\"4897\">Q3. Do network drivers update automatically?<\/strong><br data-start=\"4897\" data-end=\"4900\" \/>On Windows, only if updates are included in Windows Update. Macs update via OS upgrades.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4992\" data-end=\"5134\"><strong data-start=\"4992\" data-end=\"5046\">Q4. Should I use third-party driver updater tools?<\/strong><br data-start=\"5046\" data-end=\"5049\" \/>Not recommended. Stick to Windows Update or vendor websites to avoid malware risks.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5136\" data-end=\"5278\"><strong data-start=\"5136\" data-end=\"5197\">Q5. Can updating network drivers improve VPN performance?<\/strong><br data-start=\"5197\" data-end=\"5200\" \/>Absolutely. Updated drivers ensure stable encryption and smoother tunneling.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"5280\" data-end=\"5283\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"5285\" data-end=\"5304\">Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"5306\" data-end=\"5526\">Keeping your network drivers updated ensures <strong data-start=\"5351\" data-end=\"5385\">security, speed, and stability<\/strong> across your organization. IT managers and CEOs alike must recognize that even small technical updates can prevent large-scale disruptions.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5528\" data-end=\"5671\">Want enterprise-grade protection and automated IT security management?<br data-start=\"5601\" data-end=\"5604\" \/><a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/signup\/\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"5604\" data-end=\"5668\">Start free with Itarian today<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Stuck with slow internet, random disconnections, or security risks? Many times, the culprit isn\u2019t your router\u2014it\u2019s outdated network drivers. Knowing how to update network drivers ensures stable performance, faster connections, and reduced vulnerabilities. For IT managers, cybersecurity leaders, and even CEOs responsible for digital infrastructure, driver updates aren\u2019t just maintenance\u2014they\u2019re risk management. In this post,&hellip; <span class=\"readmore\"><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":19942,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-19782","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ticketing-system","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19782","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19782"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19782\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19792,"href":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19782\/revisions\/19792"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19942"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19782"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19782"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19782"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}