{"id":23132,"date":"2025-10-24T15:39:35","date_gmt":"2025-10-24T15:39:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/?p=23132"},"modified":"2025-10-24T15:39:35","modified_gmt":"2025-10-24T15:39:35","slug":"how-to-update-computer-drivers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/how-to-update-computer-drivers\/","title":{"rendered":"Enhance Performance and Security by Updating Computer Drivers"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"322\" data-end=\"601\">Is your computer running slower than usual or certain devices not working correctly? The culprit may be <strong data-start=\"426\" data-end=\"446\">outdated drivers<\/strong>. Drivers are essential software components that let your operating system communicate with hardware like graphics cards, network adapters, and printers.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"603\" data-end=\"907\">Knowing <strong data-start=\"611\" data-end=\"645\">how to update computer drivers<\/strong> ensures smooth system performance, fixes bugs, and protects against potential security risks. In this article, we\u2019ll explain everything from automatic updates to manual installation \u2014 perfect for IT managers, cybersecurity professionals, and business leaders.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"909\" data-end=\"912\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"914\" data-end=\"968\">What Are Computer Drivers and Why Do They Matter?<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"970\" data-end=\"1168\">Computer drivers act as communication bridges between your operating system and the physical components of your device. Without updated drivers, your hardware may underperform or even malfunction.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"1170\" data-end=\"1206\">Importance of Updated Drivers:<\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"1207\" data-end=\"1654\">\n<li data-start=\"1207\" data-end=\"1281\">\n<p data-start=\"1209\" data-end=\"1281\"><strong data-start=\"1209\" data-end=\"1233\">Enhance performance:<\/strong> Updated drivers optimize hardware efficiency.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1282\" data-end=\"1382\">\n<p data-start=\"1284\" data-end=\"1382\"><strong data-start=\"1284\" data-end=\"1310\">Improve compatibility:<\/strong> New software or operating system updates often require fresh drivers.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1383\" data-end=\"1477\">\n<p data-start=\"1385\" data-end=\"1477\"><strong data-start=\"1385\" data-end=\"1418\">Fix security vulnerabilities:<\/strong> Outdated drivers may expose your system to cyberattacks.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1478\" data-end=\"1555\">\n<p data-start=\"1480\" data-end=\"1555\"><strong data-start=\"1480\" data-end=\"1510\">Ensure hardware stability:<\/strong> Updated drivers reduce crashes and errors.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1556\" data-end=\"1654\">\n<p data-start=\"1558\" data-end=\"1654\"><strong data-start=\"1558\" data-end=\"1584\">Optimize productivity:<\/strong> Smooth hardware performance helps business systems run efficiently.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr data-start=\"1656\" data-end=\"1659\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"1661\" data-end=\"1707\">How to Update Computer Drivers in Windows<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1709\" data-end=\"1837\">There are several ways to update drivers, depending on your technical level and system setup. Let\u2019s explore them step-by-step.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"1839\" data-end=\"1842\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"1844\" data-end=\"1895\">Method 1: Update Drivers Using Windows Update<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1897\" data-end=\"2027\">The easiest and safest method is through <strong data-start=\"1938\" data-end=\"1956\">Windows Update<\/strong>. It automatically checks for and installs certified driver versions.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2029\" data-end=\"2041\"><strong data-start=\"2029\" data-end=\"2039\">Steps:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol data-start=\"2042\" data-end=\"2254\">\n<li data-start=\"2042\" data-end=\"2090\">\n<p data-start=\"2045\" data-end=\"2090\">Press <strong data-start=\"2051\" data-end=\"2066\">Windows + I<\/strong> to open <strong data-start=\"2075\" data-end=\"2087\">Settings<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2091\" data-end=\"2141\">\n<p data-start=\"2094\" data-end=\"2141\">Go to <strong data-start=\"2100\" data-end=\"2138\">Update &amp; Security \u2192 Windows Update<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2142\" data-end=\"2175\">\n<p data-start=\"2145\" data-end=\"2175\">Click <strong data-start=\"2151\" data-end=\"2172\">Check for updates<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2176\" data-end=\"2254\">\n<p data-start=\"2179\" data-end=\"2254\">Windows will automatically download and install available driver updates.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p data-start=\"2256\" data-end=\"2356\"><strong data-start=\"2256\" data-end=\"2264\">Tip:<\/strong> Windows Update ensures compatibility and prevents you from installing unverified drivers.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"2358\" data-end=\"2361\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"2363\" data-end=\"2416\">Method 2: Update Drivers Through Device Manager<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2418\" data-end=\"2495\"><strong data-start=\"2418\" data-end=\"2436\">Device Manager<\/strong> allows you to manually update individual device drivers.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2497\" data-end=\"2509\"><strong data-start=\"2497\" data-end=\"2507\">Steps:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol data-start=\"2510\" data-end=\"2866\">\n<li data-start=\"2510\" data-end=\"2567\">\n<p data-start=\"2513\" data-end=\"2567\">Press <strong data-start=\"2519\" data-end=\"2534\">Windows + X<\/strong> and choose <strong data-start=\"2546\" data-end=\"2564\">Device Manager<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2568\" data-end=\"2640\">\n<p data-start=\"2571\" data-end=\"2640\">Expand the device category (e.g., \u201cDisplay adapters\u201d for your GPU).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2641\" data-end=\"2707\">\n<p data-start=\"2644\" data-end=\"2707\">Right-click the specific device and select <strong data-start=\"2687\" data-end=\"2704\">Update driver<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2708\" data-end=\"2866\">\n<p data-start=\"2711\" data-end=\"2720\">Choose:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2724\" data-end=\"2866\">\n<li data-start=\"2724\" data-end=\"2791\">\n<p data-start=\"2726\" data-end=\"2791\"><strong data-start=\"2726\" data-end=\"2762\">Search automatically for drivers<\/strong> (Windows searches online).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2795\" data-end=\"2866\">\n<p data-start=\"2797\" data-end=\"2866\"><strong data-start=\"2797\" data-end=\"2831\">Browse my computer for drivers<\/strong> (use this for downloaded files).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p data-start=\"2868\" data-end=\"2982\"><strong data-start=\"2868\" data-end=\"2880\">Example:<\/strong> Updating your network or Wi-Fi driver can fix disconnection issues or improve connection stability.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"2984\" data-end=\"2987\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"2989\" data-end=\"3053\">Method 3: Download Drivers from the Manufacturer\u2019s Website<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3055\" data-end=\"3164\">For critical devices like graphics cards or chipsets, it\u2019s best to download directly from the manufacturer.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3166\" data-end=\"3178\"><strong data-start=\"3166\" data-end=\"3176\">Steps:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol data-start=\"3179\" data-end=\"3492\">\n<li data-start=\"3179\" data-end=\"3233\">\n<p data-start=\"3182\" data-end=\"3233\">Identify your device model in <strong data-start=\"3212\" data-end=\"3230\">Device Manager<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3234\" data-end=\"3318\">\n<p data-start=\"3237\" data-end=\"3318\">Visit the official manufacturer\u2019s website (e.g., Intel, NVIDIA, AMD, Dell, HP).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3319\" data-end=\"3369\">\n<p data-start=\"3322\" data-end=\"3369\">Go to the <strong data-start=\"3332\" data-end=\"3343\">Support<\/strong> or <strong data-start=\"3347\" data-end=\"3358\">Drivers<\/strong> section.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3370\" data-end=\"3444\">\n<p data-start=\"3373\" data-end=\"3444\">Enter your product details and download the latest compatible driver.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3445\" data-end=\"3492\">\n<p data-start=\"3448\" data-end=\"3492\">Run the installer and restart your system.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p data-start=\"3494\" data-end=\"3620\"><strong data-start=\"3494\" data-end=\"3502\">Tip:<\/strong> Manufacturer drivers are often newer than what Windows Update provides, offering enhanced performance and features.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"3622\" data-end=\"3625\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"3627\" data-end=\"3675\">Method 4: Use PowerShell or Command Prompt<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3677\" data-end=\"3769\">System administrators and IT pros can use command-line tools to manage and update drivers.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3771\" data-end=\"3783\"><strong data-start=\"3771\" data-end=\"3781\">Steps:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol data-start=\"3784\" data-end=\"4043\">\n<li data-start=\"3784\" data-end=\"3826\">\n<p data-start=\"3787\" data-end=\"3826\">Open <strong data-start=\"3792\" data-end=\"3823\">PowerShell as Administrator<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3827\" data-end=\"3939\">\n<p data-start=\"3830\" data-end=\"3862\">To list current drivers, type:<\/p>\n<div class=\"contain-inline-size rounded-2xl relative bg-token-sidebar-surface-primary\">\n<div class=\"sticky top-9\">\n<div class=\"absolute end-0 bottom-0 flex h-9 items-center pe-2\">\n<div class=\"bg-token-bg-elevated-secondary text-token-text-secondary flex items-center gap-4 rounded-sm px-2 font-sans text-xs\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"overflow-y-auto p-4\" dir=\"ltr\"><code class=\"whitespace-pre!\"><span class=\"hljs-keyword\">Get<\/span>-WindowsDriver -Online | <span class=\"hljs-keyword\">Select<\/span>-<span class=\"hljs-keyword\">Object<\/span> Driver, <span class=\"hljs-keyword\">Version<\/span><br \/>\n<\/code><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3940\" data-end=\"4043\">\n<p data-start=\"3943\" data-end=\"3974\">To install a specific driver:<\/p>\n<div class=\"contain-inline-size rounded-2xl relative bg-token-sidebar-surface-primary\">\n<div class=\"sticky top-9\">\n<div class=\"absolute end-0 bottom-0 flex h-9 items-center pe-2\">\n<div class=\"bg-token-bg-elevated-secondary text-token-text-secondary flex items-center gap-4 rounded-sm px-2 font-sans text-xs\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"overflow-y-auto p-4\" dir=\"ltr\"><code class=\"whitespace-pre!\">pnputil \/add-driver &lt;path_to_driver&gt;.inf \/install<br \/>\n<\/code><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p data-start=\"4045\" data-end=\"4146\">This is useful for batch updates or deploying updates across multiple endpoints in an organization.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"4148\" data-end=\"4151\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"4153\" data-end=\"4198\">Method 5: Use Trusted Third-Party Tools<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"4200\" data-end=\"4299\">There are legitimate software tools designed to detect and update outdated drivers automatically.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4301\" data-end=\"4316\"><strong data-start=\"4301\" data-end=\"4314\">Examples:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4317\" data-end=\"4399\">\n<li data-start=\"4317\" data-end=\"4339\">\n<p data-start=\"4319\" data-end=\"4339\"><strong data-start=\"4319\" data-end=\"4337\">Driver Booster<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4340\" data-end=\"4371\">\n<p data-start=\"4342\" data-end=\"4371\"><strong data-start=\"4342\" data-end=\"4369\">Snappy Driver Installer<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4372\" data-end=\"4399\">\n<p data-start=\"4374\" data-end=\"4399\"><strong data-start=\"4374\" data-end=\"4397\">DriverPack Solution<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"4401\" data-end=\"4560\"><strong data-start=\"4401\" data-end=\"4413\">Warning:<\/strong> Only use trusted sources. Avoid downloading from unknown websites \u2014 rogue software may contain malware or spyware disguised as driver utilities.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"4562\" data-end=\"4565\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"4567\" data-end=\"4620\">Why You Should Regularly Update Computer Drivers<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"4622\" data-end=\"4759\">Many professionals underestimate the importance of driver updates. Here\u2019s why they\u2019re critical for any IT or cybersecurity environment:<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"4761\" data-end=\"4798\">1. <strong data-start=\"4768\" data-end=\"4796\">Performance Optimization<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"4799\" data-end=\"4907\">Updated drivers ensure your hardware performs at peak efficiency, reducing lag, stutters, and bottlenecks.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"4909\" data-end=\"4937\">2. <strong data-start=\"4916\" data-end=\"4935\">System Security<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"4938\" data-end=\"5092\">Cybercriminals can exploit vulnerabilities in outdated drivers to execute malicious code or gain system access. Updating them closes such security gaps.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"5094\" data-end=\"5129\">3. <strong data-start=\"5101\" data-end=\"5127\">Hardware Compatibility<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"5130\" data-end=\"5239\">Driver updates ensure smooth operation between your operating system and peripherals after system upgrades.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"5241\" data-end=\"5277\">4. <strong data-start=\"5248\" data-end=\"5275\">Bug Fixes and Stability<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"5278\" data-end=\"5395\">Manufacturers release updates to fix crashes, device disconnects, or poor functionality caused by earlier versions.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"5397\" data-end=\"5400\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"5402\" data-end=\"5464\">Advanced Driver Management for IT and Cybersecurity Teams<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"5466\" data-end=\"5620\">For businesses managing multiple systems, manual driver updates aren\u2019t scalable. Enterprise-grade endpoint solutions can automate this process securely.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"5622\" data-end=\"5656\">Best Practices for IT Teams:<\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"5657\" data-end=\"6082\">\n<li data-start=\"5657\" data-end=\"5774\">\n<p data-start=\"5659\" data-end=\"5774\"><strong data-start=\"5659\" data-end=\"5692\">Centralize driver deployment:<\/strong> Use endpoint management tools like <strong data-start=\"5728\" data-end=\"5739\">Itarian<\/strong> to automate and monitor updates.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5775\" data-end=\"5887\">\n<p data-start=\"5777\" data-end=\"5887\"><strong data-start=\"5777\" data-end=\"5806\">Verify driver signatures:<\/strong> Ensure all updates are digitally signed to prevent unauthorized installations.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5888\" data-end=\"5993\">\n<p data-start=\"5890\" data-end=\"5993\"><strong data-start=\"5890\" data-end=\"5918\">Perform staged rollouts:<\/strong> Test drivers on a small group of machines before deploying network-wide.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5994\" data-end=\"6082\">\n<p data-start=\"5996\" data-end=\"6082\"><strong data-start=\"5996\" data-end=\"6017\">Schedule updates:<\/strong> Apply updates during maintenance windows to minimize downtime.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr data-start=\"6084\" data-end=\"6087\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"6089\" data-end=\"6130\">Troubleshooting Driver Update Issues<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"6132\" data-end=\"6218\">Sometimes, driver updates may not go as planned. Here\u2019s how to handle common issues.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"6220\" data-end=\"6256\">1. <strong data-start=\"6227\" data-end=\"6254\">Update Fails or Freezes<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"6257\" data-end=\"6396\">\n<li data-start=\"6257\" data-end=\"6296\">\n<p data-start=\"6259\" data-end=\"6296\">Restart the computer and try again.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"6297\" data-end=\"6340\">\n<p data-start=\"6299\" data-end=\"6340\">Disable antivirus software temporarily.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"6341\" data-end=\"6396\">\n<p data-start=\"6343\" data-end=\"6396\">Download the update manually from the manufacturer.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-start=\"6398\" data-end=\"6434\">2. <strong data-start=\"6405\" data-end=\"6432\">System Becomes Unstable<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"6435\" data-end=\"6586\">\n<li data-start=\"6435\" data-end=\"6527\">\n<p data-start=\"6437\" data-end=\"6460\">Roll back the driver:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"6463\" data-end=\"6527\">\n<li data-start=\"6463\" data-end=\"6527\">\n<p data-start=\"6465\" data-end=\"6527\"><strong data-start=\"6465\" data-end=\"6524\">Device Manager \u2192 Properties \u2192 Driver \u2192 Roll Back Driver<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"6528\" data-end=\"6586\">\n<p data-start=\"6530\" data-end=\"6586\">Or use <strong data-start=\"6537\" data-end=\"6555\">System Restore<\/strong> to revert to a stable point.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-start=\"6588\" data-end=\"6628\">3. <strong data-start=\"6595\" data-end=\"6626\">Missing or Incorrect Driver<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"6629\" data-end=\"6757\">\n<li data-start=\"6629\" data-end=\"6691\">\n<p data-start=\"6631\" data-end=\"6691\">Ensure the correct model number when downloading manually.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"6692\" data-end=\"6757\">\n<p data-start=\"6694\" data-end=\"6757\">Avoid third-party \u201cdriver backup\u201d sites that aren\u2019t official.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr data-start=\"6759\" data-end=\"6762\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"6764\" data-end=\"6808\">How Driver Updates Affect Cybersecurity<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"6810\" data-end=\"6977\">Driver vulnerabilities are increasingly being targeted by attackers seeking privilege escalation. A single outdated kernel driver could compromise the entire system.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"6979\" data-end=\"6999\">Security Tips:<\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"7000\" data-end=\"7242\">\n<li data-start=\"7000\" data-end=\"7043\">\n<p data-start=\"7002\" data-end=\"7043\">Always <strong data-start=\"7009\" data-end=\"7035\">install signed drivers<\/strong> only.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"7044\" data-end=\"7117\">\n<p data-start=\"7046\" data-end=\"7117\"><strong data-start=\"7046\" data-end=\"7086\">Disable driver signature enforcement<\/strong> only for trusted developers.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"7118\" data-end=\"7175\">\n<p data-start=\"7120\" data-end=\"7175\"><strong data-start=\"7120\" data-end=\"7143\">Monitor driver logs<\/strong> for suspicious modifications.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"7176\" data-end=\"7242\">\n<p data-start=\"7178\" data-end=\"7242\">Keep endpoint protection software active during installations.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr data-start=\"7244\" data-end=\"7247\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"7249\" data-end=\"7300\">Common Mistakes to Avoid When Updating Drivers<\/h2>\n<ul data-start=\"7302\" data-end=\"7552\">\n<li data-start=\"7302\" data-end=\"7353\">\n<p data-start=\"7304\" data-end=\"7353\">Installing drivers from <strong data-start=\"7328\" data-end=\"7350\">unverified sources<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"7354\" data-end=\"7401\">\n<p data-start=\"7356\" data-end=\"7401\">Ignoring <strong data-start=\"7365\" data-end=\"7384\">restart prompts<\/strong> after updates.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"7402\" data-end=\"7471\">\n<p data-start=\"7404\" data-end=\"7471\">Forgetting to <strong data-start=\"7418\" data-end=\"7437\">back up drivers<\/strong> before installing new versions.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"7472\" data-end=\"7552\">\n<p data-start=\"7474\" data-end=\"7552\">Overusing third-party tools \u2014 always cross-verify with manufacturer updates.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr data-start=\"7554\" data-end=\"7557\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"7559\" data-end=\"7598\">How to Back Up and Restore Drivers<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"7600\" data-end=\"7689\">Creating backups ensures you can easily revert if new updates cause system instability.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7691\" data-end=\"7703\"><strong data-start=\"7691\" data-end=\"7701\">Steps:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol data-start=\"7704\" data-end=\"7931\">\n<li data-start=\"7704\" data-end=\"7741\">\n<p data-start=\"7707\" data-end=\"7741\">Open <strong data-start=\"7712\" data-end=\"7738\">Command Prompt (Admin)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"7742\" data-end=\"7827\">\n<p data-start=\"7745\" data-end=\"7751\">Run:<\/p>\n<div class=\"contain-inline-size rounded-2xl relative bg-token-sidebar-surface-primary\">\n<div class=\"sticky top-9\">\n<div class=\"absolute end-0 bottom-0 flex h-9 items-center pe-2\">\n<div class=\"bg-token-bg-elevated-secondary text-token-text-secondary flex items-center gap-4 rounded-sm px-2 font-sans text-xs\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"overflow-y-auto p-4\" dir=\"ltr\"><code class=\"whitespace-pre!\">dism \/online \/export-driver \/destination:D:\\DriverBackup<br \/>\n<\/code><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"7828\" data-end=\"7931\">\n<p data-start=\"7831\" data-end=\"7852\">To restore drivers:<\/p>\n<div class=\"contain-inline-size rounded-2xl relative bg-token-sidebar-surface-primary\">\n<div class=\"sticky top-9\">\n<div class=\"absolute end-0 bottom-0 flex h-9 items-center pe-2\">\n<div class=\"bg-token-bg-elevated-secondary text-token-text-secondary flex items-center gap-4 rounded-sm px-2 font-sans text-xs\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"overflow-y-auto p-4\" dir=\"ltr\"><code class=\"whitespace-pre!\">pnputil \/add-driver D:\\DriverBackup\\*.inf \/subdirs \/install<br \/>\n<\/code><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p data-start=\"7933\" data-end=\"8001\">This is especially useful for IT teams managing multiple machines.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"8003\" data-end=\"8006\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"8008\" data-end=\"8039\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"8041\" data-end=\"8166\"><strong data-start=\"8041\" data-end=\"8095\">Q1: How often should I update my computer drivers?<\/strong><br data-start=\"8095\" data-end=\"8098\" \/>Check for updates every 2\u20133 months or after major Windows updates.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"8168\" data-end=\"8308\"><strong data-start=\"8168\" data-end=\"8211\">Q2: Can outdated drivers cause crashes?<\/strong><br data-start=\"8211\" data-end=\"8214\" \/>Yes, outdated drivers can cause system errors, hardware malfunctions, and even blue screens.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"8310\" data-end=\"8467\"><strong data-start=\"8310\" data-end=\"8366\">Q3: Should I rely on Windows Update for all drivers?<\/strong><br data-start=\"8366\" data-end=\"8369\" \/>Windows covers most, but critical hardware like GPUs or motherboards should be updated manually.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"8469\" data-end=\"8605\"><strong data-start=\"8469\" data-end=\"8526\">Q4: Is it safe to uninstall a driver before updating?<\/strong><br data-start=\"8526\" data-end=\"8529\" \/>No, install the new driver directly unless instructed by the manufacturer.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"8607\" data-end=\"8789\"><strong data-start=\"8607\" data-end=\"8682\">Q5: What\u2019s the difference between optional and critical driver updates?<\/strong><br data-start=\"8682\" data-end=\"8685\" \/>Critical updates fix performance or security issues; optional ones add features or minor enhancements.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"8791\" data-end=\"8794\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"8796\" data-end=\"8814\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n<ul data-start=\"8816\" data-end=\"9138\">\n<li data-start=\"8816\" data-end=\"8909\">\n<p data-start=\"8818\" data-end=\"8909\">Learning <strong data-start=\"8827\" data-end=\"8861\">how to update computer drivers<\/strong> helps improve speed, stability, and security.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"8910\" data-end=\"8978\">\n<p data-start=\"8912\" data-end=\"8978\">Use <strong data-start=\"8916\" data-end=\"8934\">Windows Update<\/strong> or <strong data-start=\"8938\" data-end=\"8956\">Device Manager<\/strong> for simple updates.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"8979\" data-end=\"9055\">\n<p data-start=\"8981\" data-end=\"9055\">Download drivers from <strong data-start=\"9003\" data-end=\"9029\">official manufacturers<\/strong> to ensure authenticity.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"9056\" data-end=\"9138\">\n<p data-start=\"9058\" data-end=\"9138\">Businesses should automate the process with <strong data-start=\"9102\" data-end=\"9135\">endpoint management platforms<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr data-start=\"9140\" data-end=\"9143\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"9145\" data-end=\"9164\">Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"9166\" data-end=\"9463\">Keeping your drivers updated is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to maintain your computer\u2019s performance and security. Outdated drivers can slow your workflow, expose vulnerabilities, and disrupt hardware functionality \u2014 especially in professional environments where uptime is crucial.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"9465\" data-end=\"9605\">For IT leaders and cybersecurity teams, consistent driver management enhances compliance, efficiency, and protection across all endpoints.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"9607\" data-end=\"9773\"><strong data-start=\"9610\" data-end=\"9669\"><a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/signup\/\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"9612\" data-end=\"9667\">Sign up with Itarian<\/a><\/strong> to streamline device management, automate updates, and ensure your systems stay secure and optimized.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Is your computer running slower than usual or certain devices not working correctly? The culprit may be outdated drivers. Drivers are essential software components that let your operating system communicate with hardware like graphics cards, network adapters, and printers. Knowing how to update computer drivers ensures smooth system performance, fixes bugs, and protects against potential&hellip; <span class=\"readmore\"><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":23142,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23132","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\/23132","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=23132"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23132\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23152,"href":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23132\/revisions\/23152"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23142"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23132"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23132"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23132"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}