A printer that suddenly will not print, crackly sound in a video call, or Wi-Fi that drops out after an update can often come back to a device driver. Knowing how to update device drivers can fix some frustrating problems, but installing the wrong one can create a new problem just as quickly. The sensible approach is to update only when there is a clear reason, use trusted sources, and make sure you can roll back if needed.
A driver is the small piece of software that helps Windows communicate with hardware such as printers, monitors, graphics cards, keyboards, webcams and network adapters. When that communication breaks down, the device may work poorly, disappear altogether, or show an error message in Windows.
When should you update a device driver?
You do not need to update every driver simply because a newer version exists. If your laptop, printer and internet connection are working properly, leaving a stable driver in place is often the best option.
An update is worth considering when a device has stopped working, performs unreliably, or has begun misbehaving after a Windows update. You may also need one when installing new hardware, connecting a newer printer, or using software that requires a current graphics or audio driver. Security fixes can be another valid reason, particularly for network, Bluetooth and graphics drivers.
Before assuming the driver is at fault, check the basics. A loose cable, flat wireless mouse batteries, an offline printer, a restarted router, or a changed Wi-Fi password can look like a driver issue. This quick check can save a lot of unnecessary troubleshooting.
How to update device drivers safely in Windows
For most home and small business users, Windows Update is the safest place to start. It supplies drivers that Microsoft has tested for compatibility with your version of Windows.
Open Settings, select Windows Update, then choose Check for updates. Install the available updates and restart the computer if prompted. After that, look under Advanced options and Optional updates. Windows may place available driver updates there rather than installing them automatically.
Optional driver updates should be treated carefully. If the device is working normally, there is usually no need to install them all. If you are addressing a specific problem – such as a printer failing to scan or a display flickering – an optional update for that exact device may be appropriate.
Use Device Manager for a specific device
If Windows Update does not resolve the issue, Device Manager can identify the affected hardware. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager. Expand the relevant category, such as Printers, Network adapters, Sound, video and game controllers, or Display adapters.
A yellow warning symbol beside a device often indicates a problem. Right-click the device, select Update driver, then choose Search automatically for drivers. Windows will look for a suitable driver already on the computer or through its update service.
This is useful when you know which device is causing trouble. It is less useful when the issue is vague, such as general slowness or intermittent internet dropouts, because several causes may be involved.
Get drivers from the manufacturer when necessary
Some devices need software from their manufacturer, especially printers, scanners, graphics cards and specialised business equipment. Manufacturer software can include features that Windows’ basic driver does not provide, such as scanning controls, ink-level information, colour settings or advanced print options.
Use the support section of the device or computer manufacturer’s official website only. You will need the exact model number and your version of Windows. For a laptop, the laptop manufacturer’s driver is often the better first choice because it has been tailored to that model. For a desktop PC with a separate graphics card, the graphics card manufacturer may provide the more current option.
Avoid websites that offer a large “download driver” button without clearly identifying the manufacturer and driver version. Also avoid third-party driver updater programs that promise to update everything with one click. They can recommend unsuitable drivers, bundle unwanted software, or make it difficult to tell what changed when something stops working.
Take a few precautions before making changes
Driver changes are usually straightforward, but a little preparation makes recovery much easier. Save open work, keep a laptop connected to power, and restart the computer after the installation even if it does not insist.
For an important PC, create a restore point before changing drivers. In the Windows search box, type Create a restore point, open the matching result, select the system drive, and choose Create. If the new driver causes a fault, System Restore can return the computer to an earlier state without removing your personal documents.
It is also wise to record the existing driver version. In Device Manager, right-click the device, select Properties, then open the Driver tab. A quick photo of this screen is enough. It gives you a reference point if you need to explain the problem to a technician later.
Do not interrupt the installation, force the computer off, or unplug a USB device while its software is being installed. For printer drivers in particular, follow the manufacturer’s instruction about when to connect the USB cable. Connecting it too early can cause Windows to install a generic driver before the correct software has finished setting up.
What to do if the update makes things worse
A driver update can occasionally cause a blue screen, missing audio, poor display resolution, unreliable Wi-Fi or a printer that vanishes from the device list. This does not mean the computer is permanently damaged. It usually means Windows and the new driver are not getting along.
Open Device Manager, find the affected device, right-click it and choose Properties. On the Driver tab, select Roll Back Driver if the option is available. Restart the computer and test the device again.
If rolling back is unavailable, you can select Uninstall device, restart the PC, and allow Windows to reinstall a basic driver. This is often effective for a troublesome network adapter, webcam or audio device. Be cautious with network drivers, though: if you remove the only Wi-Fi driver on a laptop, you may temporarily lose internet access until Windows reinstalls it or you connect by cable.
For a printer or scanner, removing old software may be necessary before installing the correct package. This is one area where guesswork can become time-consuming, particularly when a device is shared between several computers or connected through a home or office network.
Drivers on Macs and other devices
Mac users generally do not update individual hardware drivers in the same way as Windows users. Apple usually provides driver updates through macOS updates, so checking System Settings and General, then Software Update, is the normal route. Printers and specialist peripherals may still require manufacturer software.
Phones, tablets, routers and smart TVs also rely on software updates, but these are usually called firmware or system updates rather than drivers. The same principle applies: update through the device’s own settings or the manufacturer’s official tool, and avoid unverified downloads.
When it is better to get help
Updating a driver is a reasonable DIY task when there is one clear device and a trusted update is available. It is better to pause when the issue involves repeated crashes, missing files, a work computer, a shared printer, network access, or a device that is no longer recognised at all. Installing several different drivers in the hope that one will work can make diagnosis harder.
For households and small businesses around Wellington, Hutt Valley and Porirua, Tech Experts can investigate driver, printer, network and software problems on-site or remotely. The goal is not simply to install the newest version, but to get the device working reliably again with minimal disruption.
If a device is stable after an update, make a note of what fixed it and get back to using it. If it is not, stop changing settings at random – the next useful step is a clear diagnosis, not another download.