How to Update Driver on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

By / October 18, 2025

Drivers are like translators between your hardware (graphics card, sound card, printer, etc.) and Windows 11. Without updated drivers, your computer may run into problems such as sluggish performance, missing features, or hardware not working at all.

If you’re new to Windows and wondering how to update drivers on Windows 11, this beginner-friendly guide will walk you through multiple methods — step by step.

What Are Drivers in Windows 11?

Drivers are small programs that help your hardware “talk” to Windows. For example:

  • Your graphics driver tells Windows how to display images.

  • Your audio driver enables sound output.

  • Your Wi-Fi driver connects you to the internet.

Without drivers, your computer’s hardware simply wouldn’t work correctly.

Why Update Drivers on Windows 11?

Updating drivers can:

  • 🖥️ Improve performance (especially graphics and gaming)

  • 🎵 Fix bugs or glitches (e.g., no sound, missing Wi-Fi)

  • 🔒 Enhance security and stability

  • 🔌 Unlock new features from hardware manufacturers

💡 Example: Updating your GPU driver can improve FPS in games and add support for new software features.

Quick Answer: The Easiest Way to Update Drivers

The simplest method for beginners is to use Windows Update:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

  2. Go to Windows Update.

  3. Click Check for updates.

  4. Install any Driver updates listed.

Method 1: Update Drivers via Windows Update

Windows Update automatically includes many driver updates.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

  2. Select Windows Update from the left panel.

  3. Click Check for updates.

  4. Install any available updates, including drivers.

✅ Best for beginners who want an easy, safe method.

Method 2: Update Drivers Using Device Manager

Device Manager allows manual driver updates for specific hardware.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + X → select Device Manager.

  2. Expand the category (e.g., Display adapters, Sound, video and game controllers).

  3. Right-click your device → choose Update driver.

  4. Select:

    • Search automatically for drivers (Windows will look online).

    • Or Browse my computer for drivers (if you downloaded them).

Method 3: Update Drivers from Manufacturer’s Website

For the latest drivers (especially graphics, audio, or network), the manufacturer’s site is best.

Examples:

Steps:

  1. Visit your hardware or laptop manufacturer’s support site.

  2. Enter your model number.

  3. Download the latest driver.

  4. Run the installer and follow instructions.

💡 Recommended for gamers and professionals needing the newest updates.

Method 4: Use Windows Optional Updates

Sometimes drivers are available under “Optional updates.”

Steps:

  1. Open Settings → Windows Update → Advanced options.

  2. Scroll to Optional updates.

  3. Select any driver updates available.

  4. Click Download and install.

Method 5: Install Drivers with Third-Party Software (Optional)

You can use driver update tools, but only trusted ones. Examples:

  • Driver Booster

  • Snappy Driver Installer

  • DriverPack Solution

⚠️ Warning: Some third-party tools may install incorrect drivers. Always use official software when possible.

How to Check If Your Driver Updated Successfully

  1. Open Device Manager.

  2. Right-click the device → choose Properties.

  3. Go to the Driver tab.

  4. Check the Driver version and Date.

Troubleshooting Common Driver Update Problems

  • ❌ New driver caused crashes → Roll back the driver:

    1. Open Device Manager.

    2. Right-click device → Properties.

    3. Under Driver tab, click Roll Back Driver.

  • ❌ Windows says best driver already installed → Download manually from manufacturer’s site.

  • ❌ Missing driver after update → Reinstall using Windows Update or recovery tools.

Tips for Safe Driver Updates

  • ✅ Always create a system restore point before major updates.

  • ✅ Use Windows Update for reliability.

  • ✅ Download only from official manufacturer websites.

  • ✅ Avoid random driver update software to prevent malware.

Conclusion

Updating drivers in Windows 11 doesn’t have to be complicated. Beginners can stick to Windows Update for safety, while advanced users may prefer manufacturer websites for the latest versions.

  • Use Windows Update for automatic updates.

  • Use Device Manager for specific driver fixes.

  • Download from manufacturer sites for the newest drivers.

  • Always check your driver version after updating.

Keeping your drivers up to date ensures your PC runs smoothly, securely, and with the best performance.

FAQs

1. Do I need to update drivers regularly on Windows 11?
Not always. Update drivers when you have issues or want the latest features.

2. How do I know if a driver needs updating?
Check Device Manager → Driver tab for version/date and compare with manufacturer’s site.

3. Is it safe to use third-party driver updaters?
Some are safe, but the best method is always Windows Update or official manufacturer downloads.

4. What if a new driver breaks my system?
Use Roll Back Driver in Device Manager or restore from a system restore point.

5. Which drivers should I update first?
Focus on graphics, audio, Wi-Fi, chipset, and Bluetooth drivers — these affect performance most.

✅ Key Takeaways:

  • Use Windows Update for beginner-friendly driver updates.

  • Device Manager helps update specific drivers.

  • Manufacturer websites provide the latest versions.

  • Always create a restore point before updating.

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