Windows 11 installs many recommended drivers through Windows Update. When a driver update is available for your device, you can check Windows Update first, then use the hardware maker’s official support page if Windows does not offer one. Updating a driver can help with a specific problem, but it does not guarantee a performance improvement or fix every hardware fault.
How to update drivers in Windows 11
Start with Windows Update. It is the simplest route for recommended drivers and optional driver updates that apply to your PC.
Step 1: Open Windows Update
Select Start, open Settings, then select Windows Update.
Step 2: Check for updates
Select Check for updates. Install the recommended updates Windows finds for your device.
Step 3: Check optional driver updates
Select Advanced options, then look for Optional updates. If Driver updates appears, choose only the update that matches the device you are troubleshooting and select Download and install.
Optional updates are not always available. An empty or missing Driver updates section usually means Windows Update has no optional driver package to offer for that PC at that time.
Step 4: Restart and test the original problem
Restart Windows after installing a driver update, even if Windows does not request it. Then test the original device or app. If the problem remains, record what changed before trying another fix.
When to use the manufacturer’s support page
If Windows Update does not offer a suitable driver, visit the official support site for the PC maker or the hardware maker. Confirm your exact model and Windows version before downloading anything. This is particularly useful for graphics, network, audio, and printer hardware.
Avoid generic “driver updater” utilities. They can recommend the wrong package or bundle unwanted software. Use Windows Update or a vendor’s official support page instead.
Using Device Manager for a specific device
Device Manager can help you identify a device with an error or manage an installed driver. Search for Device Manager from Start, expand the relevant device category, right-click the device, and choose Properties. The Driver tab shows the installed provider and version.
Use this information to confirm that a Windows Update or manufacturer package applied to the intended device. Do not assume that selecting an automatic search in Device Manager will always find the newest driver available from a manufacturer.
If an update causes a problem
If the device worked before the update and stops working afterward, open its Properties in Device Manager and review the Driver tab. If the Roll Back Driver option is available, it may restore the previous driver. You can also use a restore point if you created one before changing the driver.
Summary
- Open Settings > Windows Update.
- Install recommended updates.
- Check Advanced options > Optional updates for applicable driver updates.
- Restart Windows and test the original problem.
- Use the hardware maker’s official support page if Windows Update has no suitable driver.
For Microsoft’s current instructions, see Automatically get recommended and updated hardware drivers.
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