How do i Update The basic Drivers on my computer?
Keeping your computer’s drivers up to date is one of the easiest ways to maintain performance, prevent crashes, and ensure hardware compatibility. But if you’ve ever wondered “What are drivers?” or “How do I update them?”—you’re not alone. Let’s break it down step by step.
What Are Drivers, and Why Do They Matter?
Drivers are small pieces of software that allow your operating system to communicate with your computer’s hardware—things like your keyboard, graphics card, printer, and even Wi-Fi adapter. Without updated drivers, you might experience:
Slower performance
Frequent crashes or error messages
Hardware malfunctions (e.g., no sound, missing Wi-Fi, or screen glitches)
Which Drivers Should You Update?
Not every driver needs constant updating, but here are the most important ones:
Graphics Drivers – Essential for gaming, video editing, and display performance.
Audio Drivers – Keeps your speakers and microphone working properly.
Wi-Fi & Network Drivers – Prevents connectivity issues and improves internet speed.
Chipset Drivers – Helps your CPU communicate with the motherboard efficiently.
Printer & Peripheral Drivers – Ensures smooth functionality for printers, external hard drives, and USB devices.
How to Update Drivers (The Right Way)
1. Use Windows Update (The Easiest Method)
Windows often includes essential driver updates in its system updates. Here’s how to check:
Click Start and go to Settings
Select Update & Security → Windows Update
Click Check for updates
If driver updates are available, install them and restart your computer
Best for: Basic system drivers (chipset, Wi-Fi, audio).
2. Update Drivers via Device Manager
If you have a specific device acting up, updating the driver through Device Manager can help.
Press Win + X and select Device Manager
Find the category of the device (e.g., Display adapters for graphics drivers)
Right-click the device and choose Update driver
Select Search automatically for drivers
Windows will check for newer versions and install them if available.
Best for: Fixing issues with hardware like keyboards, monitors, or Bluetooth.
3. Download Drivers from the Manufacturer’s Website
For the best performance (especially for graphics cards), downloading drivers directly from the manufacturer is ideal.
Graphics Cards:
NVIDIA: www.nvidia.com/drivers
AMD: www.amd.com/en/support
Intel: www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support
Other Hardware:
Go to your laptop or motherboard manufacturer’s website (Dell, HP, ASUS, etc.)
Look for the Support/Drivers section
Enter your model number and download the latest drivers
Best for: Gamers, video editors, and performance optimization.
4. Use a Driver Update Tool (If Needed)
If manually searching for drivers sounds like a hassle, third-party tools like Driver Booster or Snappy Driver Installer can help automate the process. However, always be cautious—avoid sketchy “driver update” programs that may install unnecessary software or malware.
Best for: Users who prefer automation but don’t mind using extra software.
When Should You Update Drivers?
Not every driver needs constant updates! Here’s a simple rule of thumb:
If everything is working fine, you don’t need to update
If you’re experiencing crashes, slow performance, or missing functionality, check for updates
Graphics drivers should be updated more frequently, especially for gaming or creative work
Need Help Updating Drivers?
If updating drivers feels overwhelming, Wiz Kid Tech Repair has you covered! Whether it’s troubleshooting an issue, ensuring your system is fully optimized, or recovering from a bad driver update, we’re here to help. Contact us for a free consultation today!