Driver updates

Catherine McIntyre 20 Reputation points
2026-10-26T00:39:11.1433333+00:00

I want to know how to manage the drivers on my PC so that they are always up-to-date

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers
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Ivan B 127.5K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-10-26T01:20:08.5966667+00:00

Hi,

It is always recommended to keep your drivers updated. While Windows receives driver updates through Windows Update, not all of them are installed automatically; some are listed as optional.

To check for these, go to the Start menu > Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates.

I would recommend first checking for drivers on the manufacturer's website—for the laptop manufacturer if you are using a laptop, or the motherboard manufacturer if you are using a desktop.

The only exceptions are graphics drivers, which are updated frequently; you can find these on the NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel websites.

NVIDIA offers the "NVIDIA App," which notifies you when a new driver is available:

https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/software/nvidia-app/

Intel provides the "Intel Driver & Support Assistant," which checks for both graphics and chipset driver updates:

https://www.intel.com/content/www/en/us/support/detect.html

AMD has "Adrenalin," which checks for the latest graphics and chipset drivers:

https://www.amd.com/en/products/software/adrenalin.html

If you’d like, I can help identify the exact model of your laptop or motherboard and provide direct links to your drivers, as well as check if there is a tool available to detect outdated drivers for your system.

Search for "msinfo32.exe" in the search bar, take a screenshot, and post it here so we can identify your specific laptop model or desktop configuration.

Please consider rating this response (by accepting the answer or otherwise) and feel free to visit the Microsoft Q&A community if you have any further questions.

Thanks

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  1. Bulldog 5,530 Reputation points
    2026-10-26T01:00:03.25+00:00

    It's a myth that all your drivers have to be up to date all the time. Only update a driver when you have a reason to update a driver. You would update a driver when the newer driver fixes a specific problem that your computer is experiencing. Otherwise, leave things as they are.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-10-26T00:39:38.6966667+00:00

    Use Windows Update as the primary way to keep Windows 11 drivers current; it automatically installs recommended drivers, while optional driver updates require manual selection.^1^

    Set up routine driver updates

    1. Open Start → Settings → Windows Update.
    2. Select Check for updates and install the available updates.
    3. Go to Windows Update → Advanced options.
    4. Turn on Receive updates for other Microsoft products.
    5. Under Additional options, open Optional updates.
    6. Expand Driver updates, select any applicable drivers you need, and choose Download and install.
    7. Restart the PC after installation, even if Windows does not request it.^1^

    Recommended drivers arrive automatically through Windows Update. Optional drivers do not, so checking Optional updates periodically—such as once a month—is sufficient.

    When Windows Update does not offer a driver

    If a device is missing, malfunctioning, or Windows Update cannot find a suitable update:

    1. Identify the PC’s exact model in Settings → System → About, or use the model printed on the device.
    2. Visit the support page or update application supplied by the PC manufacturer.
    3. Download a driver specifically listed for that model and your Windows 11 version.
    4. For a separately installed graphics card or peripheral, use its hardware manufacturer’s support site instead.

    Microsoft directs users to the hardware manufacturer when Windows Update cannot find a compatible updated driver.^1^

    Avoid third-party “driver updater” utilities and random driver-download websites. They can select drivers that are newer by version number but incompatible with the PC’s customized hardware configuration. Windows Update and the PC or hardware manufacturer are the safer sources.^2^

    If an update causes a problem

    Do not keep a problematic driver merely because it is newer. For example, if a display driver recently introduced flickering:

    1. Search for and open Device Manager.
    2. Expand Display adapters.
    3. Right-click the display adapter and select Properties.
    4. Open the Driver tab.
    5. Select Roll Back Driver → Yes.
    6. Restart the PC.

    Administrator privileges are required. If Roll Back Driver is unavailable, Windows does not have a previous driver stored for rollback.^3^

    In general, update drivers to solve a device problem, address security or compatibility issues, or install a driver offered through trusted channels. There is no need to replace a stable driver solely because a utility reports that a higher version exists.

    References

    1. Windows 11
    2. Why doesn't Microsoft update all drivers? - Microsoft Q&A
    3. Windows 11
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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