How to Update Drivers in Windows 11 the Safe Way

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How to Update Drivers in Windows 11 the Safe Way

Drivers are the small programs that let Windows talk to your hardware: graphics, Wi-Fi, sound, touchpad, printer and more. An outdated or wrong driver can cause crashes, blue screens, no sound or a Wi-Fi adapter that keeps dropping. But updating drivers the wrong way can cause the same problems. This guide shows the safe order.

The Short Version

Windows Update first (including optional driver updates).
Your PC or laptop maker's support site or app for your exact model.
The device maker's site for graphics cards and add-on hardware.
Device Manager to update, roll back or reinstall one device.

Never use "driver updater" or "driver booster" tools, and never download drivers from random download sites.

Before You Start

Create a restore point so you can undo a bad update: open Start, type Create a restore point, select your system drive and choose Create. See how to use System Restore in Windows 11.
Note your exact PC model: open Settings > System > About, or look at the sticker under the laptop.
On a laptop, keep it plugged in during driver and BIOS updates.

Method 1: Windows Update

Windows Update installs most drivers automatically, and the drivers it offers have been tested for Windows.

Open Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates. Install everything and restart.
Go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates.
Open Driver updates, tick the drivers for the device you're having trouble with, and select Download & install.

You don't need to install every optional driver. Pick the ones related to your problem.

Method 2: Your PC Maker's Support Site or App

For laptops and brand-name desktops, the PC maker (Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, Acer and others) publishes drivers tuned for your model, including chipset, audio, touchpad and power management drivers.

Go to the maker's official support site and enter your model or serial number.
Choose your Windows version and download the drivers you need.
Or use the maker's own update app that came with the PC (such as its support assistant or update utility).

BIOS/UEFI firmware updates also come from here. Only install one if the maker recommends it for your problem or as a security fix, keep the laptop plugged in, and don't turn it off during the update.

Method 3: The Device Maker's Site (Graphics Cards)

Graphics drivers change often, and games may need the latest one. Get them directly from NVIDIA, AMD or Intel on their official sites, or with their official app.

On laptops, some makers recommend using their own graphics driver instead of the generic one. If the generic driver causes problems, go back to the laptop maker's version.

Method 4: Device Manager

Use Device Manager for one device at a time.

Right-click Start and choose Device Manager.
Expand the category (for example Network adapters or Display adapters).
Right-click the device and choose Update driver.
Choose Search automatically for drivers, or Browse my computer for drivers if you downloaded a driver from the maker's site.

A yellow warning icon next to a device means Windows has a problem with its driver. Right-click it, choose Properties and read the Device status message.

Reinstall a driver: right-click the device, choose Uninstall device, then restart. Windows reinstalls a basic driver for most devices. Don't tick "Attempt to remove the driver for this device" unless you have the replacement driver ready.

How to Roll Back a Bad Driver

If a device stopped working or Windows started crashing after a driver update:

Open Device Manager, right-click the device and choose Properties.
On the Driver tab, select Roll Back Driver and give a reason.
Restart.

If Roll Back is greyed out, there's no older driver saved. Download the previous version from the maker, or use System Restore. If Windows won't start normally, do this from Safe Mode.

A driver problem can also cause blue screens such as DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE; see the DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE fix guide.

Why Not Use a Driver Updater Tool?

Driver updater programs promise to scan and update everything in one click. In practice:

They sometimes install the wrong driver for your model.
Many are bundled with adware, push paid upgrades or show scary warnings to sell a license.
Windows Update and your PC maker already provide what you need for free.

When Should You Update Drivers?

A device isn't working properly (sound, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, display, touchpad).
A game or app asks for a newer graphics driver.
Your PC maker lists a security or stability fix for your model.
You've just reinstalled Windows.

If everything works, there's no need to chase every new driver. Keep Windows Update on, and update when there's a reason.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does Windows 11 update drivers automatically?

Yes, Windows Update installs many drivers automatically. Some newer or optional ones appear under Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates, where you choose whether to install them.

Are driver updater programs safe?

They aren't needed and many bundle adware or install the wrong drivers. Use Windows Update, your PC maker's support site or the device maker's site instead.

How do I undo a driver update that caused problems?

Open Device Manager, right-click the device, choose Properties > Driver and select Roll Back Driver. If Windows won't start normally, do it from Safe Mode or use System Restore.

Should I update drivers if everything works?

Not necessarily. Keep Windows Update running, and update a specific driver when you have a problem with that device, when a game or app requires it, or when your PC maker recommends a security fix.