Updating your device drivers is an important part of maintaining your computer’s performance and stability. Outdated drivers can cause problems with your operating system, programs and hardware, leading to slow performance, glitches and even system crashes. Most device manufacturers provide updates for their products on their own websites, but keeping track of all these updates can be a hassle. Fortunately, there are several third-party applications available to help you keep your drivers up-to-date with minimal effort.
1. Check your current driver versions. Before updating your drivers, it’s a good idea to check which version you currently have installed. This will enable you to make sure you install the right driver version for your device. To check your driver version, open the Device Manager (by typing “device manager” into the search box on the Start menu), right-click the device that requires an update and select the “Properties” option. Select the “Driver” tab and note the version of the driver shown.
2. Determine whether a driver update is necessary. Most device manufacturer websites provide information about device driver updates. You can usually find this information in the “Downloads” section for the specific product. Compare the version of the driver on the website with the version you have installed and determine whether an update is necessary.
3. Download the driver update from the device manufacturer’s website. Depending on the product, you may be able to download and install the driver update directly from the website. If this isn’t possible, download the driver update to your computer and save it in a location where you can easily find it later.
4. Install the driver update. If you downloaded an executable file, double-click the file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver. If you downloaded a ZIP file, extract the contents of the file and locate the executable. Double-click it, then follow the on-screen instructions. Once the driver has been successfully installed, reboot your computer to ensure the driver takes effect.
5. Use driver update software. There are several driver update programs available that can simplify the process by scanning your computer, determining which drivers need to be updated and downloading and installing the drivers automatically. Examples of popular driver update software include Driver Booster (by iobit), Driver Magician, Driver Easy and DriverFinder.
Driver updates are necessary to ensure your computer runs as smoothly as possible. Following the steps outlined above should help you keep your drivers up-to-date with relative ease. It’s also important to periodically check the device manufacturer’s website for any additional updates or patches. By taking the time to update your device drivers, you can help ensure that your computer is running optimally and protected from any potential security vulnerabilities.