Driver errors can be among the most frustrating of computer issues because they can cause hardware or peripherals to malfunction, preventing them from working properly. Fortunately, with the right troubleshooting steps, it is possible to narrow down what is causing the problem, and often even fix it yourself. This guide will provide an overview of how to troubleshoot driver errors on a Windows computer using the Device Manager console.
Before beginning the troubleshooting process, the first step should be to check for any available software or driver updates for the device, as this can often solve the issues. If updates are available, install them and restart the computer.
If this does not resolve the issue, the next step is to open the Device Manager, which can be done by opening the Control Panel and selecting “System and Security”, then “Device Manager”. This will list all connected hardware devices and will indicate any issues with them. In some cases, the Device Manager might flag a driver issue before you even get there.
If the issue is flagged in the Device Manager, it will generally be indicated by a yellow exclamation mark icon beside the device. Double-click on it to bring up additional information and troubleshooting options. At this point, there are three common solutions worth exploring:
1. Roll Back Drivers: If the device was functioning properly at some point in the past but suddenly stopped working, and no driver updates have been installed since then, it is possible that the current driver version is the problem. Rolling back the driver to the previous version can often fix this issue. To do this, open the device’s Properties window (right-click the device and select “Properties” from the menu), select the “Driver” tab, and choose “Roll Back Driver”.
2. Install Updated Drivers: If rolling back the driver does not work, or if you know the device was having problems before any driver updates were installed, then downloading and manually installing the latest updated driver version is the next step. To do this, visit the manufacturer’s website, locate the device and its associated driver, and download and install the latest version.
3. Uninstall and Reinstall Drivers: If updating the driver does not solve the issue, it might be necessary to completely uninstall the driver and reinstall it. Doing this can often fix strange driver issues that cannot be resolved by other means. To do this, right-click the device in the Device Manager and select “Uninstall”. Then follow the manufacturer’s instructions for reinstalling the driver.
If none of these solutions work, it is possible that either the device itself is damaged, or that there is an issue with the Windows configuration that needs to be addressed. In this case, it is best to seek professional help from a computer technician.
Driver errors can be frustrating, but with the right troubleshooting steps, it is usually possible to identify and fix the problem. Start by checking for any available driver updates and addressing any issues flagged in the Device Manager. If necessary, roll back, update, or uninstall and reinstall the driver. If none of these solutions work, professional help may be required.