If the core functions of your PC such as USB ports, Bluetooth, printers, audio, etc. stop working, updating relevant drivers usually troubleshoots the issue. Here’s how you can update drivers on Windows 11.
When Do You Need to Update Windows 11 Drivers?
Normally, we won’t advise messing with drivers on Windows 11. You should only think about it when a core function of your Windows 11 PC breaks or misbehaves randomly.
In most cases, you are likely to update graphics drivers on your PC to improve gaming performance and fix glitches during gameplay. If your Windows 11 PC is already working as expected, you shouldn’t bother updating drivers manually. In the process, you can end up breaking something as the latest driver update might not be compatible with Windows 11 builds.
1. Install Drivers from Windows Update Menu
This is one of the safest ways to update drivers on Windows 11. Gone are the days when we had to manually look for the latest device drivers from the manufacturer’s website. Microsoft has made the process seamless by bundling the relevant drivers with Windows builds.
When you update Windows 11 PC with the newest Windows build, the company automatically installs the required drivers’ update for a glitch-free experience. Here’s what you need to do.
Step 1: Open the Windows Settings app (use Windows + I keys).
Step 2: Go to the Windows Update menu.
Step 3: Click on Check for updates button.
Install the latest Windows 11 build and you are good to go using new drivers on PC.
Microsoft also offers Optional updates to download drivers updates on PC.
Step 1: From the Windows Update menu, select Advanced options.
Step 2: From Additional options, click on Optional updates.
Step 3: Expand the Driver updates menu and select drivers that you need to install on your PC.
There is a reason why Microsoft didn’t install driver updates with Windows 11 builds. You should only install these drivers when you are facing a specific problem. Otherwise, automatic updates will keep your drivers up to date.
2. Download and Install Updates from OEM Website
If you are still unable to install the required drivers on Windows 11, you need to go to the OEM website and find the drivers.
When downloading drivers from the web, be careful. There are many sketchy websites trying to lure users into downloading drivers on PC and in the process, they might infect your PC with malware and bogus files.
In most cases, you should stick with the OEM website or the graphics driver manufacturer website like NVIDIA or AMD.
Find the support page on these websites and search for the driver you are looking for. If you end up downloading .inf files, use the third method below, and install them on PC using the Device Manager.
3. Use Device Manager Menu
The default Device Manager menu makes its way to Windows 11 as well. It’s one of the oldest ways to update drivers on PC.
Step 1: Right-click on the Windows button in the taskbar and open the Device Manager menu.
Step 2: Find relevant hardware that’s giving you trouble and right-click on it.
Step 3: Select update drivers from the context menu.
Step 4: Select Search automatically for drivers.
Windows will search your computer for the best available driver and install it on your device. You can also select the Browse my computer for drivers’ option and manually select location to install drivers.
4. Use OEM App
Most OEMs such as Dell, Lenovo, HP, Asus, etc. offer a dedicated utility app on their PC or laptop. Using the support app from your OEM, you can check essential information for your PC such as warranty details, device health, battery lifespan, troubleshoot basic problems, and install drivers.
All the major Windows manufacturers like Dell, Lenovo, and HP bundle a support app on their PC or laptop to manage drivers and find more information about your product. Check the screenshot below (it’s from Asus PC).
Get Latest Drivers on Windows 11
Most users will be fine with the first method that uses the Windows Settings menu to install the latest drivers on the machine. If not, you can download drivers from the OEM website and use the Device Manager menu to update drivers on Windows 11.
