This article shows you how to install and update drivers for peripherals and devices connected or installed on a Windows computer. Drivers are small programs that allow the operating system to communicate and use a peripheral connected to the computer (for example, the webcam, the video card, the printer, etc.). Most drivers are installed automatically as soon as the operating system detects the device or peripheral, but if the drivers are out of date you may need to do this manually so that these items can work properly.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Installing a Driver
Step 1. Keep in mind that most drivers are automatically installed by the operating system
Additional devices such as webcams, printers, mice, keyboards, etc., are normally detected automatically by the computer which will proceed to install all the drivers necessary for their correct operation by itself. In a few seconds or minutes all these external devices will be ready for use without the user having to perform any operation. However, in some cases it is necessary to manually update the drivers, but usually you do not need to install them by hand.
Step 2. Make sure your computer is connected to the network and can access the internet
While many external devices can independently install the drivers necessary for their proper functioning, some devices (for example printers) need access to the web in order to download and install their own drivers.
Step 3. Connect the device under test to the computer
Normally you will need to use the supplied connection cable (such as a USB cable) by plugging it into the corresponding ports on the unit and on the computer.
Step 4. Follow all the instructions that appear on the screen
Normally, driver installation takes place in the background (meaning you don't need to do anything), but you may need to manually configure some settings or accept the terms of the licensed product license agreement in order to complete the installation. installing the software on your computer.
Step 5. Try to manually install the drivers
If the device in question is unable to automatically install its drivers on the system, you will need to do it manually using one of the following sources:
- CD - if there is a CD in the device package, try inserting it into the computer player and carefully follow the instructions that will appear on the screen;
- Manufacturer's website - normally the drivers of any device or peripheral can be found directly on the website of the company that produced them. Once you have accessed the correct website, look for the link for the "Driver", "Software", "Download" or "Support" section and download the latest version of the drivers for your product. Normally, to install the drivers at the end of the download, simply select the file icon with a double click of the mouse.
- Third party websites - sources of this type are very useful when you need to use very old devices or peripherals. Websites like GitHub or SourceForge publish a large number of drivers and software for free. In this case, download the elements you need and execute them with a double click of the mouse. Always proceed with caution in these situations, as it is very easy to accidentally download a virus or malware that could harm your computer.
Step 6. Restart your computer
After connecting the device to the computer and installing the drivers, reboot the system to make sure the hardware and software configuration changes are saved and applied. Follow these instructions:
-
Access the menu Start clicking the icon
Windowsstart ;
-
Click the icon Stop
Windowspower ;
- Choose the option Shut down the system.
Part 2 of 2: Updating a Driver
Step 1. Access the "Start" menu by clicking the icon
It features the Windows logo and is located in the lower left corner of the desktop.
Step 2. Type in the device manager keywords
The Windows "Device Manager" program will search your computer. This is the software tool you will need to use to update the drivers.
Step 3. Select the Device Manager icon
It is located at the top of the "Start" menu. This will bring up the "Device Manager" system window.
In some cases, before you can continue, you may need to select the icon that appears on the Windows taskbar for the "Device Manager" window
Step 4. Expand the category of your interest
All peripherals and devices present or connected to the computer are grouped into categories listed in the "Device Manager" window. Locate and double-click the category to which the device you want to update the drivers belongs to. A list of items will appear under the name of the selected category.
- For example, if you need to update webcam drivers, you will need to select the category Cameras.
- If under the name of the category in question, aligned slightly to the right with respect to the latter, there is already the list of the elements contained, it means that it is already expanded.
Step 5. Select the name of the device or peripheral whose drivers you want to update
Click the name of the product in question so that it appears highlighted in blue.
Step 6. Enter the Action menu
It is displayed in the upper left of the "Device Manager" window. A small drop-down menu will appear.
Step 7. Choose the Update Driver option. This should be the first menu item that appears
A new dialog will appear.
Step 8. Choose the Automatically search for an updated driver option
It is located in the center of the dialog that appeared in the previous step. Your computer will scan online for the selected device drivers.
Step 9. Wait for the drivers to be updated
If a new version of the drivers under consideration is found during the search, you will receive a notification when the installation starts and one when it completes.
- The driver update wizard may involve having to select some configuration options that will gradually appear on the screen. If this is the case, carry out the operations that are requested of you.
- If the text message "The best drivers for your device are already installed" appears, it means that the device or peripheral is already up to date.
Advice
- Normally the CDs that are included in the package of additional devices and peripherals include specific software that is used to use the special features of the product (for example in the case of a webcam they can give access to special video filters).
- Before physically disconnecting a USB device from a computer, you must run the eject wizard. Select the USB drive icon located in the lower right corner of the desktop (in some cases you will first need to click the "Show hidden icons" icon in the shape of a ^ to show icons that are normally hidden), then choose the option Eject from the menu that will appear.
- When downloading a third-party driver you will likely need to specify the hardware architecture of the computer (32-bit or 64-bit). To find out if your system adopts a 32-bit or 64-bit architecture, read this article.
