Windows can automatically download recommended drivers for the hardware and devices on a Windows device. Using the latest updated drivers makes sure all the hardware and devices work properly.
Drivers
A driver is software that allows a Windows device to communicate with hardware devices. Without drivers, devices that connect to a Windows device doesn't know how to communicate with Windows and they don't work properly. Examples of devices that use drivers to communicate with a Windows device:
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Mice.
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Keyboards.
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Printers.
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Scanners.
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External drives.
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Video cards.
Windows can automatically check if there are drivers available for new devices that are connected to a Windows device. For devices previously connected to a Windows device, updated drivers might become available. These drivers can be installed via Windows Update.
Use Windows Update to install and update drivers
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Right-click on the Start menu and then select Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options. Or Select the following Windows Update Advanced options shortcut:
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In the Windows Update > Advance options window that opens, make sure Receive updates for other Microsoft products is switched On.
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Under Additional options, select Optional updates.
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In the Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates window, select all driver updates and then select the Download and install button.
Tip: This step suggests to only select driver updates. However, Microsoft recommends going ahead and selecting all optional updates and not just driver updates.
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In the left-hand pane of the Settings app, select Windows Update .
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In the Windows Update window, select the Check for updates button.
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Once available updates populate, install all available updates.
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After all updates are finished installing, restart the Windows device even if none of the updates required a restart.
Support for Windows 10 will end in October 2025
After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. Your PC will still work, but we recommend moving to Windows 11.
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Right-click on the Start menu and then select Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Advanced options. Or Select the following Windows Update Advanced options shortcut:
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In the Advance options window that opens, under Update options, make sure Receive updates for other Microsoft products when you update Windows is switched On.
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In the top left corner of the Advance options window, select the back arrow next to Settings.
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In the Windows Update window, select the Check for updates button.
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Once available updates populate, install all available updates.
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If under the Check for updates button there's a View optional updates link:
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Select the View optional updates link.
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Select all driver updates.
Tip: This step suggests to only select driver updates. However, Microsoft recommends going ahead and selecting all optional updates and not just driver updates.
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Select the Download and install button.
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After all updates are finished installing, restart the Windows device even if none of the updates required a restart.
Check the manufacture's site for drivers if Windows Update isn't able to find either drivers or updated drivers for a device.
