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Windows 11 is undoubtedly the latest type of operating system that Microsoft offers to its users. It has a lot of excellent features that many people look forward to trying out. Some of these features include the speed, user interface, and the fact that it is secure and stable. However, just like any other operating system, Windows 11 has its issues. Sometimes, you may find that your computer is slow or that it takes ages to boot. The primary cause of this problem could be outdated drivers on your device. So, in this blog, we will guide you through how to check your drivers Windows 11 and how to update them so that you can increase the speed and performance of your device.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of How to Check Your Drivers Windows 11
Most people do not know the importance of updating their drivers, let alone how to update them. Updating your device’s drivers can improve the stability and performance of your device. However, the challenge that comes with updating drivers is that the process can be a bit complicated, especially if you are not familiar with how the drivers work.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before we delve into various methods of checking and updating your drivers in Windows 11, you need to have a few things prepared. Firstly, make sure that your device is connected to the internet so that you can download the latest drivers. Secondly, create a system restore point, so you can quickly restore your device if anything goes wrong during the driver updating process.
Method 1: Using the Device Manager
The first and most straightforward method to check and update your drivers in Windows 11 is by using the built-in Device Manager. Follow these simple steps below:
1. Press the Windows + X keys and select "Device Manager" from the list.
2. In the Device Manager window, you will see a list of all hardware components installed on your device.
3. Locate the device that you want to update the driver for and click on it.
4. Right-click on the device, and select "Update Driver."
5. Select "Search automatically for updated driver software."
6. Windows will now begin searching for an updated driver for that particular device.
7. If an updated driver is available, Windows will install it automatically.
Pros:
– Simple and straightforward
– Takes little time to complete
Cons:
– Might not always find the latest driver
Method 2: Using Windows Update
The second method of checking and updating drivers on your Windows 11 devise is by using Windows Update. Follow these simple steps:
1. Press the Windows + I key to open the Windows Settings app.
2. Click on "Update & Security."
3. Select "Windows Update."
4. Click on "Check for updates."
5. Windows will now check for any available updates and install them accordingly.
Pros:
– Automatically installs all available updates including drivers
– Simple and straightforward
Cons:
– Might not always find the latest driver
Method 3: Using Manufacturer’s Driver Installer
The third method of checking and updating drivers in Windows 11 is by using the Manufacturer’s driver installer. This method is suitable for those users who are willing to take a little bit of extra time to make sure they have the latest drivers.
1. Go to the manufacturer’s website for your device.
2. Find the support section of the website and locate the driver download page.
3. Find the correct drivers for your device and download them.
4. Extract the downloaded drivers to a folder on your device.
5. Open Device Manager and locate the device that you need to update.
6. Right-click on the device and select "Update Driver."
7. Select "Browse my computer for driver software."
8. Navigate to the folder you extracted the drivers to in step 4 and select it.
9. Click on "Next," and the driver installer will install the updated driver.
Pros:
– Always installs the latest driver
– More control over the driver update process
Cons:
– Can take more time
Method 4: Using Third-Party Driver Updater Software
The fourth method of checking and updating your drivers in Windows 11 is by installing third-party software. There are various driver updater tools available online; follow these steps:
1. Research and choose a suitable driver updater tool.
2. Download and install the tool on your device.
3. Open the tool and select "Scan for Driver Updates."
4. The tool will now scan your device and list out all outdated drivers.
5. Click on "Update All" to update all outdated drivers on your device.
Pros:
– Automatically updates all outdated drivers
– Saves time
Cons:
– Some third-party driver updater tools might not be trustworthy.
Why Can’t I Check the Drivers on My Windows 11 Device?
There could be a few reasons why you are not able to check your Windows 11 drivers. Some possible reasons include:
1. Outdated Drivers: If your device has outdated drivers, it could cause issues with checking the drivers. Update your drivers, and the problem should disappear.
2. No Internet Connection: You need an active internet connection to check your drivers. Ensure that your device is connected to the internet.
3. Corrupted System Files: Your device’s system files could be corrupted, causing issues with updating drivers. Try running a system file scan or using a third-party tool to fix the corrupt files.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to help you check and update your drivers in Windows 11:
1. Set your device to automatically update all drivers and other software.
2. Always download drivers from the manufacturer’s official website.
3. Check for driver updates regularly.
5 FAQs about Checking Your Drivers Windows 11
Q1: How do I check what drivers I have installed?
A: You can check the drivers installed on your Windows 11 device by using Device Manager. Open Device Manager, locate the device you want to check, right-click on it, and select "Properties." Click on the "Driver" tab, and you will see the driver details.
Q2: Can I manually install drivers on Windows 11?
A: Yes, you can. You can manually install drivers on Windows 11 by using the "Browse my computer for driver software" option in Device Manager.
Q3: Can I update drivers with a third-party tool?
A: Yes, you can. There are various third-party driver updater tools available online that can help you update drivers on your Windows 11 device.
Q4: What happens if I don’t update my device drivers?
A: If you don’t update your device drivers, your device could experience performance issues, crashes, and even security vulnerabilities.
Q5: How often should I check for driver updates?
A: You should check for driver updates at least once a month or whenever you notice any performance issues with your device.
In Conclusion
Checking and updating drivers on your Windows 11 device is essential to keep your device running smoothly and securely. There are several methods of updating drivers, including using Device Manager, updating via Windows Update, using the manufacturer’s driver installer, and third-party driver updater software. However, before attempting to update drivers, ensure that you have created a system restore point, and that your device is connected to the internet. Remember to also check your drivers regularly and follow the manufacturer’s website’s instructions when downloading drivers.