Knowing how to update device drivers manually is an essential skill for keeping your computer fast, stable, and compatible with new software. While Windows often installs drivers automatically, manual updates give you more control, help fix stubborn issues, and ensure you’re using the most reliable driver versions.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to update device drivers manually using different safe methods, even if you’re a beginner.
What Are Device Drivers?
Before learning how to update device drivers manually, it’s important to understand what device drivers are.
Device drivers are small software programs that allow your operating system to communicate with hardware components such as:
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Graphics cards
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Sound cards
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Network adapters
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Printers
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USB devices
Without drivers, hardware simply won’t work correctly.
Why You Should Update Device Drivers Manually
Updating drivers manually offers advantages over automatic updates.
Key Benefits
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Fix hardware errors and crashes
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Improve system performance
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Enable new hardware features
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Resolve compatibility issues
Knowing how to update device drivers manually is especially useful when automatic updates fail.
Things to Do Before Updating Drivers Manually
Preparation helps prevent system problems.
Important Safety Steps
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Create a system restore point
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Note your current driver version
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Download drivers only from official sources
These steps ensure safe results when learning how to update device drivers manually.
How to Check Current Driver Versions
Before updating, confirm what’s already installed.
Using Device Manager
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Right-click Start
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Select Device Manager
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Expand the device category
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Right-click the device → Properties
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Open the Driver tab
This helps you decide whether you need to update the driver manually.
How to Update Device Drivers Manually Using Device Manager
This is the simplest built-in method.
Steps to Update Drivers via Device Manager
Step 1: Open Device Manager
Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
Step 2: Locate the Device
Expand the relevant category (Display adapters, Network adapters, etc.).
Step 3: Update the Driver
Right-click the device → Update driver.
Step 4: Choose Manual Update
Select Browse my computer for drivers.
Step 5: Install the Driver
Browse to the downloaded driver folder and complete the installation.
This method is ideal for beginners learning how to update device drivers manually.
How to Update Device Drivers Manually from Manufacturer Websites
This is the most reliable method.
Why Manufacturer Drivers Are Best
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Official and tested
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Latest stable versions
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Full compatibility
Steps to Download Drivers from Official Websites
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Identify your device model
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Visit the manufacturer’s official website
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Go to the Support or Drivers section
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Select your operating system
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Download the correct driver
Install the driver manually after downloading.
How to Update Graphics Drivers Manually
Graphics drivers often need manual updates for better performance.
Updating NVIDIA Graphics Drivers
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Visit NVIDIA’s official website
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Select your GPU model
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Download the latest driver
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Run the installer
Updating AMD Graphics Drivers
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Visit AMD’s support page
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Choose your graphics card
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Download and install the driver
Updating graphics drivers manually can improve gaming and display performance.
How to Update Network Drivers Manually
Network drivers control Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity.
Steps
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Open Device Manager
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Expand Network adapters
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Note the adapter name
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Download the driver from the manufacturer
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Install manually
Knowing how to update device drivers manually helps fix internet connectivity issues.
How to Update Audio Drivers Manually
Audio problems are often caused by outdated drivers.
Steps
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Identify your sound card (Realtek, Intel, etc.)
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Visit the manufacturer’s website
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Download the latest audio driver
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Install and restart
Manual audio driver updates fix sound distortion and missing audio.
Sometimes new drivers cause issues.
Steps to Roll Back Drivers
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Open Device Manager
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Right-click the device → Properties
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Open the Driver tab
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Click Roll Back Driver
This safety feature is important when learning how to update device drivers manually.
Common Mistakes When Updating Drivers Manually
Installing the Wrong Driver
Always match:
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Device model
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Operating system version
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System architecture (32-bit or 64-bit)
Using Untrusted Websites
Avoid third-party driver sites that may include malware.
How Often Should You Update Device Drivers?
Not every driver needs frequent updates.
Recommended Update Frequency
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Graphics drivers: Regularly
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Network drivers: When issues occur
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Other drivers: Only when needed
Understanding timing is part of mastering how to update device drivers manually.
FAQs About How to Update Device Drivers Manually
How to update device drivers manually on Windows 10?
Use Device Manager or download drivers directly from the manufacturer’s website.
How to update device drivers manually without the internet?
Download drivers on another computer and transfer them using a USB drive.
Is it safe to update device drivers manually?
Yes, if you use official drivers and create a restore point first.
Do I need third-party software to update drivers manually?
No, manual updates do not require third-party tools.
What happens if I don’t update device drivers?
Your system may experience performance issues, bugs, or compatibility problems.
Conclusion
Learning how to update device drivers manually gives you complete control over your computer’s hardware and performance. Whether you’re fixing errors, improving stability, or installing new hardware, manual driver updates are often the safest and most effective solution.
By following the steps in this guide, you can confidently update drivers without relying on automatic tools or risky third-party software. Mastering how to update device drivers manually ensures your system stays reliable, secure, and optimized.
