How to Update Device Drivers on Windows 10/11: Safe, Fast, and Accurate

Meta description: Learn how to update drivers on Windows 10/11 using Windows Update, Device Manager, and OEM tools—safely, step-by-step, with pro tips and FAQs.

Keeping drivers current is one of the easiest ways to fix crashes, boost frame rates, improve battery life, and unlock new features on Windows 10/11. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to update device drivers the right way—using Windows Update, Device Manager, and trusted OEM tools—without risking system stability or installing shady software. Follow our expert tips from CyReader to update safely and confidently.

Update drivers on Windows 10/11: step-by-step guide

Before changing anything, prep your system. Identify what you actually need to update (GPU, chipset, Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth, audio, storage, peripherals), then create a restore point so you can roll back if something misbehaves. Optional but smart: export your current drivers with the command pnputil /export-driver * C:DriverBackup to back up everything in one go; note the save path and free space. Finally, download drivers only from Microsoft via Windows Update or the device maker (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel, Realtek, your laptop brand) to avoid tampered packages.

Start with Windows Update, because Microsoft often ships stable, WHQL-certified drivers there. Go to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates; on Windows 11, also open Advanced options > Optional updates > Driver updates, and install relevant items like Intel – System, Realtek – Net, or AMD – Display. Reboot when prompted, then verify success: press Win+X > Device Manager, right‑click the device > Properties > Driver tab to check the version/date against the release notes.

If something is still outdated—or you need features/performance only the vendor release includes—go straight to OEM tools. For graphics, use NVIDIA GeForce Experience or the NVIDIA Driver Downloads page, AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition, or Intel Arc & Iris Xe drivers; for chipsets and integrated graphics on Intel platforms, use Intel Driver & Support Assistant; for Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth, grab Intel or Qualcomm/Broadcom packages via your PC maker; for audio, use your laptop/desktop support page (Realtek variants are often vendor‑customized). Install the package, reboot, then confirm the version in Device Manager; if issues appear, use Device Manager > Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver or System Restore.

Use Device Manager, Windows Update, or OEM tools

Windows Update is the safest first stop for most users. It prioritizes stability and WHQL certification, which reduces the chance of conflicts and blue screens, and it makes driver updates easy to manage with one reboot. The downside: Microsoft may lag behind the very latest features—especially for GPUs and new chipsets—and won’t always surface niche peripheral drivers in Optional updates. If your PC runs fine, Windows Update alone is often enough.

Device Manager is best for targeted fixes and troubleshooting. Open it with Win+X > Device Manager, expand the category (e.g., Display adapters, Network adapters), right‑click the device, and choose Update driver, Browse my computer if you downloaded a package, or Let me pick to manually select from installed versions. Device Manager also lets you Roll Back Driver after a bad update and View details (driver file names, provider, digital signature) to spot unsigned or conflicting drivers. It won’t “find” vendor‑latest versions on the web, but it’s the right tool to check versions, switch between installed builds, or cleanly uninstall a problematic driver.

OEM tools deliver the newest features and device‑specific tuning. Use your laptop or motherboard vendor’s utilities—Lenovo Vantage, Dell SupportAssist, HP Support Assistant, ASUS Armoury Crate/MSI Center—to pull model‑matched drivers for audio, touchpads, power management, and sensors. For GPUs and platforms, vendor apps like GeForce Experience, AMD Adrenalin, and Intel DSA add one‑click updates, game optimizations, and bug‑fix betas. Avoid generic third‑party “driver updater” apps; they often install wrong or ad‑supported packages. Stick to Windows Update, Device Manager, and official OEM/vender channels for reliability and security.

FAQs

• Q: What drivers should I update first?
  A: Prioritize GPU, chipset/ME, storage (SATA/NVMe), Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth, audio, and critical peripherals. If your system is stable, don’t rush obscure device updates.
• Q: How do I check my current driver version?
  A: Win+X > Device Manager > device > Properties > Driver tab. Compare Version and Driver Date to the vendor’s release notes.
• Q: Is it safe to use third‑party driver updaters?
  A: We don’t recommend them. Use Windows Update, your PC maker’s support page, or official tools like NVIDIA GeForce Experience, AMD Adrenalin, and Intel DSA.
• Q: Do I need DCH or “Standard” drivers on Windows 11?
  A: Most modern systems use DCH packages. Match whatever your OEM recommends; mixing types can cause control panel issues.
• Q: How do I roll back a bad driver?
  A: Device Manager > device > Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver. If unavailable, use System Restore or reinstall the previous package manually.

Recommended tools and trusted sources

• NVIDIA GeForce Experience and Driver Downloads (official)
• AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition (official)
• Intel Driver & Support Assistant (official)
• Laptop OEM portals: Lenovo Support, Dell Drivers & Downloads, HP Support, ASUS, Acer, MSI
• Related CyReader guides: Clean install Windows 11, Fix high CPU after update, GPU driver troubleshooting, Best gaming laptops

Updating drivers on Windows doesn’t have to be risky or confusing. Start with Windows Update for stability, use Device Manager when you need precision, and rely on OEM tools for the newest features and model‑specific fixes. Bookmark this guide, and when you’re ready to go deeper, explore our related tutorials and reviews on CyReader—plus grab the latest GPU drivers from official sources to unlock more performance today.