How to Manually Update Device Drivers in Windows 10/11

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Manually locate, download, and install device drivers for your computer

Co-authored by Carter Keel and Megaera Lorenz, PhD

Last Updated: May 12, 2026 Fact Checked

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Using Device Manager

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Using the Device's App

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FAQ

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Video

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While you can use Device Manager or Windows Update to automatically find and install device driver updates, sometimes the most reliable option is to download drivers directly from the manufacturer’s website. In this article, we’ll explain how to manually install drivers using Device Manager in Windows. We’ll also talk you through how to install drivers for certain devices, like your graphics card, directly through the device app.

Quick Steps to Manually Install Drivers

Download the updated driver from the device manufacturer’s website.
Right-click the Start menu and select Device Manager.
Expand the category for your device.
Right-click the device and select Update driver.
Click Browse my computer for drivers.
Navigate to the driver you downloaded and select it. Click OK > Next.
Wait for Windows to install the driver, then close the Update Drivers window.

Section 1 of 3:

Installing Drivers in Device Manager

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Download the device driver from the manufacturer’s website. Visit the official website for the device whose driver you need to update. Typically, there will be an option to search for the exact device you have. Once you’ve located your device, look for a section of the page called “Updates,” “Downloads,” or something similar.^{[1]
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- If multiple drivers are available, make sure you select the correct one for your Windows version and architecture.
  - You can find your version of Windows by opening the Start menu, going to Settings > System > About, and checking under Windows specifications.^{[2]
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  - To figure out what Windows architecture your PC uses (i.e., 32-bit vs. 64-bit), go to Settings > System > About and look under Device specifications.
- If the driver files are compressed, you’ll need to extract them before you continue.
- Make sure to note where the files are saved. Typically, downloaded files will go to your Downloads folder by default. You may wish to move them to a dedicated folder on your hard drive so it’s easier to find them.
Once you have the driver file(s) you need, right-click the Start menu and select Device Manager.

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For example, if you’re updating a keyboard driver, expand the Keyboards category.
A new window will open.
This will launch a file browser window.
Navigate to the location where you saved the driver. Click it to select it, then click OK at the bottom of the window. Review the file path to make sure you selected the file correctly, then click Next.
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Wait for Windows to install the driver. Windows will analyze the driver and make sure it’s actually an updated version of the correct driver for your device. If it is, Windows will proceed with the installation. If not, you’ll see a message that says “The best drivers for your device are already installed.”^{[3]
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- When you’re done, click Close to close the Update Drivers window.

Section 2 of 3:

Installing Drivers Through the Device App

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Some devices, such as graphics cards, may have dedicated apps where you can update the driver directly.
For example, in the NVIDIA app, look for the Drivers tab. In the AMD app, go to the Drivers & Software section.
Once you’re in the Drivers area of the app, you should see an option to check for updates. If any updates are available, choose the option to download and install them. Follow any on-screen prompts to complete the process.

Section 3 of 3:

Frequently Asked Questions

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How do I know if a driver needs to be updated? There’s no definitive way to know if a driver needs updating without actually attempting to install an update. However, glitches, hardware malfunctions, and frequent system crashes can be a sign that a driver is outdated or corrupt.
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Can I update all my drivers at once? The easiest way to mass-update your drivers is through Windows Update. To update your drivers this way:^{[4]
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- Open the Start menu and select Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options. If you’re using Windows 10, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Advanced options.
- Make sure “Receive updates for other Microsoft products” is toggled on.
- Select Optional updates under Additional options. If you’re using Windows 10, skip this step.
- If you see driver updates available, select them and click Download and install.
  - If you’re using Windows 10, go back to the main Windows Update window and select Check for updates. If View optional updates appears, click it, select the driver updates, and click Download and Install.
- Restart your computer after the updates are installed.
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Do I need to restart my computer after updating a driver? In some cases, you’ll be prompted to restart after you update a driver. Even if this doesn’t happen, Microsoft recommends restarting after updating any driver.^{[5]
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Expert Q&A

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Do I always have to manually update drivers on Windows?

Carter Keel
Tech Expert
Carter Keel is a tech expert and content creator based in Florida. In 2019, Carter launched his channel Random But Cool, refining his skills as a storyteller and video editor through this project. His production experience grew further through wedding videography, livestream switching, and managing media at multiple churches. His channel now focuses primarily on tech education, helping thousands of people stay safe online. He also specializes in building home servers and repurposing old hardware, combining sustainability with innovation. Carter is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity from the University of West Florida.

Carter Keel

Tech Expert

Expert Answer

You usually don't have to manually update drivers since Microsoft pushes out automatic updates whenever available. However, if you have third-party hardware, you may need to manually update those drivers. That said, Windows typically installs drivers by default and updates them routinely, so in most cases you don't really have to worry about it.

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