6 Best Ways to Install or Update Drivers on a Windows 11 Device

If you are wondering how to install drivers on Windows 11, we have you covered. We discuss this in full, from the most common ways, like using the Device Manager, to more complex solutions, like scripts.

Of course, drivers are essential links between software and hardware, and with this guide, you can expect to have your system at top-notch performance.

How do I install drivers in Windows 11?

1. Install drivers using Windows Update

1. Press Windows + R to open the Settings app.
2. Click on Windows update on the left pane, then click the button to Check for updates on the right.
   
3. If there are any updates, you should click Download & install updates.
   
4. Finally, restart your computer.

Windows updates are often packed with security patches, but they also contain updates for drivers that are essential for running your computer.

2. Install drivers from the Device Manager

1. Right-click on the Start menu and select Device Manager.
   
2. Expand any category where you need to install or update the driver, right-click on the driver, and select Update driver.
   
3. Select Search automatically for drivers.
   

The Device Manager is an essential Windows utility that controls hardware devices installed on a computer. It allows viewing information on each device and handling functions like updates, installations, and removals.

3. Install drivers via the Manufacturer’s website

1. Navigate to your manufacturer’s website. We use HP as an example, but it will differ slightly from other brands.
2. Select Laptop or Desktop, depending on the device you use.
   
3. If you know your device’s serial number, enter it in the text field; if not, click Let HP detect your product.
   
4. Click OK to permit HP.
   
5. Click on your device.
   
6. Select your OS and versions, then click the Submit button.
   
7. Select the Detect my drivers button.
   
8. Tick the drivers you need and click on Download.
   
9. Navigate to your driver’s location, double-click the downloaded file, and follow the wizard to install it.

You are responsible for every driver downloaded and installed on your computer. It may be a laborious process, and we often recommend an automated option as we discuss in the next solution.

4. Using Third-party driver installation software

A third-party installer is often the recommended choice. This is because it automates the process and ensures you never use outdated drivers. You have to use 1 or 2 clicks for most of these tools, and you are set.

Any of the following recommendations will do a good job:

• Driver Booster
• DriverMax
• Snappy Driver Installer

5. Install drivers with a driver installation CD or USB drive

1. Slot in the CD or USB device.
2. Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
3. Navigate to the device and double-click to open it.
4. Double-click on the executable file to launch the installation wizard.
5. Follow the prompts from the wizard to complete the installation.

6. Install drivers via the Command Prompt

1. Press Windows + R, type cmd, and hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
   
2. Type the following code followed by Enter (replace C:\drivers\mydriver.inf with the actual path and name of the driver file).
   pnputil -i -a C:\drivers\mydriver.inf
3. Wait for the installation to complete and restart the computer.

Do I need to install new drivers for Windows 11?

As far as you are installing drivers from your device’s manufacturers, you should always install them. Installing trusted drivers come with the following benefits:

• Better performance – When you install a new driver, you expect it will improve your system’s stability and reliability. This is a performance hack. New drivers can speed up a slow device, for example.
• Improve hardware usability – Running the latest drivers for connected devices will improve their performance and functionality on your Windows 11 device.
• Resolve issues – Users use new drivers to resolve compatibility issues with more recent hardware or software.
• Security benefits – As stated earlier, updates often come with security patches for known vulnerabilities. This means, in a way, they serve to protect, to some extent, just like an antivirus.
• Support for new capabilities – If new features are released, an OS update often pushes them. You can support and improve these features with the latest drivers.

Does Windows 11 install all drivers automatically?

Unless the feature is disabled, the OS will try to install drivers automatically on your computer. However, you may note that some drivers will be generic, and you may have to manually install the specialized drivers you need.

In conclusion, a few readers asked can I install Windows 10 drivers on Windows 11? Yes, you can. Bot operating systems use the same CoreOS. So even though we recommend getting drivers specifically made for Windows 11, this is possible.

And there you go. We have covered all you should know about driver download and installation on Windows 10.

We are, however, curious and want to hear other methods you think we may have left out. Please reach out to us using the comments section below.