Drivers are small pieces of software that let Windows talk to your hardware — your graphics card, Wi-Fi adapter, printer, touchpad and more. Outdated or broken drivers can cause crashes, poor performance, sound problems and Wi-Fi drops. This guide shows you how to update drivers in Windows 11 safely, which method to use for each type of device, and how to undo an update that causes trouble. Here is how to update drivers in Windows 11 without risking your system.
Tested by Ayzaz Khan: I followed the steps in this guide on my Lenovo ThinkPad (Intel Core i7, 5th generation) running Windows 11, and they worked as described. Last checked: September 2026.
Do You Actually Need to Update Your Drivers?
Not always. If everything works well, there is no need to chase every new driver. Update drivers when:
- A device stops working or behaves strangely after a Windows update.
- You are having Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, audio or display problems.
- A new game or app asks for a newer graphics driver.
- A manufacturer releases a fix for a security or stability issue.
Method 1: Windows Update (Easiest and Safest)
Windows Update automatically installs most essential drivers. Some extra drivers are offered separately as optional updates.
- Open Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates.
- Then go to Advanced options > Optional updates.
- Expand Driver updates, tick the drivers you need, and click Download & install.
- Restart your PC if prompted.
Tip: only install optional drivers for a device that has a problem. If it isn’t broken, you don’t need to fix it.
Method 2: Device Manager
Device Manager lets you update, disable or reinstall the driver for a single device.
- Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
- Expand the category of the device, for example Display adapters or Network adapters.
- Right-click the device and choose Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for drivers. If you downloaded a driver yourself, choose Browse my computer for drivers instead.
A yellow warning triangle next to a device means Windows has detected a problem with its driver — that device should be your first priority.
Method 3: Your Laptop or PC Manufacturer’s Tool
Laptop makers often publish drivers tuned for your exact model, especially for touchpads, audio, power management and special keys. Most have a free update app, such as Dell SupportAssist, HP Support Assistant, Lenovo Vantage or MyASUS. Alternatively, visit the support page on the maker’s official website, enter your model or serial number, and download drivers from there.
Method 4: Graphics Drivers From NVIDIA, AMD or Intel
Graphics drivers are updated frequently with performance improvements for new games. Use the official apps:
| Graphics brand | Official tool |
|---|---|
| NVIDIA | NVIDIA App (from nvidia.com) |
| AMD | AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition (from amd.com) |
| Intel | Intel Driver & Support Assistant (from intel.com) |
On laptops, check the laptop maker’s site first if you have problems — some models need their customized graphics drivers.
How to Roll Back a Bad Driver
If a device stops working properly right after an update, go back to the previous version:
- Open Device Manager, right-click the device and choose Properties.
- Open the Driver tab.
- Click Roll Back Driver, choose a reason and confirm.
If the button is greyed out, no previous driver is stored. In that case, choose Uninstall device and restart — Windows will install a basic working driver.
Avoid “Driver Updater” Software
Many third-party “driver booster” or “driver updater” programs claim to fix hundreds of outdated drivers. They often install the wrong versions, bundle unwanted software or push paid upgrades. Stick to Windows Update, Device Manager and official manufacturer tools. Never download drivers from random download sites — they are a common way to spread malware.
What We Found When Testing
We followed each method in this guide on our ThinkPad running Windows 11, including checking Optional updates and using Lenovo Vantage for model-specific drivers. The manufacturer’s tool was the most reliable source of drivers for the laptop, which is why we recommend checking it first.
What Microsoft Says About Updating Drivers
Microsoft’s driver update guidance starts from a point that removes most of the worry: driver updates for most hardware are downloaded and installed automatically through Windows Update. Updating by hand is the exception, for when a device misbehaves or the automatic route has not delivered a fix.
When you do need to act, Microsoft describes four options in Device Manager: let Windows search for a driver automatically, install one you downloaded yourself, uninstall the device so Windows reinstalls the driver after a restart, or roll back to the previous version when a new driver caused the problem. Its one firm warning supports the main advice in this guide: avoid downloading drivers from any website other than the manufacturer’s official site, and make sure the driver matches your Windows version.
Updating Windows 11 Drivers: Common Questions
How do I check my current driver version?
In Device Manager, right-click the device, choose Properties and open the Driver tab to see the version and date.
Can updating drivers make my PC faster?
Graphics driver updates can improve gaming performance. For other devices, updates mainly fix bugs. For general speed, see our guide to speeding up a slow Windows 11 PC.
My Wi-Fi stopped working after a driver update. What now?
Roll back the driver as shown above, then work through our fixes for Wi-Fi connected but no internet on Windows 11.
Sources and further reading: Microsoft Support: Update drivers through Device Manager in Windows.
A Safe Driver Update Routine
For most people, Windows Update handles drivers automatically. When something goes wrong, use Device Manager or your manufacturer’s official tool, and keep “Roll Back Driver” in mind as your safety net. Avoid third-party driver updaters, and your PC will stay stable and secure. Whenever you update drivers in Windows 11, stick to official sources.
