Where to find driver updates depends on your device and operating system

The fastest way to check for driver updates is through your operating system's built-in tool. On Windows, this is Windows Update. On Mac, it's the Software Update section in System Settings. On Linux, your package manager handles drivers as part of system updates. These built-in tools catch most driver updates automatically, but you can also check manually whenever you suspect a problem — a printer that stopped working, a graphics card running slowly, or a network connection dropping out.

For specific devices like graphics cards, printers, or network adapters, you can also visit the manufacturer's website directly. This route takes longer but sometimes finds updates the operating system missed, especially for older hardware or specialized equipment. The choice between these two paths depends on what device is giving you trouble and how recent it is.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows Update and Mac's Software Update check for driver updates automatically, but you can manually check anytime through Settings or System Preferences.
  • For specific devices like printers or graphics cards, visiting the manufacturer's website directly often finds updates that the operating system missed.
  • You need your exact device model and operating system version to search for drivers on a manufacturer's website — guessing the model number leads to installing the wrong driver.
  • Restart your computer after installing a driver update, even if the installer doesn't ask you to.

Checking for updates through Windows Update

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then click the app that appears. Select "System" on the left side, then scroll down and click "About." At the bottom of this page, click "Advanced system settings," then the "Device Manager" button. This opens a list of every hardware device Windows recognizes on your computer.

Right-click any device in the list and select "Update driver." Windows will search online for a newer version. If one exists, it downloads and installs automatically. You can also check all devices at once by going back to Settings, clicking "Update & Security," then "Windows Update," and selecting "Check for updates." This scans for driver updates along with operating system patches.

If Windows finds an update, it will either install it immediately or ask you to restart. Some driver updates require a restart to take effect, so don't skip this step even if the computer seems to work fine without restarting.

Checking for updates on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select "System Settings." Click "General" on the left sidebar, then "Software Update." macOS will check for any available updates, including driver updates for built-in hardware like graphics cards, trackpads, and network adapters. If updates are available, click "Update Now" or "Upgrade Now" depending on what appears.

Mac handles driver updates differently than Windows — they come bundled with operating system updates rather than as separate downloads. This means you cannot update a single driver in isolation. If an update is available, you're updating the entire system. Most Mac users leave automatic updates turned on, which means driver updates happen in the background without any action needed.

Finding drivers directly from the manufacturer

If a device isn't working properly and the operating system's built-in update tool found nothing, try the manufacturer's website. For a printer, visit HP, Canon, Epson, or Brother's support page. For a graphics card, go to Nvidia or AMD. For a network adapter or motherboard, check the computer manufacturer's site if it's a laptop, or the component maker's site if you built a desktop.

You will need your exact device model number. For a printer, this is usually on the front or back of the machine. For a graphics card, right-click your desktop, select "Display settings," scroll down, and click "Advanced display settings" — the model name appears under "Display adapter properties." For other devices, open Device Manager (as described above), right-click the device, select "Properties," and look for the model number in the "Details" tab.

Once you have the model number, go to the manufacturer's support page, search for your model, and look for a "Drivers" or "Downloads" section. Download the driver file for your operating system version. Run the installer, follow the on-screen prompts, and restart your computer when finished.

What to do if you install the wrong driver

Installing an incorrect driver — for example, a printer driver for a different model — usually causes the device to stop working or behave erratically. The fix is to uninstall the wrong driver and install the correct one. Open Device Manager, right-click the problematic device, and select "Uninstall device." Restart your computer, then download and install the correct driver from the manufacturer's website.

If a driver update breaks something that was working before, you can roll back to the previous version. Open Device Manager, right-click the device, select "Properties," click the "Driver" tab, and select "Roll Back Driver" if that button appears. This restores the version you had before the update. If rolling back doesn't work, uninstall the driver entirely, restart, and let the operating system reinstall its default version.

Checking driver status without updating

You don't always need to update a driver if the device is working fine. Drivers that are functioning correctly don't need updates just because newer versions exist. However, if you're experiencing problems — a printer that won't print, a monitor with display glitches, a network connection that keeps dropping — checking for updates is often the first troubleshooting step.

To see which drivers are currently installed without updating them, open Device Manager and expand each category. The devices listed there are the ones Windows recognizes. If a device has a yellow exclamation mark or red X next to it, that means Windows detected a problem. Right-click it and select "Update driver" to search for a fix.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to update drivers if everything is working fine?

No. Drivers that are functioning correctly don't require updates. Update only when you encounter a problem with a device, when the manufacturer releases a security patch, or when you install new hardware. Unnecessary updates occasionally cause problems rather than prevent them.

What's the difference between updating through Windows Update and the manufacturer's website?

Windows Update is faster and catches most drivers automatically. The manufacturer's website sometimes has newer versions, especially for specialized devices like graphics cards or printers. If Windows Update found nothing but your device still isn't working, try the manufacturer's site next.

Can updating a driver damage my computer?

Rarely. Driver updates from official sources are tested before release. The main risk is installing a driver for the wrong device model, which can cause that device to malfunction. Always verify the exact model number before downloading. If an update causes problems, you can roll back to the previous version through Device Manager.

How often should I check for driver updates?

If you have automatic updates turned on, you don't need to check manually — the operating system handles it. If you prefer manual control, checking once a month is reasonable. Check immediately if a device stops working or behaves unexpectedly, as an outdated driver is often the cause.

What if the manufacturer's website doesn't have a driver for my operating system?

Some older devices don't have drivers for newer operating systems. If the manufacturer lists no driver for your version of Windows or macOS, the device likely isn't compatible. You may need to replace it with a newer model that the manufacturer still supports, or use an older computer that runs the operating system the device was designed for.