Open Device Manager and find your keyboard
To install a new keyboard driver, you first need to open Device Manager and locate your keyboard in the list of devices. On Windows, press the Windows key and type "Device Manager" into the search box, then click the result. On a Mac, keyboard drivers are built into the operating system and do not need manual installation — this guide applies to Windows only.
Once Device Manager opens, look for a category called "Keyboards" in the list. Click the arrow or plus sign next to it to expand the category. You will see your keyboard listed underneath, usually with a name like "Standard PS/2 Keyboard" or the manufacturer's name if it is a branded device.
Key Takeaways
- Device Manager on Windows lets you update, reinstall, or roll back keyboard drivers without downloading software from the internet.
- Right-clicking your keyboard in Device Manager gives you the option to update the driver, uninstall it, or view its properties and current version.
- Windows can search for updated drivers automatically, or you can point it to a driver file you have downloaded from the keyboard manufacturer's website.
- If a new driver causes problems, you can roll back to the previous version directly from Device Manager without restarting your computer first.
Right-click the keyboard and choose update driver
Right-click on your keyboard in the expanded Keyboards category. A menu will appear with several options. Click "Update driver" to begin the installation process.
A new window will open asking how you want to search for the driver. You have two choices: let Windows search automatically, or browse your computer for a driver file you have already downloaded. If you are updating to a newer version and do not have the file yet, choose "Search automatically for updated driver software" and Windows will check its own database and the manufacturer's servers.
Let Windows search or point to a downloaded file
If you chose automatic search, Windows will spend a minute or two looking for a newer driver. If it finds one, it will download and install it without asking further questions. You may see a progress bar, and the process usually completes without requiring a restart.
If you have already downloaded a driver file from the keyboard manufacturer's website, choose "Browse my computer for driver software" instead. Click "Browse" and navigate to the folder where you saved the driver file. Select the folder (not the individual file) and click "Next." Windows will scan that folder and install the driver it finds.
What to do if Windows cannot find a driver
If Windows searches automatically and reports that the best driver is already installed, it means your current driver is up to date according to Windows' records. This does not mean a newer version does not exist — it means Windows does not have it in its database.
In this case, visit the keyboard manufacturer's website directly. Look for a "Support" or "Downloads" section, enter your keyboard model number, and download the driver file for Windows. Save it to a folder on your computer, then return to Device Manager, right-click the keyboard again, and choose "Update driver" — this time selecting "Browse my computer for driver software" and pointing to the folder where you saved the file.
Uninstall and reinstall if update does not work
Sometimes a driver update does not take effect, or the keyboard stops working after an update. In these cases, uninstalling and reinstalling from scratch often fixes the problem. Right-click the keyboard in Device Manager and select "Uninstall device." A dialog will appear asking to confirm — click "Uninstall."
Do not restart your computer yet. Instead, go to the top menu in Device Manager and click "Action," then "Scan for hardware changes." Windows will detect the keyboard again and reinstall the driver automatically. This approach is faster than restarting and often resolves driver conflicts that a simple update cannot fix.
Roll back to a previous driver version
If a new driver causes problems — such as keys not responding correctly or the keyboard disconnecting — you can revert to the previous version without uninstalling. Right-click the keyboard and select "Properties." Click the "Driver" tab, and if a "Roll Back Driver" button appears, click it. This option is only available if you have installed more than one version of the driver on this computer.
Rolling back takes effect immediately and does not require a restart. If the button is grayed out or absent, it means there is no previous version to return to. In that case, uninstall the driver and let Windows reinstall the version it has in its database, which is usually older and more stable.
Check the driver version and update date
To see which version of the driver you currently have installed, right-click the keyboard in Device Manager and select "Properties." Click the "Driver" tab. You will see the driver version number, the date it was released, and the name of the company that created it.
Write down this version number before you update. After the update completes, open Properties again and check that the version number has changed. If it has not, the update did not install — try downloading the driver directly from the manufacturer instead of using Windows' automatic search.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to restart my computer after installing a keyboard driver?
Most keyboard driver updates take effect immediately without a restart. However, some manufacturers' drivers may request a restart when the installation completes. If you see a restart prompt, you can usually click "Restart Later" and the driver will work until you shut down your computer. A restart is rarely mandatory for keyboard drivers.
What if my keyboard does not appear in Device Manager?
If your keyboard is not listed, it may not be recognized by Windows. Try unplugging it and plugging it back in, or if it is wireless, replace the batteries. Then open Device Manager again. If it still does not appear, the keyboard may have a hardware problem or need a different type of driver — check the manufacturer's website for troubleshooting steps specific to your model.
Can I install a driver for a different keyboard model?
Installing a driver meant for a different model is not recommended and may cause the keyboard to malfunction. Always download the driver that matches your exact keyboard model number. If you cannot find a driver for your model, contact the manufacturer's support team — they can tell you whether your keyboard is compatible with a universal driver or if it requires a specific version.
Where do I find the keyboard model number?
The model number is usually printed on the back or bottom of the keyboard, or on the underside of the device. It may also be listed in Device Manager — right-click the keyboard, select "Properties," and click the "Details" tab. Look for "Hardware IDs" in the dropdown menu, which will show a code you can search on the manufacturer's website.