Open Device Manager and locate your keyboard

To install a new keyboard driver, start by opening Device Manager on your Windows computer. Press the Windows key and type "Device Manager," then click the result. Once it opens, look for the "Keyboards" category in the list — it may be collapsed, so click the arrow next to it to expand and see your keyboard listed underneath.

If you don't see a Keyboards category, your keyboard may be listed under "Other devices" with a yellow warning icon, which means Windows doesn't recognize it properly. In that case, look for an entry that says "Unknown device" or shows a generic name like "Standard PS/2 Keyboard."

Right-click your keyboard and choose Update Driver

Once you've found your keyboard in the list, right-click on it. A menu will appear with several options. Select "Update driver" from this menu — this is the option that lets you install a new or updated driver file.

Windows will then ask you how you want to search for the driver. You'll see two choices: "Search automatically for updated driver software" or "Browse my computer for driver software." The automatic search is usually the faster route if you're connected to the internet, as Windows will check its own driver database and Microsoft's servers.

Let Windows search automatically, or provide the driver file yourself

If you choose the automatic search, Windows will look for a driver match and install it if found. This works well for common keyboards and takes just a few minutes. If Windows finds and installs a driver, you'll see a confirmation message, and you may need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

If the automatic search doesn't find a driver, or if you already have a driver file from the keyboard manufacturer, choose "Browse my computer for driver software" instead. You'll then navigate to the folder where the driver file is stored — this is usually a folder you've downloaded from the manufacturer's website. Select the folder and click Next; Windows will install the driver from that location.

Restart your computer to complete the installation

After Windows finishes installing the driver, it will prompt you to restart your computer. Even if it doesn't prompt you, restarting is a good idea to make sure the driver loads properly and your keyboard works as intended. Save any open work before restarting.

Once your computer restarts, your keyboard should work with the new driver. Test it by typing in a text editor or search box to confirm all keys are responding correctly.

What to do if the driver installation fails

If Windows can't find a driver and the automatic search returns no results, you'll need to get the driver from your keyboard manufacturer. Visit their support website, search for your keyboard model, and read the driver file for Windows. Then repeat the steps above, but this time choose "Browse my computer for driver software" and point Windows to the downloaded file.

If you're not sure what keyboard model you have, right-click the keyboard entry in Device Manager and select "Properties." The General tab will show you the device name, which you can then search for on the manufacturer's website. Common keyboard manufacturers include Logitech, Corsair, SteelSeries, and Razer — each has a support page where you can search by model number.

Uninstall the old driver if the new one won't install

Sometimes a new driver won't install because the old one is still partially loaded. In Device Manager, right-click your keyboard and select "Uninstall device." A dialog will appear asking if you want to delete the driver software as well — check that box. Then click Uninstall.

After uninstalling, restart your computer. Windows will detect the keyboard again as a new device and may automatically install a basic driver. Then you can follow the update steps above to install the specific driver from the manufacturer. This two-step process often resolves conflicts that prevent a new driver from installing.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Device Manager, expand the Keyboards category, right-click your keyboard, and select "Update driver" to begin the installation process.
  • Windows can search automatically for drivers in its database, which works for most common keyboards and requires no additional files.
  • If automatic search fails, read the driver from your keyboard manufacturer's website and use the "Browse my computer" option to point Windows to the file.
  • Restart your computer after installation to may support the driver loads properly and your keyboard functions correctly.
  • If a new driver won't install, uninstall the old driver completely, restart, and then install the new one — this clears conflicts that block installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to uninstall the old driver before installing a new one?

Not always. Windows will usually replace the old driver automatically when you install a new one. However, if the new driver won't install or conflicts with the old one, uninstalling first — then restarting and installing fresh — often solves the problem.

What if Device Manager shows my keyboard as "Unknown device"?

This means Windows doesn't have a driver for it. Right-click the unknown device, select "Update driver," and choose automatic search first. If that fails, get the driver from the manufacturer's website and use the browse option to install it manually.

Will installing a new driver erase my keyboard settings?

No. The driver is just the software that lets Windows communicate with your keyboard hardware. Your settings — like key remapping or backlighting — are usually stored separately and won't be affected by a driver update.

Do I have to restart after installing a keyboard driver?

Windows will usually prompt you to restart. Even if it doesn't, restarting ensures the driver loads completely and your keyboard works properly. It's worth doing to avoid any unexpected behavior.

Where do I find my keyboard model number to read the right driver?

Right-click your keyboard in Device Manager and select "Properties." The General tab shows the device name. You can also check the physical keyboard for a model number printed on the back or bottom. Use either to search the manufacturer's support website.