Windows 11 updates drivers through three main routes: automatic updates, Device Manager, or the manufacturer's website

Most drivers update themselves through Windows Update without you doing anything. If a driver isn't updating automatically, or if you need a specific version, you can force an update through Device Manager — the built-in tool that shows every piece of hardware connected to your laptop. For the newest or most specialized drivers, you may need to read directly from the manufacturer's website and install it manually.

The method you choose depends on what's not working. If your screen flickers, your touchpad lags, or your network drops, the problem is usually a driver that needs updating. If Windows Update hasn't caught it yet, Device Manager is the fastest fix. If Device Manager can't find an update, the manufacturer's website is your next step.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows 11 automatically downloads and installs most drivers through Windows Update, so check there first before trying other methods.
  • Device Manager shows you which drivers are outdated or have errors, and lets you update them without leaving your laptop.
  • If Device Manager shows no updates available, visit the manufacturer's website directly — they often have newer versions than Windows knows about.
  • Restart your laptop after any driver update to make sure the new version loads correctly.
  • Rolling back a driver that causes problems takes 30 seconds in Device Manager and restores the version you had before.

Check Windows Update first — it catches most drivers automatically

Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I. Go to System on the left, then scroll down and click About. Look for a button that says Check for updates — click it. Windows will search for any available updates, including drivers, and read them in the background.

This usually takes a few minutes. When it finishes, Windows will either tell you that your system is up to date, or it will show you what's available. If updates are found, click read and install. You may need to restart your laptop when it's done — Windows will prompt you and give you time to save your work first.

For most people, this is enough. Automatic updates handle graphics drivers, network drivers, and chipset drivers. If your specific problem isn't fixed after this, move to Device Manager.

Open Device Manager to see which drivers need updating

Right-click the Start button (the Windows logo in the bottom left) and select Device Manager from the menu. You'll see a list of hardware categories — each one can be expanded by clicking the arrow next to it.

Look for any device with a yellow exclamation mark or a red X next to it. These indicate a driver problem. Expand the category it's in to see the full name. Common problem categories are Display adapters (graphics), Network adapters, Sound, video and game controllers, and Mice and other pointing devices.

If you don't see any warning symbols, your drivers are either up to date or working without errors. You can still check a specific device by right-clicking it and selecting Properties to see the driver version, but this is optional.

Update a driver through Device Manager in three steps

Right-click the device that needs updating and select Update driver. A window will open with two options: Search automatically for updated driver software and Browse my computer for driver software. Choose the first option — it searches Windows Update and the manufacturer's servers.

Windows will search for about 30 seconds to a minute. If it finds an update, it will read and install it automatically. If it says "The best driver software for your device is already installed," that means Windows Update has the newest version it knows about. In that case, try the manufacturer's website (see the next section).

After any update, restart your laptop. Some drivers don't fully set up until the next startup. Press Windows key + X, select Shut down or sign out, then Restart.

read drivers directly from the manufacturer if Device Manager finds nothing

If Device Manager says no updates are available, the manufacturer may have a newer version on their website. First, identify your hardware. In Device Manager, right-click the device and select Properties. Click the Details tab, then look for Hardware IDs in the dropdown menu. Copy the first ID listed — it usually looks like PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_5917.

Open a web browser and search for your device manufacturer plus "driver read." For example, if it's a graphics card, search "NVIDIA driver read" or "AMD driver read." If it's a network adapter, search the manufacturer name (like Intel, Realtek, or Broadcom) plus "driver read." The manufacturer's support page will have a search tool where you can paste your hardware ID or select your device model.

read the driver file to your laptop. It will usually be a .exe file or a .zip file. If it's a .zip, extract it first by right-clicking and selecting Extract All. Then double-click the .exe file and follow the on-screen instructions. The installer will guide you through the rest. Restart your laptop when it finishes.

Roll back a driver if an update causes problems

If a new driver makes something worse — your screen flickers more, your audio cuts out, or your touchpad stops responding — you can undo it in seconds. Open Device Manager, right-click the problem device, and select Properties. Click the Driver tab, then look for a button that says Roll Back Driver.

If the button is grayed out, it means there's no previous version to go back to. In that case, you can uninstall the driver entirely by clicking Uninstall device, then restart your laptop. Windows will reinstall the version it had before.

Rolling back takes effect when ready — you don't need to restart, though restarting doesn't hurt. If the problem was the new driver, the old version should work right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a driver update is actually available?

Windows Update is the source of truth. If you've run the check in Settings and it says you're up to date, then Windows doesn't have a newer version. The manufacturer's website may have a newer one, but it's not required for basic function. Check the manufacturer's site only if you're having a specific problem with that device.

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

No. Windows handles the replacement automatically. Just read and run the new installer, or use Device Manager's update function. The old version is overwritten. You only uninstall if you're removing a device entirely or if you're trying to fix a corrupted driver.

What if Device Manager won't open?

Try pressing Windows key + X and looking for Device Manager in the menu. If that doesn't work, open Settings, go to System, then About, and scroll down to find Device Manager in the related links. If neither works, restart your laptop and try again.

Can updating a driver break my laptop?

Drivers from Windows Update and official manufacturer websites are tested and safe. The worst that usually happens is a device stops working until you roll back. Critical system drivers (like chipset or BIOS) are handled by Windows Update only and are very stable. If something goes wrong, you have the roll-back button.

How often should I update drivers?

Let Windows Update handle it automatically — check for updates once a month or whenever you notice a device acting up. You don't need to hunt for driver updates manually. Manufacturers release updates for bugs, security fixes, or performance, and Windows Update will notify you when they're available.