What a CPU driver update does and why you need it

Your CPU driver is the software that lets your operating system talk to your processor. When you update it, you're installing new instructions that help Windows or Mac manage power, temperature, and performance more efficiently. A CPU driver update can fix bugs that cause crashes, improve how your computer handles multiple programs at once, or unlock better power management on newer hardware.

CPU drivers are different from graphics drivers or network drivers — they sit closer to the core of how your machine runs. Most people don't need to update them often. Windows and Mac both push updates automatically through their regular system updates, so many users never manually update a CPU driver. But if you're experiencing crashes, your system is running hot, or you've just installed new hardware, a manual update might help.

The steps differ significantly between Windows and Mac, and even within Windows they depend on whether you have an Intel or AMD processor. This guide covers both paths.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows usually updates CPU drivers automatically, but you can check manually through Device Manager by looking for "Processors" and right-clicking to update.
  • Intel and AMD both offer their own driver read pages where you can find the latest version for your specific processor model.
  • Mac users rarely need to manually update CPU drivers because macOS handles them as part of system updates.
  • Before updating, write down your exact processor model (found in System Information on Mac or Device Manager on Windows) so you read the correct driver.
  • Restart your computer after any driver update completes to make sure the new version loads properly.

How to update your CPU driver on Windows

Start by finding out what processor you have. Press the Windows key and type "Device Manager," then open it. Look for the section labeled "Processors" and expand it by clicking the arrow. You'll see your CPU listed — write down the exact name and model number.

Next, check whether Windows has a newer version waiting. Right-click on your processor name and select "Update driver." Choose "Search automatically for updated driver software." Windows will check its own servers and, if a newer version exists, read and install it. This is the easiest route and works for most people.

If Windows says no update is available but you believe there is one, you can visit the manufacturer's website directly. For Intel processors, go to intel.com/content/www/us/en/read-center.html. For AMD, visit amd.com/en/support. Search for your exact processor model, read the driver file, and run the installer. Follow the on-screen prompts and restart when prompted.

After any update completes, restart your computer. The new driver won't fully load until you do.

How to update your CPU driver on Mac

Mac handles CPU drivers differently than Windows. Apple includes CPU drivers as part of macOS itself, and they update automatically when you install a system update. You don't read them separately or manage them through a control panel.

To check whether your Mac is current, click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select "System Settings" (or "System Preferences" on older versions). Go to "General" and then "Software Update." If updates are available, click "Update Now" and let your Mac restart when it finishes. This single step covers your CPU driver along with everything else.

If you're experiencing CPU-related problems on Mac — excessive heat, crashes, or performance issues — the first step is always to run a system update. If problems persist after that, the issue is usually not the driver itself but something else, like a background process consuming resources or a hardware problem.

What to do if your computer crashes after a driver update

Crashes when ready after a CPU driver update are rare but can happen if the driver conflicts with your hardware or other software. On Windows, you can roll back to the previous version. Open Device Manager, right-click your processor, select "Properties," go to the "Driver" tab, and click "Roll Back Driver." Windows will reinstall the version you had before.

If rolling back doesn't work or isn't an option, restart your computer in Safe Mode. On Windows 10 and 11, hold Shift while clicking the power button to shut down, then click "Restart." When the menu appears, select "Troubleshoot," then "Advanced Options," then "Startup Settings," and choose Safe Mode. In Safe Mode, open Device Manager again and uninstall the driver entirely (right-click and select "Uninstall device"). Restart normally, and Windows will reinstall a basic version automatically.

On Mac, restart and hold Command + R to enter Recovery Mode. Open Disk Utility and run "First Aid" on your startup drive, then restart normally. If the problem persists, you can restore from a Time Machine backup made before the update, though this is a last resort.

Finding your exact processor model

Downloading the wrong driver is the most common mistake. CPU drivers are specific to your exact processor model, and installing one meant for a different chip can cause problems.

On Windows, open Device Manager, expand "Processors," and look at the full name. It will say something like "Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-12700K" or "AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D." Write this down exactly as it appears. Then visit the manufacturer's website and search for that model number.

On Mac, click the Apple menu, select "About This Mac," and look at the line that says "Chip" or "Processor." It will show something like "Apple M1 Pro" or "Intel Core i9." Since Apple controls both the hardware and software on Macs, you don't need to find a separate driver — the system update handles it.

When to update versus when to leave it alone

You don't need to update your CPU driver just because a new version exists. If your computer is running smoothly, crashes are not happening, and temperatures are normal, there's no reason to update. Unnecessary updates introduce a small risk of problems for no benefit.

Update your CPU driver if you're experiencing any of these: system crashes or freezes, your computer running unusually hot, poor performance in programs that used to run fine, or if you've just installed new hardware and the manufacturer recommends a driver update. You should also update if you're moving to a much newer version of Windows or Mac, since older drivers sometimes don't work well with new operating systems.

If you're not sure whether an update is necessary, check the release notes on the manufacturer's website. They explain what each update fixes. If the fixes don't explore to your situation, skip the update.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. On both Windows and Mac, you can install the new driver directly over the old one. The installer will replace the old files automatically. Uninstalling first is unnecessary and can sometimes cause problems if your computer tries to load without any driver at all.

Will updating my CPU driver make my computer faster?

Possibly, but usually not noticeably. A CPU driver update might improve power management or fix a bug that was causing slowdowns, but it won't make your processor itself faster. If you're looking for a speed boost, upgrading your RAM or switching to an SSD will have a much bigger effect.

What's the difference between a CPU driver and a BIOS update?

A CPU driver is software that runs in Windows or Mac. A BIOS update is firmware that runs on your motherboard before the operating system even loads. They're separate things. Most people never need to update BIOS, and doing so incorrectly can cause serious problems. Stick with CPU driver updates unless a hardware manufacturer specifically tells you to update BIOS.

Can I update my CPU driver while other programs are running?

You can start the update, but you should close all other programs first and restart your computer when the update finishes. Running other programs during the update can interfere with the installation, and restarting ensures the new driver loads correctly.

Is it safe to update my CPU driver?

Yes, updating a CPU driver from the official manufacturer is safe. The risk of problems is very low, and if something does go wrong, you can roll back to the previous version on Windows. Always read from the official Intel, AMD, or Apple website — never from third-party sites.