Windows 11 uses automatic updates to help keep your system in the latest shape. That said, some things (such as no sound, keyboard, mouse not working properly, slow internet, Wi-Fi disconnections, etc) are here and there that let you down and came as a result of outdated drivers. Although most Windows 11 updates are downloaded and installed automatically, some of the driver updates need a little bit of help. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll cover two easy ways to track down and install these hidden driver updates on your Windows 11 laptop, desktop or all-in-one desktop computer to make sure you’re in top working order.

Read: Speed Up Your Slow Windows PC in Simple Steps

Why Update Drivers on Windows 11

A driver is a small but essential piece of software that is written for a specific operating system, like Microsoft Windows 10. Performance issues caused by outdated/missing drivers:

• No audio output
• Keyboard or mouse not responding
• Slow internet speeds
• Unstable Wi-Fi connections

Updating your drivers can not only help alleviate common PC troubles but also boost your PC’s hardware performance as well.

Method 1: Update Drivers via Windows Update:

Windows 11 offers a built-in tool for seeking out optional driver updates that Windows doesn’t automatically install. Here’s how you can find and install them:

1. Access Settings:

• You can also do this by pressing the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.

1. Navigate to Windows Update:

• Scroll down and click Windows Update in the left menu bar.

1. Check for Updates:

• Type Windows Update in the search box, and then in the list of results, click Windows Update.; In the Windows Update window, look for any available system updates. If updates are available, select Download and Install.

1. Explore Optional Updates:

• Go to the bottom and select Advanced Options.
• Choose Optional Updates from the list.
• In the Optional Updates window, look for the Driver Updates section. You might also see updates made for specific hardware (as from manufacturers such as HP or Dell).

1. Install Driver Updates:

• Choose the driver updates you want to install and click Download and Install. These updates don’t get pushed to you, automatically, so it’s a good way of ensuring you’re getting the most up-to-date drivers available for your system.

This approach is fast, and it’s a great way to find hidden driver updates that you might have missed; you know, those that can fix pesky hardware problems.

Method 2: Use Manufacturer-Specific Applications:

Many Windows 11 PCs ship with the manufacturer’s own apps, which manage driver updates. These apps will give you drivers that don’t appear in the Windows Update section. Here’s how to use them:

1. Locate the Manufacturer’s App:

• For HP computers, find the HP Support Assistant application on your Start screen or your desktop taskbar.
• For Dell PCs, look for the Dell SupportAssist app.
• Other device providers (Lenovo, ASUS, etc.) also have counterparts to these accompanying tools, like Lenovo Vantage, ASUS Armoury Crate, etc.

1. Check for Updates:

• Open the app of the manufacturer and look for a section with updates.
• The app will collect your system and device information and search device manufacturer databases for the most up-to-date device driver.
• Download and run all available updates.

The manufacturer’s app guarantees that you are receiving updates designed for your PC’s hardware, something that isn’t necessarily the case with Windows Update.”

Precautions Pre-Update of Your Drivers:

Protect Your System Before you install a driver or do any system updates, take these precautions to protect your system:

Create a System Restore Point:

The restore point will make sure you’re able to roll back your system in case something goes wrong while installing the update. To create a restore point:

• Type Create a restore point in the Windows search bar, and select it.
• You’ll be walked through creating a restore point.
• For a step-by-step guide, look up free tutorials on the internet or watch a video linked in the description of the source material.

Perform a System Cleanup:

If your PC is still sluggish after updating the drivers, you might want to navigate your way towards running a complete system cleanup and optimization. This can help by clearing extra files, tweaking settings for speed, and speeding up the system as a whole. Take a look at specific guides or videos for detailed dirt on cleaning up your Windows 11 PC.

Conclusion:

It’s important to keep your Windows 11 drivers up to date to fix problems such as no sound, touchpad issues, or slow network. By popping the hold off the Windows Update feature to find optional driver updates, or by hooking into a manufacturer-specific application (like HP Support Assistant or Dell SupportAssist) to make sure your PC is running at its best. Always make a system restore point before you decide on any discrepancies, and run a full system scan to remove process issues. If you follow these steps, you’ll have your Windows 11 PC back to running smoothly in no time.

For more tech tips, tricks, and fixes, check out Crazy Errors. If you’ve got questions or need help of any kind, please write to us in the comments section, and we’ll do our best to get you the help you need.