Updating drivers is an integral part of a stable computer, and its performance often depends on the software. An ordinary user can update drivers at home; to do this, you need to understand what drivers are, how many there are and how to update them.
What are drivers and how many are there?
Drivers are special software in Windows or another operating system, which is responsible for the interaction of various equipment and applications with each other, that is, it unites the computer into a single whole. Here are several such devices: keyboard, mouse, video card, router, webcam, network card, etc. When a user connects a device, the computer does not “understand” how to work with it correctly. In order for the equipment to work correctly and as productively as possible, you need to install drivers for these same devices.
The number of drivers depends on the number of devices connected to the computer, as well as the set of technologies implemented in the computer’s motherboard itself. Thus, for normal operation of the computer, a significantly larger number of drivers may be required. different devices and technologies that we may not even know about (For example, many users are not familiar with SATA controller AHCI, but it is required for work hard disk).
The most necessary and frequently updated drivers are:
To the video card;
. on motherboard/chipset;
. to a sound card;
. to the network card.
How do I know if an update is needed?
To find out if your computer needs a software update, you need to check which version is installed on your computer. this moment. In Windows 7 and Windows 10, you need to use the search in the Start menu, enter “Device Manager” and select it from the list of results.
The Device Manager displays the entire list of devices connected to the computer. If you poke right click mouse on one of the devices and select the “Properties” tab, then the user will see all the information about the drivers installed on the PC. You can also check their relevance in the program Driver Updater.
A signal that an update is needed can be various problems in the operation of the equipment. For example, it is necessary to update the driver for a video card if a new computer game requires it, and new programs may require new drivers for the motherboard and sound card. But you should understand that no programs will help outdated hardware and they will not be able to speed up the computer in any way.
How to update drivers?
There are many drivers for each type of device, but only one will fit specific device. When searching for updates manually, you need to know the exact name of the device and its version, and also take into account what version of the operating system is installed on the computer. Thus, a driver made for Windows XP will not work correctly on Windows 10.
Update methods:
1. automatic update by the system;
2. search for drivers and install manually;
3. automatic update using the Driver Updater utility or similar.
The most convenient and invisible for the user is automatic updating by the system, but it does not always work as we would like, and if the device is new, the system will offer to find drivers on its own. For timely and easy installation of updates, the Driver Updater driver search program will help. It searches for drivers, automatically loads and installs them, and works on all versions of Windows operating systems.
Driver updater must be downloaded from the official website of the program and then installed. To do this, you need to left-click on the program icon 2 times and follow the instructions and recommendations described in the window. After launching, the utility will scan your computer and update all drivers to the latest version.
Video on how to install Driver Updater
If it is not possible to use Driver Updater, you will have to search for drivers manually. In such a situation, it is best to seek help from the manufacturer’s website. Companies always post software on their resources for each device model they produce, but before downloading the drivers and necessary software, you need to make sure that they are suitable for the operating system used on your computer.
Video on how to update drivers for Windows
How to update in Windows 7
Installing programs on Windows 10 is easy and simple!
In this step by step instructions we will figure out how to update the drivers of the entire computer at once. Since modern laptops and computers are often sold without special driver disks or without a disk drive at all, the topic of this article will be very useful for readers.
And to update the drivers of a laptop or computer, we need a simple and completely free program Driver Booster. With its help, even a beginner who knows nothing about computers can easily update all drivers in a few mouse clicks.
The principle of Driver Booster is to completely scan the system to detect the absence of drivers or their non-compliance with the latest updates. You just need to download and install the Driver Booster program, click on the “Start” button and, after scanning, start updating the drivers.
The good thing about the program is that it doesn’t require you to know any of the intricacies of programming; you don’t have to go into the details of how your computer or laptop works on your own in order to update the drivers. Driver Booster will perform all these actions independently.
How to update drivers with Driver Booster: step-by-step instructions
Step #1
To begin with, it is important to make sure that you have access to the Internet. If so, let's continue. If not, first set up an Internet connection, and then solve the problem of how to update the drivers.
Step #2
If access to the Network works fine, download Driver Booster from the official website using the link
Step #3
As soon as Driver program Booster will be downloaded and installed, you can update the drivers. To do this, you will have to start scanning the program using the “Start” button.
Step #4
After scanning, Driver Booster (if it detects problems with drivers) will offer to update your computer or laptop drivers. To start the update process in automatic mode, click the “Update ALL” or “Update ALL” button.
Step #5
The program will create a system restore point, download the latest versions of drivers for your computer or laptop, and update the drivers automatically, one by one. As soon as Driver Booster finishes working, you better restart your computer. Perhaps the system itself will offer to do this.
After restarting the laptop or computer, the question of how to update all drivers will be resolved! Moreover, minimal effort will be required on your part:
— download Driver Booster for free and without registration;
— install Driver Booster;
— run Driver Booster scanning;
— agree with the program’s proposal and update your “firewood”;
— restart the computer.
Step #6
After all these operations, you can run the test again. During subsequent checks, Driver Booster often suggests updating system programs and applications such as Java and script libraries needed for the normal operation of a laptop or computer. But even if you are not offered anything like this, do not rush to remove Driver Booster.
Updating your computer's drivers once is not enough. It is important to constantly monitor updates and new versions system programs. This is why you should leave Driver Booster, which will automatically check for updates throughout its operation. And if new drivers for your computer’s devices appear tomorrow, the system will notify you about it.
If everything is normal and driver updates are not needed, you will see the message: “ Drivers condition – EXCELLENT».
IMPORTANT: if for some reason Driver Booster disrupts the operation of Windows, no problem! You can return to your previous settings from a restore point that the program previously creates. How to restore Windows is the topic of a separate article, which you may not need.
From personal experience : We have launched Driver Booster more than once at the most different computers and laptops, helped update all drivers for free, never caused any harm to Windows or computer operation...
BUT the program performed extremely negatively on old computers (there are user reviews)! After updating drivers to latest versions your old computer can seriously become worn out and slow down. Remember this! We are not responsible for the results of third-party programs.
To maintain normal operation of your computer, you need to update drivers from time to time, but searching for and installing them manually is tedious and time-consuming. And why? After all, this work is easy to automate. Today we'll look at ten best programs to update drivers on PCs and laptops of any brands and models.
Intel Driver Update Utility Installer is a proprietary utility for searching and updating drivers for any Intel product (processors, system logic, network devices, drives, server components and other things). Compatible with Windows XP, 7, and newer editions of this system.
The utility automatically recognizes the PC hardware on which it is installed. Checking for new driver versions on the Intel website is done by clicking the “Search” button, downloading and installing at the user’s discretion.
In addition, the Intel Driver Update Utility Installer allows you to find and download drivers for any other Intel devices you choose from the list (“Search manually” option).
The developers warn that the application installs only standard drivers that do not take into account the characteristics of a particular brand of computer. Therefore, before you launch it, you should visit the website of the manufacturer of your PC or laptop and check if there is anything suitable there.
AMD Driver Autodetect
AMD Driver Autodetect is a similar proprietary tool from AMD. Designed to keep drivers for video cards of this brand up to date (except AMD FirePro).
After installation, the utility will monitor the relevance of video drivers and ensure they are updated in a timely manner. It automatically detects the model of the video card installed on the PC, as well as the bit depth and version of the operating system. Once launched, it checks to see if the AMD website fresh driver. If there is one, it reports it and offers to download it. To begin the installation, the user just needs to confirm his consent by clicking on the “Install” button.
AMD Driver Autodetect is also available exclusively in Windows version.
NVIDIA Update
NVIDIA Update is a proprietary Windows utility for installing drivers on NVIDIA devices. Like AMD Driver Autodetect, it independently recognizes hardware models and checks for the availability of the latest driver on the manufacturer's website. The decision about installation remains with the user.
DriverPack Solution
DriverPack Solution is a lifesaver for service engineers, system administrators and those who earn extra money by providing services Windows installation and programs. The application is a huge collection of drivers for devices of various brands and models, as well as a module for installing them.
DriverPack Solution released in two versions - online and offline.
- The online distribution is intended for use on a PC that has an Internet connection. Its difference is its small file size (285 Kb). After launch, the program scans Windows for installed drivers and the relevance of their versions, after which it connects to the database (on its own server) and performs automatic updates.
- The offline distribution (size 10.2 Gb) is intended for installing drivers on a machine not connected to the Internet. In addition to the installer, it includes a database of 960,000 drivers for Windows 7, XP, Vista, 8 (8.1) and 10, both 32 bit and 64 bit. After launch, the scanning module recognizes device types and installs drivers from its own offline database.
The online version of DriverPack Solution is convenient for permanent home use. In addition to monitoring the relevance of drivers, it gives the user the opportunity to automatically install and update individual applications, remove software junk, view a list of equipment, information about the operating system and computer security.
The offline version is an emergency solution. Its task is to select not the best, but simply the appropriate driver to start the device. And in the future update it via the Internet.
DriverPack Solution and the proprietary utilities listed above are completely free.
Driver Genius
Driver Genius is a universal driver management tool. The latest edition of the program is the sixteenth, optimized for Windows 8 and 10, but can also run on older systems.
In addition to updating the versions of installed drivers, Driver Genius can:
- Create backup copies of drivers and save them in the form of archives - regular and self-extracting, as well as in the form of an installer program (exe). To restore from a backup, you do not need to use Driver Genius.
- Remove unused and faulty drivers.
- Display information about computer hardware.
The backup function is a real treasure for those who often reinstall Windows. However, the program itself is not a gift: the cost of one license is $29.95. You can use it for free for only 30 days.
Snappy Driver Installer
Snappy Driver Installer is an application created by one of the developers of DriverPack Solution and has a lot in common with the latter. Also available in two versions: SDI Lite and SDI Full.
- The SDI Lite option is a device recognition and search module suitable drivers in the Internet. Its size is 3.6 Mb. It does not have its own base.
- The SDI Full option is an installation module plus a base (31.6 Gb). Designed to install drivers regardless of Internet access.
Features of Snappy Driver Installer:
- Works without installation (portable version only, can be run from a flash drive or DVD).
- Completely free - no premium features or ads.
- With an improved selection algorithm, which is based on the “do no harm” principle.
- Is different high speed scanning.
- Before installing the driver, it creates a system restore point.
- Allows you to change design themes according to the user's choice.
- Multilingual (there is a version in Russian, Ukrainian and other national languages).
- Adapted for Windows 10.
Driver Booster
iObit Driver Booster is a fan-favorite app computer games. It is produced in editions Free - free, and Pro - paid. The cost of subscription to the latter is 590 rubles per year.
Driver Booster has one single function - scanning the system for outdated drivers and installing updates in one click. And not simple updates, but (according to the developers) tuned to improve the performance of games.
is a free and very simple utility for installing and updating PC drivers based on Windows 7, 8 and 10. Its database includes only original, signed drivers from the official websites of equipment manufacturers.
The application is designed for users with no experience. Russian language support, a minimum of settings and one-button control virtually eliminate the possibility of something being confused or broken. And if the new driver turns out to be unsuitable, DriverHub will remove it from the system and replace the old one.
All DriverHub features:
- Search for missing ones, update outdated drivers and additional software. Automatic installation.
- Simple and expert operating mode. In expert mode, the user can select a driver from several available ones; in simple mode, the program itself selects the optimal version.
- Daily updating of the driver database.
- Storing download history.
- Restore - rollback drivers to previous versions.
- Displays basic information about your computer.
- Launching system Windows utilities from your interface.
DriverMax Free
DriverMax is a free, simple, English-language utility whose main purpose is to update drivers. Unlike others free applications it contains another useful option - creating a system rollback point and backup of installed drivers of the user's choice. As well as restoring from a backup.
After installation, DriverMax persistently reminds you that it would be a good idea to register on the site and buy a paid license with advanced functions, one of which is fully automatic operation. Annual use starts at $10.39.
Driver Magician
Driver Magician is the last hero of today's review. In the recent past, I had 2 versions, one of which was free. Nowadays there is only a paid one left with a 13-day trial period. The license cost is $29.95.
There is no Russian language in Driver Magician, but it is not difficult to use. The range of features is approximately the same as in Driver Genius:
- Scan and update.
- Creation backup copies drivers with the ability to restore both with and without the use of a program (the backup is saved as a zip archive or an installer application).
- Uninstalling the driver.
- Backing up and restoring individual user folders - Favorites Internet Explorer, Desktop and Documents, and - system registry(one file).
- Identification of devices unknown to the system.
During the trial period, the program is fully functional. Compatible with any version of Windows.
That's probably all. Choose what you like best and use it.
Updating drivers is one of the best methods optimizing your computer and increasing OS stability. You can update drivers in several ways: manual loading drivers from the manufacturer's website, use automatic service Update center and software method driver installations. This will be discussed in the article.
Automatic driver updates in Windows
To automatically update drivers in Windows 7, we need to go to the “ Devices and Printers" and open " Devices". Next, look for an icon with a picture of a computer and right-click on it, and then select and click on “ Options installations devices". It looks like this:
In the tab that opens, we will need to check the box next to the inscription “ Do This automatically«.
Well, our last action will be to click on the “ Save“, and from now on our OS will independently search Latest updates drivers and install them on your computer.
Let's consider one more method, just in case. semi-automatic update drivers. So, let's open " Dispatcher devices“, click on the button to update the equipment configuration.
Following this, in order, we open the tabs of all the devices on our computer that are available. Let's start with video adapters. We need to right-click on them and select “ Update drivers«.
As we see in the picture, in the next menu we need select driver search mode. If new drivers have not yet been released, or the computer installed them itself, then you will see a window with a message stating that All necessary drivers have already been installed. And if there are such drivers, the OS itself will install them.
There are times when the automatic search does not produce results at all, then we act on a different plan. We need download by anyone possible way necessary drivers on the manufacturer's website, at the address that you will find in the documentation for the device being updated.
However, before downloading a file, it is better to check whether this file has digital signature. You will be surprised, but in 50% of cases there is no trace of this very signature in the drivers. If you are downloading a file from a normal (official site), then simply check the box to confirm that you agree to install a driver that does not have a digital signature.
If the driver being installed consists of only one application, then it can automatically turn on at startup installation utility, which you should launch and follow all the instructions one by one. Once the installation process is complete, you can go (optional) to " Dispatcher devices"and see for yourself that all your updated drivers already have the latest version.
Automatic installation of drivers using programs
Sooner or later, every user faces the question of finding drivers for certain devices. Currently, there are a huge number of drivers for absolutely any device, but still the most asked questions on various forums are: “ Where to download drivers for free? And " Where to download drivers for video card( sound card) ?».
Fortunately, now there are a lot of programs that really make the task of users easier, because these programs find it themselves necessary drivers , when required, and install them on our computers. To use such programs, you must have the Internet and the appropriate program installed on your computer, the installation process of which will not take you much time and will not require special knowledge. You just have to click the mouse a few times and the program will already be installed.
Let's start with the program (), probably one of the most popular programs, which became so thanks to its ease of use and, most importantly, without losing its functionality. This program is based on intelligent technologies, thanks to which in automatic mode searches for all uninstalled drivers, finds updates on the Internet and only then offers to reinstall them.
On the main window of the program you can always see a list of all drivers that are already installed and that should be installed. You do not have to update all the drivers offered by the program, because you can update only those that (in your opinion) are most needed. The program has two installation modes - manual and automatic.
The program has ability to install drivers offline. This is very convenient if you have a situation where there are no drivers for network card and, accordingly, there is no Internet access. A very big plus of the program is that it compatible with almost everyone operating systems and can work in 32-bit and 64-bit versions.
Program Carambis works as follows. At the first stage performed full scan your computer to detect existing drivers and those drivers that need updating or initial installation. Following this the program downloads all the necessary drivers from the network. At the third stage the user is asked to install all required drivers.
Just like here, the user can independently choose whether to install drivers for this or that equipment, or there is no particular need for this yet. If you want to install all the drivers offered by the program, then you need to click the “ Load all“, and if you need to selectively install some drivers, then download these files separately.
All drivers in the program are divided into logical groups. If there is a need to update drivers for only one device, for example, a sound card or video card, then you should select “ Video and audio devices«.
The program displays all current system characteristics, and also displays all outdated and current drivers as a percentage. In order to download drivers you will need Internet access.
Best for initial settings The program will take advantage of a function in which it will check for all available updates automatically when the OS starts. And one more thing - when the program downloads or installs updates, it does not block any other processes on your computer, so you are not limited in your actions.
Don’t be lazy to update the drivers on your computer, because today every user, with Internet access, has the opportunity to download and install absolutely free (with just a few clicks) many programs for automatically updating drivers.
Drivers are special configuration files that make it possible to operate various devices connected to a PC. Many people know that they need to be updated periodically. Therefore, it is important to know how to do it correctly.
When is “Hour X”?
First of all, you should remember a certain “golden rule”: you never need to touch something that already works.
If certain elements of computer equipment (web camera, keyboard, mouse, speakers, etc.) are not functioning correctly, you should think about
Usually there is no need to guess whether you need to install new software or not yet. For example, if problems arise with a sound or video card, various games and programs begin to display corresponding messages (that a certain necessary file was not found).
Will the device perform better?
Don't think about the fact that immediately after you install necessary files, the equipment will function several times better and faster. A driver is just special program, which is not able to change specifications devices. Existing restrictions will still remain, but productivity may increase by about 15-20%.
Basic instructions
Let's move on to the most important thing. So, how First, we will need to download necessary files. It is best to look for them on the official websites of equipment manufacturers - this way you are guaranteed not to catch any viruses, and the devices will work 100% correctly.
In addition, the necessary software can be recorded on a CD supplied with the equipment itself.
Have you already found the files you need? Then it's time to find out
- First, go to the control panel and look for an item called “Device Manager”.
- We choose the equipment that we need. We bring it to the corresponding icon and click on the right button.
- Select “Properties ->> Driver” and click on the “Update” button.
- Two options will appear on the screen. Windows will offer to automatically search for suitable software on the network or find the necessary files on your computer. The second option suits us.
- The next step in solving the problem of how to update drivers is to write the path to the folder in which you saved them and wait until they are completely installed.
- If you wish, you can not download anything in advance, but immediately select the item automatic search Software on the Internet - in this case, the system itself will find, check and install the necessary files.
Now you know how to update drivers using standard Windows tools. But there is another way...
Specialized programs
This is, so to speak, an option “for the lazy”. Its essence is how to update drivers for other versions of the popular OS using special programs. However, you need to take into account that not all of them work correctly.
Utilities such as: are popular among users, have a simple and intuitive interface, are lightweight and perform their functions well:
- Carambis Driver Updater;
- SlimDrivers;
- DriverMax;
- 3DP Chip.
Using them, you can update the drivers for your Windows 7 video card or any other equipment on any OS version.
Did this article help you? Leave a comment and share the link! We are happy to help you!
Loading...
