How to update drivers? Instructions for "dummies"

Drivers are special configuration files due to which various devices connected to a PC can work. Many people know that they need to be updated periodically. Therefore, it is important to know how to do it right.

When is the “Hour X”?

First of all, you should remember a certain “golden rule”: you never need to touch once again what already works.

If certain elements of computer equipment (webcam, keyboard, mouse, speakers, etc.) do not function correctly, you should think about updating drivers.

Usually guessing whether you need to install new software or not, is not necessary. For example, if problems arise with a sound or video card, various games and programs begin to display appropriate messages (stating that some necessary file was not found).

Will the device work better?

Do not think about the fact that immediately after you install the necessary files, the equipment will function several times better and faster. The driver is just a special program that is not able to change the technical characteristics of the device. Existing restrictions will still remain, but productivity may increase by about 15-20%.

Basic instruction

Let's move on to the most important thing. So how to update drivers? First, we need to download the necessary files. It is best to look for them on the official websites of equipment manufacturers - so you are guaranteed not to pick up any viruses, and the devices will work 100% correctly.

In addition, the necessary software can be recorded on a CD that is supplied with the equipment itself.

Have you already found the files you need? Then it's time to learn how to update the driver.

1. First, go to the control panel and look for an item in it called "Device Manager".
2. We select the equipment that we need. Move the mouse cursor to the corresponding icon and click on the right button.
3. Select the item “Properties - >> Driver” and click on the “Update” button.
4. Two items will appear on the screen. Windows will prompt you to automatically search for suitable software on the network or find the necessary files on your computer. The second option suits us.
5. The next step in solving the problem of how to update the driver is to register the path to the folder in which you saved them and wait until they are fully installed.
6. If you wish, you can not download anything in advance, but immediately select the option to automatically search for software on the Internet - in this case, the system itself will find, verify 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, the option "for the lazy." Its essence is how to update drivers on Windows XP / 7/8 or other versions of the popular OS using special programs. True, you need to consider that not all of them work correctly.

They are popular with users, they have a simple and intuitive interface, they are light in weight and such utilities as:

• Carambis Driver Updater;
• SlimDrivers
• DriverMax;
• 3DP Chip.

Using them, you can update the driver for a Windows 7 video card or any other hardware on any OS version.

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