Fixing "The Best Driver Software Is Already Installed" Error

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6 min. read

Published on October 15, 2025

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Encountering the “The best driver software is already installed” error can be frustrating when you’re trying to update a device driver. This message often appears despite the fact that the current driver might be outdated or malfunctioning. Understanding the reasons behind this error and knowing how to effectively troubleshoot it can save you time and prevent further complications.

This guide provides a comprehensive approach to resolving the “The best driver software is already installed” error, ensuring your hardware functions optimally. We’ll explore various techniques, from basic troubleshooting steps to more advanced methods, to help you overcome this common driver issue.

How Do I Fix The “Best Driver Software is Already Installed” Error?

Update Drivers Manually Through Device Manager

The Device Manager is a powerful tool for managing hardware and drivers on your Windows system. Manually updating drivers through it can sometimes bypass the “The best driver software is already installed” message.

Press Win + X and select “Device Manager”.
Locate the device you’re trying to update (e.g., display adapter, network adapter).
Right-click on the device and select “Update driver”.
Choose “Browse my computer for drivers”.
Click “Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer”.
Select a compatible driver from the list and click “Next”.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Use the “Have Disk” Method

The “Have Disk” method allows you to install drivers directly from a downloaded driver package, often bypassing Windows’ automatic driver selection.

Download the latest driver for your device from the manufacturer’s website.
Extract the downloaded driver package to a folder on your computer.
Open Device Manager (as described in the previous section).
Right-click on the device you want to update and select “Update driver”.
Choose “Browse my computer for drivers”.
Click “Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer”.
Click “Have Disk…”.
Click “Browse…” and navigate to the folder where you extracted the driver package.
Select the .inf file (driver information file) and click “Open”.
Click “OK” and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Uninstall and Reinstall the Device

Uninstalling and reinstalling the device forces Windows to redetect the hardware and reinstall the driver, often resolving driver conflicts.

Open Device Manager.
Locate the device you’re having trouble with.
Right-click on the device and select “Uninstall device”.
Check the box that says “Delete the driver software for this device” if it’s available.
Click “Uninstall”.
Restart your computer.
After restarting, Windows should automatically redetect the device and reinstall the driver. If not, right-click on your computer name at the top of Device Manager and select “Scan for hardware changes”.

Run Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix common hardware and driver issues.

Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
Click on “Update & Security”.
Click on “Troubleshoot”.
Click on “Hardware and Devices”.
Click “Run the troubleshooter”.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.

Use Third-Party Driver Update Software

While manual methods are preferred, third-party driver update software can sometimes identify and install drivers that Windows misses. However, exercise caution when using these tools, as some may bundle unwanted software.

Driver Booster: Driver Booster scans your system for outdated drivers and automatically updates them. It offers a free version with limited features and a paid version with more advanced functionality. Its strength lies in its large driver database and ease of use.
Extensive Driver Database
Automatic Driver Updates
Game Component Updates
Driver Backup & Restore

Pricing: Free version available, Pro version is $22.95 per year.

IObit Driver Booster: This software helps you update outdated, faulty, and missing drivers with one click. It also helps you to backup and restore drivers.
One-Click Driver Updates
Driver Backup & Restore
Game Component Updates
Offline Driver Updater

Pricing: Free version available, Pro version is $16.77 per year.

Driver Easy: Driver Easy scans your computer for outdated, missing, or broken drivers and provides direct download links for the latest versions. It supports a wide range of hardware devices and offers both free and paid versions. It is known for its simple interface and comprehensive driver database.
Extensive Driver Database
Automatic Driver Updates
Driver Backup & Restore
Offline Scan

Pricing: Free version available, Pro version is $29.95 per year.

Here’s a comparison table of the driver update software:

Feature	Driver Booster	IObit Driver Booster	Driver Easy
Price	Free / $22.95	Free / $16.77	Free / $29.95
Driver Database Size	Large	Large	Large
Automatic Updates	Yes	Yes	Yes
Backup & Restore	Yes	Yes	Yes
Ease of Use	High	High	High

Tips

Create a System Restore Point: Before making any significant changes to your drivers, create a system restore point. This allows you to revert your system to a previous state if something goes wrong.
Download Drivers from the Manufacturer’s Website: Always download drivers directly from the manufacturer’s website to ensure you’re getting the latest and most compatible version.
Read Release Notes: Before installing a new driver, read the release notes to understand what changes have been made and if there are any known issues.
Disable Driver Signature Enforcement: In some cases, you may need to temporarily disable driver signature enforcement to install unsigned drivers. However, be cautious when doing this, as unsigned drivers may pose a security risk.

Resolving Driver Issues

By systematically working through these steps, you can usually resolve the “The best driver software is already installed” error and ensure your hardware devices are functioning correctly. Remember to be patient and methodical, and always back up your system before making significant changes.

FAQ

Why am I getting the “The best driver software is already installed” error?

This error typically occurs when Windows believes the current driver is the most suitable one available, even if it’s outdated or malfunctioning.

How do I force Windows to install a different driver?

You can use the “Have Disk” method or uninstall and reinstall the device to force Windows to reconsider the driver selection.

Is it safe to use third-party driver update software?

While some third-party tools are legitimate, be cautious and only use reputable software from trusted sources.

What should I do if none of these steps work?

If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and are still experiencing issues, consider contacting the hardware manufacturer for support or seeking assistance from a qualified computer technician.

Can outdated drivers cause system instability?

Yes, outdated or corrupted drivers can lead to system instability, crashes, and other hardware-related problems.