How To Check For Driver Updates On Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

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5 min. read

Published on November 10, 2025

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Keeping your drivers up-to-date is crucial for maintaining the stability and performance of your Windows 11 system. Outdated drivers can lead to various issues, including hardware malfunctions, software compatibility problems, and even security vulnerabilities. Regularly checking for and installing the latest driver updates ensures that your system is running smoothly and securely.

This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to checking for driver updates on Windows 11. We’ll cover multiple methods, from using Device Manager to leveraging Windows Update, ensuring you have all the tools and knowledge necessary to keep your drivers current.

How Do I Check For Driver Updates On Windows 11?

Method 1: Using Device Manager

Device Manager is a built-in Windows tool that allows you to manage and update your hardware drivers directly.

Right-click on the Start button.
Select “Device Manager” from the context menu.
Expand the category of the hardware you want to update (e.g., “Display adapters,” “Network adapters”).
Right-click on the specific device.
Select “Update driver.”
Choose “Search automatically for drivers.” Windows will search for and install the latest available driver.
If Windows doesn’t find a new driver, you can try “Search for drivers on Windows Update”

Method 2: Through Windows Update

Windows Update automatically checks for and installs driver updates along with other system updates.

Click on the Start button.
Type “Windows Update” and press Enter.
Click “Check for updates.”
If driver updates are available, they will be downloaded and installed automatically.
You may need to restart your computer to complete the installation.

Method 3: Downloading From the Manufacturer’s Website

For the most up-to-date drivers, especially for graphics cards and other critical components, it’s often best to download them directly from the manufacturer’s website.

Identify the manufacturer and model of your hardware.
Visit the manufacturer’s website (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD, Intel).
Navigate to the “Support” or “Drivers” section.
Search for the appropriate driver for your hardware and Windows 11.
Download the driver and follow the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Method 4: Using Optional Updates

Windows Update sometimes lists driver updates under “Optional Updates.”

Click on the Start button.
Type “Windows Update” and press Enter.
Click “Advanced options.”
Select “Optional updates.”
Expand the “Driver updates” section.
Select the drivers you want to update and click “Download & install.”

Tips For Driver Updates

Create a System Restore Point: Before updating drivers, create a system restore point so you can revert to a previous state if something goes wrong.
Read Release Notes: Before installing a new driver, read the release notes to understand the changes and potential issues.
Restart Your Computer: After installing new drivers, restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.
Roll Back Drivers: If a new driver causes problems, you can roll back to the previous version in Device Manager.

Open Device Manager.
Right-click on the device with the problematic driver.
Select “Properties.”
Go to the “Driver” tab.
Click “Roll Back Driver” (if the option is available).

Comparing Driver Update Methods

Method	Pros	Cons	Best For
Device Manager	Quick and easy to access; built into Windows.	May not always have the latest drivers.	Basic driver updates and troubleshooting.
Windows Update	Automatic updates; convenient.	May not always include all available driver updates; can sometimes cause conflicts.	General system maintenance and ensuring basic driver compatibility.
Manufacturer’s Website	Access to the latest and most specific drivers; often includes detailed info.	Requires manual searching and installation; can be more time-consuming.	Critical hardware components (e.g., graphics cards) and ensuring optimal performance.
Optional Updates	Provides access to drivers that are not automatically installed.	Requires manual checking and selection; may include beta or less stable drivers.	Users who want to stay on the cutting edge or need specific drivers not included in automatic updates.

Keeping Your Windows 11 Drivers Current

By following these steps, you can ensure that your Windows 11 drivers are up-to-date, which helps maintain system stability, improves performance, and prevents potential issues. Regular driver maintenance is an essential part of keeping your computer running smoothly.

FAQ

How often should I check for driver updates? It’s a good practice to check for driver updates at least once a month, or more frequently if you’re experiencing hardware-related issues.

Can outdated drivers cause problems? Yes, outdated drivers can lead to various issues, including hardware malfunctions, software compatibility problems, and security vulnerabilities.

What should I do if a driver update causes problems? You can roll back to the previous driver version in Device Manager. See the Tips section above for instructions.

Are driver updates included in Windows Updates? Yes, Windows Update often includes driver updates along with other system updates.

Is it safe to download drivers from third-party websites? It’s generally not recommended to download drivers from third-party websites, as they may contain malware or incompatible drivers. Always download drivers from the manufacturer’s website or through Windows Update.