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To back up third-party Windows driver packages before reinstalling, use the built-in PowerShell cmdlet Export-WindowsDriver or the pnputil /export-driver command. Save the exported folder somewhere the reinstall will not erase. This preserves driver packages—not personal files, applications, or a complete Windows installation.
Choose an export method
Both options export driver packages to a folder. Use the shell you prefer; run it with administrator privileges.
| Method | Command | What it exports |
|---|---|---|
| PowerShell | Export-WindowsDriver -Online -Destination D:Drivers |
Third-party drivers from the running Windows image. Microsoft documents this usage in Export-WindowsDriver (DISM). |
| Command Prompt | pnputil /export-driver * D:Drivers |
All driver packages in the driver store; the wildcard selects all packages. See Microsoft’s PnPUtil command syntax. |
D:Drivers is only an example destination. Replace it with a suitable folder path. Microsoft documents the PowerShell export as third-party drivers from a Windows image; PnPUtil exports packages from the driver store.
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Export drivers and keep the backup safe
- Open an elevated shell. Start PowerShell or Command Prompt with administrator privileges.
- Run one export command. Use either command above, changing the destination if needed. You do not need to run both.
- Check the destination folder. Confirm it exists and contains exported files.
- Move or copy the folder somewhere the reinstall will not erase. An external hard drive, USB flash drive, or cloud location can serve as a backup destination; choose one available to you. Microsoft’s Windows backup and restore guidance describes these kinds of locations.
- Back up personal files separately. Driver exports do not protect documents, photos, or other files. Microsoft’s Windows recovery options advises backing up important files before recovery actions that may cause data loss.
Know what the driver export contains
The commands preserve third-party driver packages, not a complete PC backup. They do not back up Windows, personal data, or applications and utilities that may come with a device. Microsoft’s driver-servicing documentation covers INF-style packages and says Windows Installer packages and other package types such as .exe are unsupported by those servicing commands; an exported driver folder should not be treated as a copy of the manufacturer’s full installer or companion software. See Add and Remove Drivers to an Offline Windows Image.
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Check for model-specific recovery media
Before reinstalling, check whether the PC manufacturer provides recovery media for your exact model. Microsoft notes that manufacturer recovery media typically includes hardware-specific drivers and factory applications that generic Microsoft installation media might not include. See Windows recovery options.
Get drivers working after Windows is reinstalled
Start with Windows Update
For most hardware, Windows Update automatically downloads and installs drivers. Connect the PC to the internet and check for updates first. Microsoft’s guidance on automatic driver updates explains this approach.
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Use the export or the manufacturer’s official site for missing drivers
If a device still lacks a driver, use the saved packages or get a compatible package from the PC or device manufacturer’s official website. Match it to the installed Windows version and your specific hardware model.
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Optional: add exported packages to an offline image
For deployment workflows—not as a required step for a typical home reinstall—Microsoft documents using DISM’s Add-Driver to add exported third-party INF packages to an offline Windows image. The procedure is described in Add and Remove Drivers to an Offline Windows Image.
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