Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteiTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
On Windows, start with Windows Update; use Device Manager or the computer or component maker’s official support page when you need a driver for a particular device. Update a driver to address a problem or obtain a needed feature—not simply because its date looks old. macOS and Linux use different update mechanisms.
What a driver update does—and when to install one
A driver lets the operating system communicate with a hardware device. Many Windows drivers arrive through Windows Update, and Microsoft says driver certification is done in collaboration with hardware or software providers. Microsoft’s driver overview explains the role drivers play.
There is no general need to update every driver on a schedule. Consider an update when a device is malfunctioning, its maker recommends an update for your model, or you need a specific fix or feature. A newer-looking date alone is not a good reason: Microsoft notes that driver dates are descriptive information supplied by providers, while Windows uses targeting information in driver files to select a driver for a device.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Update drivers through Windows Update first
- Open Settings > Windows Update and check for updates. Install relevant updates offered there.
- Check optional driver updates: go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates. If relevant driver updates appear, select them and install. The exact labels can vary by Windows version.
- Restart if prompted. Microsoft recommends restarting after installation when instructed.
Some driver updates are optional and require you to select them. An empty optional-updates list does not by itself mean a device is missing a driver. See Microsoft’s guidance on updating drivers.
#1 Best Overall
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Update a particular device with Device Manager
Device Manager can check for a driver for a specific device. If Windows does not find an appropriate update, use Windows Update or obtain a compatible package from the computer or device maker.
- Open Device Manager and expand the category for the device.
- Right-click the device and select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for drivers and follow the prompts.
If the automatic search does not find a suitable driver, check the maker’s official support page for the exact computer or component model. Compare the package’s supported Windows version and architecture, read its release notes and installation instructions, and download only a package intended for your hardware. Some makers supply an installer; follow that package’s instructions.
Rank #2
- Easily store and access 5TB of content on the go with the Seagate portable drive, a USB external hard Drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Install a downloaded driver package
When the maker provides driver files rather than an installer, extract the download first if necessary. Then use Device Manager to point Windows to those files:
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
- In Device Manager, right-click the target device and choose Update driver.
- Select Browse my computer for drivers.
- Choose the folder containing the extracted driver files and follow the prompts.
Do not choose a package just because its name resembles your device’s model. Confirm the exact model and supported Windows version and architecture. Microsoft’s driver instructions cover both automatic searches and manual installation.
Rank #3
- Easily store and access 1TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Choose between Windows Update and a maker’s package
| Route | Best suited to | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Update | A routine Windows driver update, including optional updates offered for your device | Whether a relevant update is offered; restart if prompted |
| Official computer or component support page | A device-specific package when Windows Update does not offer an appropriate driver, or the maker directs you to its package | Exact model, Windows version and architecture, release notes, and installation instructions |
Neither route makes “newest by date” the only useful selection rule. Check whether the update applies to your model and addresses the issue or feature you need. Microsoft says Windows uses targeting information in driver files when selecting the best driver for a device; a provider-supplied date does not establish that a package is the right choice.
If a device stops working after an update
Start by checking the device’s status and error code in Device Manager. Microsoft’s Device Manager error-code reference describes causes and suggested remedies.
Rank #4
- Easily store and access 4TB of content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
If the problem began immediately after an update, check the device’s driver properties for available recovery options. A rollback option is not appropriate to assume for every device; Microsoft documents a rollback route for audio-driver troubleshooting, and its availability depends on the device and driver. Follow the computer or device maker’s instructions if the issue persists.
Recommended Free Tools
Reinstalling is a troubleshooting measure, not routine maintenance. Before uninstalling a device in Device Manager, save your work and close apps. Microsoft says to restart after uninstalling so Windows can attempt to reinstall the driver; some devices may require manual installation. See Microsoft’s update and reinstall instructions.
Best Value
- [Upgraded Version] - This external hard drive features a mirrored logo stripe combined with a striped anti-slip design, and the rounded corners of the casing make it easier to grip. The stripes also have a heat dissipation function, ensuring stable and fast data transfer.
- 【Ultra-thin and quiet】 - The motherboard adopts JMicron 578 noise-free solution, giving you a quiet working environment. Lightweight and portable size designed to fit in your pocket for easy portability.
- 【Ultra-Fast Data Transfers】 - Pairing this external hard drive with JMicron 578 solution USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 interfaces enables blazing-fast data transfer. It boasts theoretical read speeds of up to 125MB/s and write speeds of up to 103MB/s.
- 【Plug and Play】 - With no software to install, just plug it in and the drive is ready to use.The hard disk chip is wrapped with an aluminum anti-interference layer to increase heat dissipation and protect data.
- 【What You Get】 - 1 x Portable Hard Drive, 1 x USB 3.0 Cable, 1 x User Manual, Gift-type shell packaging ,Three-year manufacturer's warranty and free technical support services.
How driver updates work on Linux and macOS
Ubuntu and other Linux distributions
Ubuntu says most device drivers are installed by default, though some devices may require manual installation and a driver may not be available for every device. Use your distribution’s package-update mechanism to keep the system current, and follow guidance for your Ubuntu release and hardware. Ubuntu documents its Additional Drivers tool and the ubuntu-drivers utility. Ubuntu recommends the utility in Secure Boot scenarios because it selects pre-built signed drivers.
Mac
Mac users do not use Windows Device Manager. Driver and peripheral support updates are tied to macOS and the specific peripheral vendor’s Mac software. Be cautious with third-party kernel extensions: Apple says kernel extensions are no longer recommended, and loading one involves approval and restart requirements. Consult Apple’s security guidance on kernel extensions and the peripheral maker’s instructions.
Quick Recap
Driver-update mistakes to avoid
- Avoid third-party driver-download portals and vague “update all drivers” utilities. Microsoft directs users to Windows Update or the device maker, and its driver-signing policy describes protections intended to preserve kernel integrity. Read Microsoft’s kernel-mode code-signing policy.
- Do not select a driver just because its date is newer. Provider dates are descriptive, and Windows uses targeting information to select a driver for the device.
- Do not install a package for a similar model or a different Windows architecture. Match the exact device and the package’s stated compatibility.
- Do not uninstall a working driver as routine upkeep. Save that step for troubleshooting and know how you will reinstall or recover if needed.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
