Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →iTechGuides 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
For most Windows driver updates, start with Windows Update. Use Device Manager to search for a driver or install a package you already downloaded; use Command Prompt with PnPUtil when you have a local INF driver package to add and install. PnPUtil does not search the internet, and its install option cannot force a lower-ranked driver onto a device.
Choose the right way to update a driver
| Method | Best for | What you need | Important limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows Update | Microsoft’s recommended starting point for most driver updates | An internet connection, unless the update is already available locally | Only installs driver updates offered for your PC through Windows Update. Microsoft Support |
| Device Manager | Searching for an update for a selected device, installing a downloaded package, or recovering a driver | The device selected in Device Manager; a downloaded package for manual installation | An automatic search may not find a newer suitable driver. Microsoft Support |
| Command Prompt with PnPUtil | Adding and attempting to install local INF files, listing third-party driver packages, or scanning for hardware changes | An elevated Command Prompt and a local INF package for installation | /install does not force a package onto a device if it is not the highest-ranked match. Microsoft Learn |
Update a driver with Device Manager
Search automatically for a driver
- Open Start, search for Device Manager, and open it.
- Expand the category for the device you want to update.
- Right-click the device and select Update driver.
- Select the automatic search option and follow any installation prompts. If Windows does not find a suitable update, check Windows Update for available driver updates. Microsoft Support
Install a driver package you downloaded
- Download the driver from the computer or component manufacturer’s official website. Confirm it supports your Windows version and system architecture. If the download is an archive, extract it first.
- In Device Manager, right-click the target device and select Update driver.
- Select Browse my computer for drivers, browse to the extracted driver files, verify the folder path, and continue through the prompts. Microsoft Support
A manual package should match both the Windows release and the PC’s architecture. Microsoft advises using the device manufacturer’s source and avoiding other driver-download sites. Microsoft Support
Install a local driver with Command Prompt
PnPUtil is Windows’ command-line tool for managing driver packages. It works with files already on the PC; it is not an online driver finder. Open Command Prompt as an administrator, then use the command that matches your package.
Add and attempt to install one INF file
pnputil /add-driver "C:pathtodriver.inf" /installReplace the example path with the actual location of the INF file. PnPUtil adds the package to the driver store and attempts to install it on matching devices. If the package is not the highest-ranked matching driver, PnPUtil will not force it to replace the current one. Microsoft Learn
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Include INF files in subfolders
pnputil /add-driver "C:pathtodrivers*.inf" /subdirs /installThis searches the specified folder and its subdirectories for INF files. Check the path and package contents before running it, especially if the folder contains drivers for multiple devices. Microsoft Learn
List packages or scan for hardware changes
pnputil /enum-driverslists third-party OEM driver packages in the driver store. Microsoft Learnpnputil /scan-devicesscans for hardware changes. It does not search online for driver updates. Microsoft Learn- Run
pnputil /?on the target PC to check the syntax supported by that Windows installation. Microsoft documents/add-driverfrom Windows 10 version 1607 and/scan-devicesfrom Windows 10 version 2004. Microsoft Learn
Recover from a driver problem
Roll back a troublesome update
If a driver update caused a problem, open Device Manager, right-click the affected device, select Properties, open the Driver tab, and select Roll Back Driver if that option is available. Administrator permissions are required; the option may not be available for every device. Microsoft Support
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- [Win OS Install or reinstall] — Boot from the USB to install or reinstall Win 11, 10, or 7 Home & Pro editions. Includes OS installations and reinstallations media plus WinPE Utility Suite.
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- [Support] — Full instructions are included in packaging plus a printable copy of the instructions with troubleshooting information on the device. Also, a video “How to boot from a bootable USB drive.mp4” to help guide you through starting a PC from a USB drive. If you need help using the USB please contact us for assistance, we are here to help.
- [Video] - If you are new to booting from a USB drive or need a refresher see our video "How to boot from USB drive" both in description and on USB device.
Restore network access if a network driver fails
If a network driver update leaves the PC offline, download the correct driver package on another computer and transfer it with a USB flash drive. After uninstalling the network driver and restarting, Windows may reinstall it automatically; if it does not, use the saved package. Microsoft Support
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteQuick Recap
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- Dual USB-A & USB-C Bootable Drive – compatible with nearly all Windows PCs, laptops, and tablets (UEFI & Legacy BIOS). Works with Surface devices and all major brands.
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