What is driver update and do I need it and the steps to update computer drivers

Apr. 25, 2024 / Updated by Seraphina to Windows Driver Solutions

What-is-driver-update-and-do-I-need-it-and-the-steps-to-update-computer-drivers


The status of driver updates in computer systems is crucial as it directly impacts the performance and stability of hardware devices. Through driver updates, known errors can be fixed, device compatibility improved, performance enhanced, and new features provided. Driver updates also address compatibility issues with the operating system, ensuring smooth operation and maximizing the performance potential of hardware devices.


Contents:

1. Driver Update

    1). Definition

    2). Necessity

2. Graphic Driver Update Steps

3. Lenovo Computer Driver Update Steps

    1). Using Driver Talent for Updates

    2). Using Device Manager for Updates

    3). Using Windows Settings for Updates

    4). Updating via Website


1. Driver Update:


1). Definition:


Driver update refers to installing the latest versions of drivers to manage the functionality and performance of various hardware devices in a computer system. These drivers, provided by hardware manufacturers, aim to fix known issues, add new features, enhance performance, or improve compatibility.


2). Necessity:


The necessity of driver updates lies in ensuring good communication and compatibility between hardware devices and the operating system in a computer system. Over time, hardware manufacturers release new driver versions to fix known issues, add new features, enhance performance, or improve compatibility. Therefore, regularly updating drivers can help address potential hardware issues and improve system stability and performance.


2. Graphic Driver Update Steps:


  • Identify Graphics Card Model: Before starting the update, you need to confirm the model of the graphics card installed on your computer. You can find this information through Device Manager or the official website of the graphics card manufacturer.

  • Download Driver: Visit the official website of the graphics card manufacturer and find the latest driver suitable for your graphics card model and operating system. Make sure to select the correct driver version.

  • Uninstall Old Drivers: It's recommended to uninstall the old drivers before installing the new ones. You can do this through the "Programs and Features" option in the Control Panel or using uninstallation tools provided by the graphics card manufacturer.

  • Install New Drivers: Run the downloaded driver installation program and follow the on-screen instructions. Typically, you'll need to accept the license agreement and select installation options. After installation, you may need to restart your computer.

  • Update Drivers: In some cases, you may want to manually update graphics card drivers through Device Manager. Locate the display adapter in Device Manager, right-click your graphics card, and select "Update Driver".

  • Test Drivers: After completing the driver update, it's advisable to test whether the graphics card is functioning properly. You can run graphics-intensive applications or games to observe any performance improvements or issues.


3. Lenovo Computer Driver Update Steps:


1). Using Driver Talent for Updates:


Driver Talent is a professional software for downloading and installing computer drivers, capable of automatically identifying the hardware devices and driver versions of your computer. It allows for one-click downloading and installation of the latest drivers for various common devices such as network cards, graphics cards, and sound cards, without requiring manual selection or operation by the user. 

Download Driver Talent

  • To use Driver Talent, open the program on your computer, click "Scan".

  • After the scan is complete, it will display which drivers on your computer need updating. Click the "Download" button to initiate the downloads.


Driver-Talent-Driver-Status


  • After all drivers have been updated and repaired, it is recommended to restart your computer to ensure the new version of drivers takes effect.


2). Using Device Manager for Updates:


Alternatively, you can use the built-in Device Manager in the Windows operating system to update drivers, which allows for viewing and managing hardware devices in your computer.


  • Press the Win+X shortcut keys, then select Device Manager, or find it in the Control Panel.


select-Device-Manager


  • In Device Manager, locate the device for which you want to update the drivers, such as network cards or graphics cards, and double-click to open its properties window.


locate-the-device


  • Click on the "Driver" tab, then click the "Update Driver" button. The system will automatically search for and download the latest drivers.


Update-Driver


  • Once the driver download is complete, select the downloaded driver file for installation. After installation, restart your computer, and the new drivers will take effect.


3). Using Windows Settings for Updates:


In the Windows Settings, you can not only check for system updates but also update computer drivers.


  • Open the Settings option in the lower-left corner of your computer, select "Update & Security".


Update-and-Security


  • Then choose the "Windows Update" tab, and click the "Check for updates" button.


Check-for-updates


  • If updates are available, the system will automatically download and install them, including driver updates. Users may need to restart their computer for the updates to take effect.


4). Updating via Website:


  • Determine the drivers that need updating: First, identify the drivers that need updating on your computer, such as graphics drivers, sound card drivers, or network card drivers. You can do this by checking Device Manager or visiting the official website of the hardware device manufacturer.

  • Download the correct drivers: After determining the drivers that need updating, go to the official website of the hardware device manufacturer and find the corresponding driver versions on their support page. Make sure to download drivers that are compatible with your device model and operating system version.

  • Backup current drivers: Before installing the new drivers, it is advisable to backup the current drivers in case of any issues during the installation process. It is recommended to use software like Driver Talent to backup drivers, which reduces the complexity of the operation and saves time.


Backup-current-drivers


  • Uninstall old drivers: Before installing new drivers, it is generally recommended to uninstall the old drivers. You can do this through the "Uninstall device" option in Device Manager.

  • Install new drivers: Before installing new drivers, ensure that all other programs are closed. Then run the downloaded driver installation file and follow the prompts of the installation wizard. You may need to restart your computer to activate the new drivers.

  • Test driver updates: After installation, restart your computer and test whether the new drivers are functioning properly. You can do this by running device tests or performing relevant tasks to verify the functionality and stability of the drivers.

  • Regularly check for updates: Finally, regularly check for driver updates and update them as needed to maintain the normal operation of your computer devices and improve performance.


These are the steps for what driver updates are and how to update computer drivers. If you encounter issues with drivers for network cards, graphics cards, Bluetooth, sound cards, etc., you can use "Driver Talent" for detection and repair. Additionally, Driver Talent supports driver downloads, installations, and backups, providing flexible driver management.


See also:


Downloading and Installing Guide for Realtek Sound Card Drivers

Steps to clean up a full C drive on the computer

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No Internet Connection-5 Common Solutions

How to Solve Slow Speed and High Latency on Win11 Computers

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