Updating a driver is the only solution for a hardware device that is not in a working state. Basically, a driver can be updated by using various techniques such as Windows Update. In this method, you can change settings of Windows Update so that it can automatically download required updates and install them. You can get an updated driver for hardware from Windows Update; for this you must check it often. It is essential for a recently installed device. Once you have an updated driver, you can easily install it by following few easy steps.
You can go to the Windows Update just by clicking ‘Start’ button. Doing so, list of options will be displayed, from which you have to select ‘Windows Update’. In this box, on the left you will find ‘Check for updates’ that informs you about recent updates. For each available update, there is a link giving whole information about it. You must check these details before installing any update. Windows Update gives information about status of an update such as recommended, optional and important. Accordingly, you can decide whether to install this update or not.
For installation, initially see if there is an update for your device. On the presence of a required update, you must select check box for every driver that is to be installed. Finally, you can install update with the help of option ‘Install updates’. You must provide the confirmation or an administrator password if it is asked. In case of some updates, you might have to restart your system on successful installation of those updates.
You can also make few changes in settings of Windows Update in order to install recommended updates automatically. You can have automatic installation of recommended or important updates or both. If an update is optional, Windows Update cannot download or install that update itself. This feature can be turned on by modifying few settings. First of all, select Windows Update as explained earlier that will open a dialogue box. From various options given in box, select ‘Change settings’ that is located on the left. Here by selecting options, you can set Windows Update to automatically download and install updates that you want.
But what if Windows could not find driver for your device? In such cases, you can manually download driver and install it. You can check websites such as Windows 7 Compatibility Center. On this website, in support segment you will find numerous devices along with links providing drivers to download. You can also search these drivers on websites provided by producers of device. Instructions that are given must be followed in order to install these drivers. To carry out these steps, you have to log on as an administrator.
First of all, go to ‘Device Manager’ by clicking ‘Start’ button, then clicking ‘System and Security’ under ‘Control Panel’. In ‘System and Security’, you will find ‘Device Manager’. If administrator password or confirmation is required you must enter it. Next step will be selection of device that is to be updated. Lastly, by using option ‘Update Driver’, driver can be updated successfully. Self-installing drivers install themselves on system just on double-click.
Another way of updating drivers is to install software that comes along with your device. Some manufacturers provide a disc with device, it contains driver for that particular device. Considering the fact, that device won’t have disc always, it is better to stick with ‘Windows Update’ option. This is truly a reliable option to update drivers for hardware devices.
