If your PC is not working normally or you are facing crashing, lagging, or failing to connect with devices like printers or headphones, there’s a decent probability it’s not your computer that’s the culprit. You need to update outdated drivers.
Drivers work behind the scenes in your computer that most people don’t bother about until something crashes. But they’re super crucial. These little pieces of software are what helps your Windows operating system to convert to the hardware your graphics card, your keyboard, your speakers, your Wi-Fi adapter, all of it.
Similar to software’s, drivers need to be updated. But here’s the thing: Windows usually don’t update it on its own. That’s where tools like Advanced Driver Updater can be an amazing tool and we’ll get to that shortly.
First, let’s know how to update drivers on PC and why this all matters.
Why Driver Updates Are More Important Than You Think
When you face an error maybe you update drivers windows 11 you might notice obvious problems like glitchy audio or screen flickering. But often, the signs are subtle. Your system might feel slower. Apps take longer to open. Games don’t run quite right. Your Bluetooth keyboard disconnects randomly.
Here’s what up-to-date drivers actually do for you:
- Improve system performance – Updated drivers are optimized for better speed and efficiency.
- Fix bugs and prevent crashes – Manufacturers constantly patch problems as they’re discovered.
- Ensure hardware compatibility- New apps and devices often need newer drivers to function properly.
- Close security issues – Outdated drivers can be exploited by hackers. If you’re not keeping your drivers up to date, you’re actually missing out a lot on security.
The Three Ways to Update Drivers on Windows
If you’re curious about how driver updates work, let’s look at the options. Spoiler alert: one of them is a lot easier than the others.
1. The Manual Way: Device Manager
This is the built-in Windows step. Here’s how you can try:
Right-click the Start button, and then on Device Manager.
Select the device you like to update (say, your keyboard).
Right-click on the selected, then click on Update driver, afterwards Search automatically for drivers.
Sounds easy, and sometimes it works wonders. But in multiple cases, Windows will flash this message “best drivers are already installed” even when the manufacturer has launched new updates. It’s not bad in a pinch, but you’ll not get miracles.
2. The Old-Fashioned Way: Manufacturer Websites
This one’s for people who like doing things in a long way.
Say your graphics card is from the NVIDIA company. You’ll go to NVIDIA’s site, look for your exact model, get the latest driver, and install it manually. The case is the same for your sound card (maybe Realtek), network adapter (maybe Intel), and so on. You’ll repeat the exact procedure for every piece of hardware you like to update.
It is a sure shot way and it’s sometimes important for specialized components but if something goes wrong. And if you get the wrong version? Good luck.
3. The Smart Way: Using Advanced Driver Updater
This is where things are simple.
Advanced Driver Updater is a tool built specifically to sort this issue, scanning your computer’s outdated drivers, getting the right versions, installing them safely, and making it available in your system. Read this to know how to use it.
Step 1: Download and Install the Software
Visit the official site: https://www.systweak.com/advanced-driver-updater
Download it, run the tool , and follow the instructions given. It’s fast, simple, and doesn’t bother with irritating ads.
Once installed, start the app. You’ll see a clean, no-nonsense UI/UX.
Step 2: Run the Scan
Select the big Start Scan Now button. The tool will check every driver in your system and view each as its big database of updated versions. This can be done within a minute or two. When it’s completed, you’ll see every outdated, missing, or broken driver on your computer.
Step 3: Review the Final Results
Now, you will get the detailed list that needs to be fixed. You’ll get information like your current driver version and the updated version that you can download. Start to fix everything in one go (which is what most people do), or select one and update. For example, you might give attention to graphics and audio if you’re a gamer or graphic designer.
Step 4: Backup Existing Drivers
Here’s a smart feature: Advanced Driver Updater gives you the option to back up your current drivers before installing the new ones. That way, if something doesn’t work in the expected way, you can go back to the previous version. You can do this manually in the Backup tab, or set it to back up prior to update.
Step 5: Update and Restart
Click on the Update All, and let the program work magically. Varying on your internet speed and numbers of drivers getting updated, this can take anywhere 1-5 minutes or around 10–15 minutes.
When it’s done, you’ll be asked to restart your computer. This final step helps Windows to fully start the new drivers. Once complete, you’re good to go.
What are the other features of Advanced Driver Updater?
- Vast driver database – Supports over multiple device drivers from a secure source; regularly updated for compatibility across Windows.
- Safe driver downloads – Obtains official, WHQL‑certified drivers sourced from manufacturers; checks for malware prior to installation
- One‑click updates – Batch or single‑click installs keep the updation fast and user‑friendly
4. Updating Drivers via Windows Update:
- Go to Settings by holding the Windows key and writing “Settings”.
- After this go to the “Update & Security” (Windows 10) or “Windows Update” (Windows 11).
- Once done go on the “Check for updates”.
- If updated drivers are not installed, they will be listed under “Optional updates” or similar.
- Start the wanted driver updates and click “Download and install”.
- Follow the instructions to finish the installation.
5. How to Uninstall Drivers – Through the Device Manager:
- Go to the Device Manager: type for “Device Manager” in the Windows bar.
- Check for the Device: Look for the device for which you like to remove the driver in the computer.
- Uninstall/Remove: Right-click on the device and click on the “Uninstall device”.
- Give the confirmation: You may be asked to confirm the uninstallation and potentially delete the driver software. Click on the list if you like to remove the driver software and then proceed with the “Uninstall” option.
- Restart (if needed): A restart may be required to finish the uninstallation.
Why Use a Tool Instead of Doing It Manually?
You could spend hours hunting down each driver by hand? Sure. But do you want to?
Advanced Driver Updater does in minutes what might take you all day to do yourself, and does it more reliably. Moreover, it subtracts the problem of accidentally installing the wrong version or missing a secure update. You don’t need to be a tech expert to keep your PC running smoothly. This tool makes it easy, even for beginners.
Some Quick Tips for Keeping Drivers in Good Shape
- Set a schedule. Don’t just update once and forget about it. Run a scan every month or so.
- Backups matter. Always keep a copy of your current drivers before updating — just in case.
- Avoid shady driver sites. If you’re not using a tool like this, always get drivers directly from the manufacturer.
- Pair it with other maintenance. Driver updates work best alongside regular Windows updates and disk cleanup.
Final Thoughts
Updating drivers isn’t something that you’ll love to do but it’s one of the basic things you can do to fix your PC’s speed, stability, and overall performance.
If you’re detailed and like to take long routes go to the manufacturer websites and manually install drivers, go for it. But if you want fast track procedure— a tool like Advanced Driver Updater is honestly a go to option.
It takes out the complexity, allows you to relax, and helps prevent the different issues that can derail your day. Give it a shot, and see how much smoother your PC can run when everything is updated.
FAQ
1. What exactly is a driver, and why does it need to be updated?
A driver is a small piece of software that communicates with the operating system and other devices such as graphics cards, keyboards, network adapters, and more. They need to be updated for the uninterrupted performance of the system.
2. How do I know if my drivers are outdated?
If you’re facing issues like random crashes, lagging hardware, sound or display glitches, or devices that unexpectedly stop, outdated drivers might be the reason behind. The easiest way to update it is using a driver scanning tool like Advanced Driver Updater, which scans your device and finds outdated, missing, or corrupted drivers in no time.
3. Is updating drivers safe? Can it cause problems?
In most cases, updating drivers improves performance and stability. However, if the wrong driver is installed (especially for critical components like graphics or chipset), it can cause compatibility issues. That’s why tools like Advanced Driver Updater include a backup and restore feature, so you can roll back to a previous driver if anything goes wrong.
Chris Mcdonald has been the lead news writer at complete connection. His passion for helping people in all aspects of online marketing flows through in the expert industry coverage he provides. Chris is also an author of tech blog Area19delegate. He likes spending his time with family, studying martial arts and plucking fat bass guitar strings.