Drivers are essential software that allow your operating system to communicate with hardware components such as the CPU, GPU, motherboard, and peripherals. Installing and configuring them properly ensures your PC runs smoothly, avoiding issues like crashes, poor performance, or hardware malfunctions.
This guide will walk you through the correct way to install, update, and configure drivers to keep your system running at its best.
1. What Are Drivers and Why Are They Important?
A driver is a software component that enables communication between your operating system (Windows, Linux, macOS) and hardware.
✅ Why Drivers Are Important:
✔ Improves performance – Ensures your hardware operates at full potential.
✔ Fixes compatibility issues – Updates resolve bugs and security vulnerabilities.
✔ Enables new features – Some driver updates introduce additional functionalities.
Without the right drivers, your graphics card, printer, audio, and network components may not function properly.
2. Drivers You Need to Install on a New PC
After setting up a new PC, you should install essential drivers for optimal performance.
✅ Critical Drivers to Install:
✔ Chipset Drivers – Ensures proper motherboard communication with the CPU and RAM.
✔ Graphics Card (GPU) Drivers – Boosts gaming and display performance.
✔ Audio Drivers – Improves sound quality and microphone support.
✔ Network Drivers (Ethernet/Wi-Fi) – Enables internet connectivity.
✔ Storage Controller Drivers – Optimizes SSD and HDD performance.
✔ Peripheral Drivers – Required for printers, webcams, and other external devices.
If you’re using Windows 10 or 11, basic drivers install automatically, but manually updating them ensures peak performance.
3. How to Install Drivers Correctly
Drivers can be installed in three main ways: Windows Update, Manufacturer Websites, and Automatic Driver Software.
Method 1: Installing Drivers via Windows Update
Windows automatically detects and installs drivers through Windows Update.
✅ Steps to Install Drivers via Windows Update:
1️⃣ Press Win + I to open Settings.
2️⃣ Click Windows Update > Check for updates.
3️⃣ Look for “Optional Updates” and install available drivers.
✔ This method is easy and safe, but may not provide the latest drivers.
Method 2: Installing Drivers from Manufacturer Websites
For the latest and best-performing drivers, download them directly from the manufacturer’s website.
✅ Where to Find Drivers for Key Components:
✔ Motherboard Drivers:
- ASUS – asus.com
- MSI – msi.com
- Gigabyte – gigabyte.com
✔ Graphics Card Drivers:
- NVIDIA (GeForce GPUs) – nvidia.com
- AMD (Radeon GPUs) – amd.com
- Intel (Integrated Graphics) – intel.com
✔ Audio & Peripheral Drivers:
- Realtek HD Audio Drivers – Available on motherboard manufacturer websites.
- Logitech, Razer, Corsair peripherals – Visit their respective support pages.
✅ Steps to Manually Install Drivers:
1️⃣ Go to the manufacturer’s official website.
2️⃣ Search for your exact model (e.g., ASUS ROG Strix B660 motherboard).
3️⃣ Download the latest drivers compatible with your operating system.
4️⃣ Run the installer and follow on-screen instructions.
5️⃣ Restart your PC to apply changes.
✔ This method ensures you get the most optimized drivers for your hardware.
Method 3: Using Automatic Driver Update Software
Third-party tools help automate driver updates, saving time.
✅ Best Automatic Driver Software:
✔ Driver Booster – Scans and updates outdated drivers easily.
✔ Snappy Driver Installer – Open-source and lightweight.
✔ NVIDIA GeForce Experience – Keeps NVIDIA GPU drivers up to date.
✔ AMD Adrenalin Software – Manages AMD GPU drivers and settings.
❌ Warning: Avoid unreliable third-party driver sites, as they may contain malware. Always download drivers from official sources.
4. How to Check If Drivers Are Installed Correctly
To confirm your drivers are properly installed:
✅ Check Device Manager (Windows):
1️⃣ Press Win + X > Click Device Manager.
2️⃣ Look for any yellow warning icons, indicating missing or faulty drivers.
3️⃣ Right-click a device > Update driver to fix issues.
✅ Check GPU Driver Version:
✔ For NVIDIA: Open GeForce Experience > Go to Drivers.
✔ For AMD: Open AMD Adrenalin Software > Check Driver & Software Version.
5. How to Update Drivers for Best Performance
✅ Best Practices for Updating Drivers:
✔ GPU Drivers: Update monthly to improve gaming performance.
✔ Chipset & Motherboard Drivers: Update every 6–12 months for stability.
✔ Peripheral Drivers: Update only if issues arise.
❌ Avoid Constantly Updating Non-Critical Drivers: If your PC is running fine, only update drivers when necessary to avoid compatibility issues.
6. Troubleshooting Common Driver Issues
Sometimes, installing or updating drivers may cause errors or conflicts.
❌ Common Driver Problems & Fixes:
✔ PC Crashes After a Driver Update?
- Boot into Safe Mode and roll back the driver:
1️⃣ Open Device Manager > Right-click the driver.
2️⃣ Click Properties > Driver tab > Roll Back Driver.
✔ Missing Audio or No Sound?
- Reinstall Realtek or Windows Audio Drivers via Device Manager.
- Check default playback device in Sound Settings.
✔ Wi-Fi or Ethernet Not Working?
- Download the latest network drivers from another PC and transfer via USB.
✔ Games Running Slower After a GPU Update?
- Use DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller) to remove old GPU drivers before reinstalling.
7. Configuring Drivers for Best Performance
After installing drivers, you can tweak settings for better performance and efficiency.
✅ Optimizing GPU Settings:
✔ For NVIDIA: Open NVIDIA Control Panel > Set Power Management Mode to Maximum Performance.
✔ For AMD: Open Adrenalin Software > Enable Smart Access Memory for better gaming performance.
✅ Optimizing Audio Settings:
✔ Open Realtek Audio Console > Enable Loudness Equalization for better sound balance.
✅ Optimizing Network Drivers:
✔ Open Device Manager > Network Adapter Properties > Disable Power Saving Mode for stable connections.
These configurations help you get the best experience from your hardware.
Conclusion: Keep Your Drivers Updated for a Smooth Experience
✔ Install essential drivers first – Chipset, GPU, audio, and network drivers.
✔ Use Windows Update for basic drivers, but download critical ones manually.
✔ Check Device Manager for missing or outdated drivers.
✔ Update GPU drivers regularly, but only update other drivers if necessary.
✔ Troubleshoot issues using Safe Mode and driver rollbacks.
By following these steps, you’ll ensure a stable, high-performance system free of driver-related problems.