How to update drivers? Instructions for the "dummies"

Drivers are special configuration files,thanks to which various devices connected to the PC can work. Many people know that they need to be updated periodically. Therefore, it is important to know how to do it correctly.

When is “Hour X”?

First of all, one should remember a certain “golden rule”: you should never touch that which works anyway.

If certain elements of computer hardware (webcam, keyboard, mouse, speakers, etc.) do not function correctly, you should think about updating drivers.

Usually guess about what you need to install newsoftware or not yet, not necessary. For example, if problems arise with a sound or video card, various games and programs begin to issue the appropriate messages (that a necessary file was not found).

Will the device work better?

Do not think that right afteryou install the necessary files, the equipment will begin to function several times better and faster. The driver is just a special program that is not able to change the technical characteristics of the device. The existing restrictions will still remain, but the productivity may increase by about 15-20%.

Basic instruction

We turn to the most important thing.So how to update drivers? First, we need to download the necessary files. It is best to look for them on the official websites of equipment manufacturers - so you are guaranteed not to catch any viruses, and the devices will work 100% correctly.

In addition, the necessary software can be burned onto a CD that comes with the hardware itself.

Have you already found the files you need? Then it's time to learn how to update the driver.

1. To start, go to the control panel and look for an item in it called “Device Manager”.
2. We choose the equipment that we need. Move the mouse cursor to the corresponding icon and click on the right button.
3. Select the item "Properties - >> Driver" and click on the "Update" button.
4. Two items appear on the screen. Windows will prompt you to automatically search for suitable software on the network or find the necessary files on your computer. We are suitable second option.
5. The next step in solving the problem, how to update the drivers, is to set the path to the folder where you saved them, and wait until they are fully installed.
6. If you wish, you can download nothing in advance, and immediately select the automatic software search item on the Internet - in this case, the system will automatically find, check and install the necessary files.

Now you know how to update drivers using standard Windows tools. But there is another way ...

Specialized programs

This is, so to speak, the option "for the lazy."Its essence lies in how to update the driver on Windows XP / 7/8 or other versions of the popular OS with the help of special programs. True, we must bear in mind that not all of them work correctly.

They are popular with users, they are distinguished by a simple and understandable interface, they weigh little and perfectly cope with their functions, such utilities as:

• Carambis Driver Updater;
• SlimDrivers;
• DriverMax;
• 3DP Chip.

With them, you can update the drivers for the Windows 7 video card or any other hardware on any version of the OS.