Windows Drivers
Plain-English guides to Windows drivers - how to update them, what to do when a device stops working, and how to fix audio, Bluetooth and printer drivers.
A driver is the small piece of software that lets Windows talk to a piece of hardware. When one is missing or out of date, the device does not break - it simply stops answering. These guides cover the drivers that go wrong most often.
Realtek Audio Driver: Download, Install and Fix Sound Problems on WindowsLearn how to download, install, and fix Realtek Audio Driver on Windows. Step-by-step guide to solve sound problems, update driver...
Bluetooth Driver for Windows 10 and 11: Download, Install and Fix ProblemsLearn how to download, install and fix the Bluetooth driver for Windows 10 and 11. Simple step-by-step guide to solve Bluetooth pr...
How to Update Drivers on WindowsNeed to update drivers Windows? This simple guide explains 3 easy ways to update drivers using Windows Update, Device Manager, or ...
When a Driver Is Actually the Problem
Drivers get blamed for a lot of things they did not do. A good rule: if a device worked yesterday and stopped today, look at the driver. If it never worked properly, look at the connection and the device itself first.
The safest places to get a driver are the device maker’s own website and Windows Update. Both give you a driver built for your exact hardware. Sites that offer packs of drivers for many devices at once are where most unwanted software comes from.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which driver is causing the problem?
Open Device Manager and look for a yellow warning triangle. That is the device Windows is unhappy about. If nothing is flagged at all, the cause is usually not a driver.
Should I update all of my drivers?
No. If a device works, leave its driver alone. Update only the driver connected to the problem you actually have - blanket updates cause more trouble than they solve.
Where is it safe to download drivers?
From the device maker’s own support site, or through Windows Update. Avoid any site offering a bundle of drivers for lots of different devices.