How to Update Windows Drivers Automatically
TL;DR:
Update routine Windows drivers automatically via Windows Update or Device Manager, but manually verify optional updates and rely on official hardware-vendor utilities for critical graphics, storage, or laptop-specific components to maintain system stability.
● Create a system restore point before applying major driver changes so you can safely roll back through Device Manager if the new version causes crashes or hardware incompatibilities.
● Install foundational motherboard or laptop chipset drivers first if Device Manager shows an unknown device name, and utilize custom installation options in vendor tools to avoid bundled extra utilities.
● Use Wondershare Repairit solely to fix existing local media and documents that become corrupted or unplayable during update-related crashes, as the tool cannot recover deleted data or repair core Windows settings.
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Windows can update many drivers automatically through Windows Update, Optional updates, Device Manager, and hardware-vendor utilities. Automatic updates are convenient for routine fixes, but graphics, audio, storage, and chipset drivers should still be reviewed carefully. Keeping rollback options available helps when a new driver creates instability.
Steps
- Step 1
Open Settings > Windows Update and install available quality updates before checking optional drivers.
- Step 2
Go to Advanced options > Optional updates and review driver updates by device name and date.
- Step 3
Open Device Manager, select a device, and choose Search automatically for drivers when a specific device has issues.
- Step 4
Use the PC or hardware manufacturer's utility for graphics, chipset, BIOS-related, or laptop-specific drivers.
- Step 5
Restart after driver installation and confirm that display, sound, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or peripherals still work normally.
Common Issues and Fixes
- No newer driver is found: Windows Update may not have the vendor's latest package; check the PC or component manufacturer's support page.
- New driver causes crashes: the update may be incompatible with hardware or Windows build; roll back the driver in Device Manager.
- Device name is unknown: missing chipset or controller drivers hide proper identification; install motherboard or laptop chipset drivers first.
- Automatic updater installs extras: some vendor tools bundle utilities beyond the driver; choose custom installation when available.
Quick Tips
- Create a restore point before major graphics, chipset, storage, or BIOS-related driver changes.
- Avoid installing drivers from random download sites because tampering and wrong packages are common risks.
- For stable systems, optional driver updates can often wait unless they fix a known issue.
- Keep laptop drivers aligned with the manufacturer when power, touchpad, or function-key behavior matters.
- Repairit is relevant only for existing damaged, corrupted, unopenable, or unplayable local files; it does not recover deleted data or repair Windows settings.
💡 Protip:
Create a restore point before driver changes, then check media and document files if crashes happened during the update.
If videos, photos, documents, audio files, or email files become corrupted, damaged, unopenable, or unplayable during this workflow, Wondershare Repairit can help repair supported local files after they are saved on readable storage.
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