How to Ensure Your Drivers are Up to Date in Windows 10

Keeping your drivers up to date is essential for a smooth and secure computing experience. Outdated drivers can lead to a variety of issues, from hardware malfunctions to security vulnerabilities. This article will guide you through the process of checking and updating your drivers in Windows 10, as well as introducing an app that can help automate this task.

Understanding Driver Updates in Windows 10

Windows Update is designed to apply new drivers automatically for critical or security issues. This is done to ensure that your system is protected and functioning optimally. However, there may be times when you want to manually check and update individual drivers. This can be particularly useful if you encounter specific hardware-related problems or security concerns.

Checking Outdated Drivers with Windows Update

One of the most straightforward ways to check for outdated drivers is through the Windows Update settings. Here’s how you can do it:

Click on Start and then type Settings. Click on the Settings icon and then Update Security. Click on For developers on the left side of the window. Uncheck the box next to Developer mode (if you haven't already set it up). Close the For developers settings, then click on View update history. Here, you will see a list of recent updates, including drivers. You can click on each entry to get more details. If you see a driver with an arrow pointing down, it means it is outdated.

For a more detailed view of all your drivers, click on Check for updates at the bottom of the window. This will refresh the list of updates, including drivers. You can also choose to see the entire history of updates in the form of a changelog.

Updating Drivers with DriverBooster

If you prefer a more comprehensive solution, you can use apps like DriverBooster to automatically update your drivers. DriverBooster runs in the background and updates drivers as needed. Here’s how you can use it:

Step 1: Download and Install DriverBooster

Visit the official website of DriverBooster and download the software. Install it on your computer.

Step 2: Launch DriverBooster and Runtime Check

Once installed, open DriverBooster and click on the Runtime Check option. DriverBooster will scan your system and show you a list of outdated drivers.

Step 3: Update Drivers Automatically

Select the drivers you want to update and click on Update. DriverBooster will then download and install the latest versions of the selected drivers.

Step 4: Confirm the Update

After the update, confirm that the drivers have been installed successfully and that your system is functioning as expected.

While DriverBooster is a powerful tool, it’s important to understand that you can also manage driver updates manually using Windows Update. Driver updates from third-party sources may sometimes contain hidden risks or conflicts, so it’s recommended to use these tools judiciously.

Alternatives and Best Practices

If you prefer to stick with Microsoft’s built-in tools, there are some best practices you can follow:

Allow Windows Update to apply updates automatically. This ensures that your system is always protected and up to date. Monitor your system for any specific errors or issues that may indicate outdated drivers. This can be done through the Event Viewer or by checking logs for error messages. Periodically review the list of installed drivers to ensure that nothing has been accidentally uninstalled or downgraded. Consider using a combination of manual checks and automation to keep your drivers up to date.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What happens if I don’t keep my drivers up to date?

A: If your drivers are outdated, they may not function correctly, leading to hardware malfunctions or security vulnerabilities. Outdated drivers can also cause performance issues and incompatibilities with newer software or operating system updates.

Q: Can DriverBooster update all my drivers?

A: DriverBooster can update most major drivers, including those for graphics cards, network cards, sound cards, and others. However, it may not automatically detect or update certain third-party drivers or custom-built drivers. It is important to manually confirm and update these drivers.

Q: Is it safe to use DriverBooster on my system?

A: DriverBooster is a reputable tool, but it’s always a good idea to download it from the official website and scan it for malware before installation. Additionally, it’s best to have a backup of your system before performing major updates to ensure you can revert to a previous state if necessary.

In conclusion, keeping your drivers up to date is a crucial aspect of maintaining a secure and efficient computing environment. Whether you choose to use Windows Update or a third-party tool like DriverBooster, regular checks and updates can significantly enhance your system's performance and security.