How Often to Update Drivers (and Which Ones to Leave Alone)

The Truth About Driver Updates

You've probably heard conflicting advice about drivers. "Always keep drivers updated!" versus "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!" The truth is more nuanced: some drivers you should update regularly, others you should only update when solving a specific problem.

Let's break down which is which, and how to update safely when needed.

Quick Answer: Update These, Leave Those Alone

Update regularly (or let Windows do it):

• Security-related drivers (antivirus, TPM, firmware)
• Chipset drivers
• Network adapters (Ethernet, WiFi)
• Bluetooth drivers

Update only when you have a problem:

• Graphics drivers (GPU)
• Audio drivers
• Printer drivers
• Webcam drivers
• Peripheral drivers (mouse, keyboard)

Almost never update manually:

• USB drivers
• Storage controller drivers (SATA, NVMe)
• Display drivers (for your monitor itself)

Why Driver Updates Matter (Sometimes)

Security Fixes

Some drivers have security vulnerabilities. Network adapters, Bluetooth, and chipset drivers sometimes need updates to patch security holes. Windows Update handles most of these automatically.

Bug Fixes

If you're experiencing a specific problem—WiFi disconnections, audio crackling, game crashes—a driver update might fix it. But emphasis on "might."

New Features

Graphics drivers often add support for new games or performance optimizations. But they can also introduce new bugs.

Hardware Support

Sometimes you need a driver update to use new hardware or accessories.

Why You Should NOT Always Update

"Newer" Isn't Always "Better"

New drivers can introduce bugs, reduce performance, or break compatibility with your specific hardware configuration. This is especially true with graphics and audio drivers.

Windows Update vs Manufacturer Drivers

Windows Update provides tested, stable drivers. Manufacturer websites often have newer drivers that haven't been through Microsoft's compatibility testing. Newer doesn't mean more stable.

The Beta Testing Problem

When you update to the latest driver the day it releases, you're essentially beta testing it. Let others find the bugs first.

Graphics Drivers: The Special Case

GPU drivers (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) get updated frequently. Here's the strategy:

For Gamers

Update when:

• A new game you play is specifically supported in the update notes
• You're experiencing crashes or visual glitches in games
• Performance is poor and reviews mention improvements

Don't update just because a new version exists. Check forums and reviews first to see if others are having problems with the new driver.

For Regular Users (Not Gaming)

Stick with Windows Update drivers. You don't need the latest NVIDIA GeForce driver if you're just browsing the web and using Office. The Windows Update version is more stable.

For Professionals (Video Editing, 3D Work)

Use the "Studio" drivers (NVIDIA) or "Pro" drivers (AMD), which are tested for stability in professional apps. Update quarterly or when you have a problem.

How to Check Your Current Drivers

1. Right-click Start and open Device Manager
2. Expand categories to see devices
3. Right-click a device > Properties > Driver tab
4. See driver version, date, and provider

The date tells you how old the driver is. A 2-year-old driver isn't necessarily bad—it might be perfectly stable.

Safe Way to Update Drivers

Method 1: Windows Update (Recommended)

1. Open Settings > Windows Update
2. Click Check for updates
3. Click Advanced options > Optional updates
4. You'll see driver updates available
5. Select the ones you want and install

This is the safest method. Windows only offers drivers that have passed compatibility testing.

Method 2: Device Manager

1. Open Device Manager
2. Right-click the device you want to update
3. Choose Update driver
4. Click Search automatically for drivers
5. Windows will check if a newer driver is available

This searches Windows Update, not manufacturer websites.

Method 3: Manufacturer Website (When Needed)

For specific problems or when Windows Update doesn't have a fix:

1. Identify your exact hardware:
   • GPU: Device Manager > Display adapters > note exact model
   • Laptop: Check manufacturer website using your model number
2. Go to manufacturer website's support/drivers section
3. Enter your model or select from list
4. Download the driver (usually a .exe installer)
5. Run the installer

Always download from the official manufacturer, never third-party driver sites.

Before You Update: Create a Restore Point

Before updating critical drivers (especially graphics or chipset):

1. Search for create a restore point in Start menu
2. Click Create in the System Protection tab
3. Name it "Before [driver] update"
4. Click Create and wait

If the new driver causes problems, you can restore to this point.

Rolling Back Problem Drivers

If a driver update causes problems:

1. Open Device Manager
2. Right-click the device with the problem driver
3. Choose Properties > Driver tab
4. Click Roll Back Driver
5. Select a reason and click Yes

This reverts to the previous driver version. If "Roll Back Driver" is grayed out, use System Restore instead (to your pre-update restore point).

Specific Driver Update Guidelines

Network Adapters (WiFi/Ethernet)

When to update: Connection problems, slow speeds, frequent disconnections
How often: Let Windows Update handle it unless you have issues
Risk level: Low—rarely causes problems

Graphics (GPU)

When to update: Game crashes, poor performance, new game releases
How often: Quarterly for gamers, annually for others
Risk level: Medium—can cause instability

Audio

When to update: No sound, crackling, or compatibility issues
How often: Only when broken
Risk level: Medium—can break working audio

Chipset

When to update: General instability, USB problems, sleep/wake issues
How often: Annually or when Windows Update offers it
Risk level: Low—usually safe and beneficial

BIOS/UEFI Firmware

When to update: Specific hardware compatibility, security patches, or critical bugs
How often: Only when necessary
Risk level: HIGH—bad BIOS update can brick your PC. Only update if you know why you need to.

Printer

When to update: Printer doesn't work or features are missing
How often: Only when broken
Risk level: Low—worst case, reinstall old driver

Driver Update Myths

Myth: "Updating drivers improves performance"
Usually false. Most driver updates fix specific bugs, not general performance. Only graphics drivers sometimes improve game performance.

Myth: "You need third-party driver updater software"
No. Windows Update handles 95% of driver updates. These programs often install wrong drivers or bundle adware.

Myth: "Always use the newest driver"
No. Use the most stable driver. Sometimes that's a 6-month-old version.

Myth: "Beta drivers are faster"
Sometimes, but they're also more likely to crash. Only use beta drivers if you understand the risks.

Tools to AVOID

Do NOT use these:

• Driver Booster
• Driver Easy
• Driver Genius
• Any "driver updater" software that scans your PC and claims you need updates

These tools:

• Install wrong drivers for your hardware
• Bundle adware and unwanted software
• Charge for updates that are free from manufacturers
• Sometimes install malware

Windows Update + manufacturer websites are all you need.

Laptop-Specific Considerations

For laptops, use the laptop manufacturer's driver packages (Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc.) rather than individual component manufacturer sites. Laptop drivers are often customized for that specific model.

1. Go to your laptop manufacturer's support site
2. Enter your model number or let it detect automatically
3. Download their driver pack or individual drivers

Signs You Actually Need a Driver Update

• Device shows a yellow triangle in Device Manager
• "Code 10" or similar error in device properties
• Feature not working that should (WiFi, Bluetooth, sound)
• Windows Update specifically recommends a driver
• Manufacturer website lists a critical security patch
• New hardware accessory requires it

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