Updating drivers have always been a headache for people. Many have run into risky sites that tricked them into installing malwares and viruses. Therefore, this is the proper guide to update your drivers and deal with issues along the way. In general, the guide will focus more on gaming PCs, but it should work for any Windows PC out there.
Updating Nvidia drivers
First stop is the Nvidia GeForce graphics card. New releases usually add performance enhancements or fix issues from previous Windows updates. When setting up drivers from Nvidia, the tool Nvidia Update should be automatically installed already. Here’s some steps to check if Nvidia Update is functioning well:
- First off, right-click on any place in Windows desktop, select 'Nvidia Control Panel'.
- Then, select top left’s 'Help' menu and choose 'Updates.'
- After that, select 'Preferences' tab.
- Finally, tick 'Automatically check for updates' as well as 'Notify me when graphics driver updates are available' if they’re currently blank.
To update the drivers manually, select 'Updates' tab and press 'Check for updates...' button. In case you can’t open Nvidia Control Panel or unable automatically install updates, you might want to check the driver installation. Simply head over here – the driver page of Nvidia to download the updates manually.
Updating AMD drivers
Similar to Nvidia, AMD drivers should also check for updates automatically. Here’s the steps to manually check for an update:
- First, right-click on any spot in Windows desktop and choose 'AMD Radeon Settings'.
- Then, select 'Updates' at the window’s bottom-left side.
- Lastly, select 'Check for updates'.
Normally, you should see available updates for your driver. Occasionally, AMD includes optional updates - the greatest and latest one. However, lots of people prefer 'Recommended' drivers. Select 'Recommended' and choose 'Express upgrade.'
In case you can’t open Radeon Settings, there might be a problem with your current driver. Visit AMD's support website here for further support and get the most suitable drivers for your AMD card. Generally, a fresh install will solve any issues that you’re experiencing.
Update drivers for keyboards, mice, etc.
Apparently, most mice, keyboards, controllers and microphones use the USB interface, so there isn’t a need of further drives for communication purposes. In fact, Windows Update handles most generic drivers. However, there are always people with customizable gears like keyboards or mice with additional buttons. Because of that, there are specific software for those accessory. Normally, you can see such information or guidance on the gear box or the product page. Here’re some examples of such applications
- Logitech Options: The application that caters for most non-gaming gears from Logitech, including keyboards, mice and some other accessories.
- Logitech Gaming Software: Designed to customize lights, controls and much more for Logitech gaming products.
- Razer Synapse: The necessary configuration tool exclusively for Razer accessories (keyboards, laptops, etc.)
- Corsair iCue: This app lets you change keyboard macros and lighting effects for Corsair products
Most importantly, it is advisable that you download software directly from manufacturer's website, rather than from a random rehosting site. These sites are harmful most of the time and it’s a big risk for your PC.
Updating everything else
Thanks to Windows Update, most drivers on your PC should be the most up-to-date version. Therefore, there’s no need to worry about updating your drivers. However still, here’re the steps to follow if you want to manually check for available updates:
- First of all, from Windows taskbar, select “Start”
- Next, select “Settings” (the small gear icon)
- Then, choose 'Updates & Security,' and then 'Check for updates.'