How to update drivers safely on Windows (without a driver updater)
Use Windows Update's optional driver updates first, then your PC maker's support page, and get graphics drivers directly from NVIDIA, AMD or Intel. Skip "driver updater" programs. Make a restore point before you install.
The safest order
- Windows Update. Settings, Windows Update, Advanced options, Optional updates, Driver updates. These come from Microsoft's catalogue, are signed, and match your hardware.
- Your PC or laptop maker. For chipset, touchpad, Wi-Fi and firmware on a branded laptop, use the maker's support page (Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS and so on) and enter your model.
- The chip maker, for graphics. Get NVIDIA, AMD or Intel graphics drivers directly from their own sites or apps.
Why to avoid "driver updater" programs
- Many show a scary scan, then ask you to pay to install what Windows Update would give you free.
- Some install the wrong driver, or an unsigned or old one, which can cause crashes or boot problems.
- Many bundle other software. You are trusting an unknown site with something that runs with full system access.
Do you even need to update drivers?
Often not. If the PC works, a new driver mostly adds risk. Update when you have a reason: a device that is not working, a game that needs a newer graphics driver, or a security fix.
Before you install one
- Make a restore point. Search for "Create a restore point", select your system drive, and choose Create.
- Note the current version in Device Manager, under the device's Properties, Driver tab.
How to roll back a bad driver
- Open Device Manager, right-click the device, choose Properties.
- On the Driver tab, choose Roll Back Driver. If it is greyed out, use the restore point instead.
The same thing in Trimmel
Trimmel's Drivers page lists your installed drivers and checks Windows Update for newer ones, so every update is signed and matched to your hardware. Before it installs what you pick, it tries to make a System Restore point, warns you on a metered connection, and shows each step. It does not accept licence terms for you. Updates that need that are left to Windows Update.
Related guides
- How to move an installed program to another drive on Windows
- How to free up disk space on Windows 11 (and what is safe to delete)
- Which startup programs can you safely disable on Windows?
- Is it safe to delete Temp, SoftwareDistribution and Windows.old files?
- Trimmel vs Microsoft PC Manager vs BleachBit
Check Windows Update for drivers
Trimmel lists your drivers and installs signed updates from Windows Update, with a restore point first.
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