When Microsoft Windows can’t automatically find device drivers, you can follow these steps to manually find and install the drivers:
How to Find Device Drivers: Windows Troubleshooting Guide
- Check Windows Update: Before manually searching for drivers, make sure to check for Windows updates. Sometimes, Microsoft releases driver updates through Windows Update, which might resolve the issue. To do this, go to “Settings” > “Update & Security” > “Windows Update” and click on “Check for updates.”
- Use Device Manager: Open “Device Manager” by right-clicking on the “Start” button and selecting “Device Manager.” Look for the problematic device with a yellow exclamation mark or a question mark icon. Right-click on it and select “Update driver.”
- Search Automatically: In the “Update Drivers” window, choose the option “Search automatically for updated driver software.” Windows will then search online for compatible drivers.
- Visit the Manufacturer’s Website: If Windows Update and automatic search fail, visit the website of the device’s manufacturer. Look for a “Support” or “Drivers” section and search for the drivers corresponding to your device model and Windows version. Download the drivers and follow the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer.
- Using Hardware ID: If you cannot identify the device’s manufacturer or model, you can use the Hardware ID to find the correct drivers:
- In “Device Manager,” right-click on the problematic device and select “Properties.”
- Go to the “Details” tab and select “Hardware Ids” from the drop-down menu.
- You’ll see a string of characters like “PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1A2B&SUBSYS_12345678.” This is the Hardware ID.
- Copy the Hardware ID and paste it into your favorite search engine, preferably with the term “driver” included (e.g., “PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1A2B&SUBSYS_12345678 driver”).
- The search results should lead you to websites that provide the necessary drivers for your device.
- Driver Update Software: You can also use third-party driver update software to automatically search and install drivers for your system. However, be cautious when using such software, as some may not be reliable and could install incorrect or outdated drivers. Popular Softwares are DriverPack (formerly DRP.SU) and DriverEasy.
- Driver Database Websites: Several websites maintain driver databases where you can search for and download drivers by specifying your device’s details. Be careful when using such websites and make sure to download drivers from trusted sources. Popular Softwares are DriverPack (formerly DRP.SU) and DriverEasy.
- Contact Support: If you are still unable to find the appropriate drivers, consider contacting the manufacturer’s support for assistance. They might be able to guide you to the correct drivers for your device.
Remember always to be cautious while downloading and installing drivers from the internet. Stick to official manufacturer websites whenever possible to ensure safety and compatibility.
