Fix driver problems with Device Manager

A driver is the small piece of software that lets Windows talk to a piece of hardware such as a graphics chip, Wi-Fi card or printer. When a driver is damaged or out of date, the device can stop working. Here is how to find the problem in Device Manager and fix it safely.

Before you start

Most drivers update by themselves through Windows Update, so you often do not need to do anything. Fix a driver when a device stops working, shows a yellow warning mark in Device Manager, or began misbehaving right after an update.

Drivers belong in two places only: Windows Update, and the website of the PC or device maker. Microsoft says to avoid drivers from unofficial websites. Never use a driver updater program or a download site that promises free drivers. These can bring in adware and malware. See safe downloads and fake driver sites.

A bad driver can sometimes cause problems at start-up, so make a restore point first if System Protection is on. See how to back up your files and create a restore point. Allow about 15 minutes.

Find the problem device

1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the categories by selecting the small arrow beside each one, such as Display adapters or Network adapters.
3. Look for a device with a yellow exclamation mark on its icon. That means Windows found a problem with it.
4. Double-click that device. On the General tab, read the message under Device status. It often includes a code, such as Code 43.

Write down the device name and the code. They help you find the right driver on the maker's website.

Try these fixes in order

Fix 1: Get driver updates from Windows Update

Windows can download recommended drivers for connected hardware by itself. Optional driver updates are not installed automatically, so check for them.

1. On Windows 11, open Settings then Windows Update then Advanced options. On Windows 10, open Settings then Update & Security then Windows Update and select Check for updates.
2. On Windows 11, under Additional options, select Optional updates. On Windows 10, select View optional updates if it appears.
3. If driver updates are listed, tick the ones for your problem device and select the install button.
4. Restart the PC, even if Windows does not ask you to.

Fix 2: Update the driver from Device Manager

1. In Device Manager, right-click the device and select Update driver.
2. Select Search automatically for updated driver software. If Windows finds a driver, it installs it.
3. If nothing is found, select Search for updated drivers on Windows Update and follow the prompts.
4. Select Close and restart.

If Windows says the right driver is already installed, the driver can still be faulty. Go on to Fix 3 or Fix 4.

Fix 3: Roll back the driver

Use this if the problem began after a driver or Windows update. It returns to the previous driver. You need to be signed in as an administrator.

1. In Device Manager, right-click the device and select Properties.
2. Open the Driver tab.
3. Select Roll Back Driver. If it is grayed out, no earlier driver is stored, so use Fix 4 instead.
4. Choose a reason, select Yes, and restart if asked.

Fix 4: Uninstall the device and let Windows reinstall it

This removes the driver and makes Windows install it afresh. Save your work first. For a graphics or network device, the screen may flicker or the internet may drop until Windows reinstalls it. If the network card is the problem, download the maker's driver on another device and copy it over on a USB drive first.

1. In Device Manager, right-click the device and select Uninstall device.
2. Read the box. If it offers a tick box to delete the driver software, leave it unticked unless you already have the maker's driver. Select Uninstall to confirm.
3. Restart the PC from Start by selecting the power button, then Restart. Windows then tries to reinstall the driver.

Some devices, such as printers, may need to be added again by hand. See how to install printer drivers safely.

Fix 5: Install the maker's driver

If Windows Update has nothing, get the driver from the PC or device maker.

1. Find your model number. On a laptop it is usually on a label on the underside, or in the maker's app.
2. Type the maker's website address yourself, or use the support link printed in the manual. Do not click a search ad. Open the support or drivers page and enter your model.
3. Choose the driver that matches your version of Windows, and whether it is 64-bit. Download it. If it comes as a ZIP file, extract it.
4. Run the installer if there is one. Otherwise, in Device Manager, right-click the device, select Update driver, then Browse my computer for drivers, select Browse... and choose the folder. Select OK, then Next.
5. Restart the PC.

If it still does not work

• If the device is new, check the box or the maker's page to confirm that it supports your version of Windows.
• Try a different USB port or cable for external devices. See USB device not recognized.
• For sound problems, see no sound on Windows.
• If a bad driver causes blue screens, see blue screen errors.
• If Windows Update itself fails, see Windows Update stuck or failing.

Frequently asked questions