Device drivers are small pieces of software that act as an intermediary between the operating system and hardware components and peripherals attached to a computer. Every piece of hardware needs a device driver to function. The driver sends commands to the hardware telling it how to perform specific tasks and functions

Hardware manufacturers release driver updates to address problems or provide enhancements to the hardware.

Windows computers come with a library of drivers and when you purchase a new computer the device drivers are already installed. If you attach a new device to your computer Windows will detect the new device and try to match an existing driver to it. If Windows cannot locate an appropriate driver, you will be prompted to supply the driver. You can do this by using a CD that was included in the package with the new hardware or by visiting the manufacturers website to download the driver.

Updated drivers can resolve issues, improve computer speed and performance, add new features, improve stability and enhance security. If you are having trouble with a particular piece of hardware a driver update can often fix the problem. Drivers also address security issues, if the manufacturer finds a security vulnerability with a driver, they release an update to fix the vulnerability.

You may need to updated drivers if you are upgrading to a newer version of the Windows operating system. An older driver that was designed to work with the previous operating system may not work after the upgrade.

Be Cautious When Updating

There are a lot of driver updaters online that are dangerous, they can contain malware. These programs offer to scan your system and download any necessary driver updates, some charge a fee. Don’t use these programs. And never respond to a pop-up in your browser informing you that your drivers are out of date.

Where to Get Drivers

The only reputable place to get driver updates is through a Windows update or directly from the manufacturer’s website. Don’t look for driver updates using a search engine, the search results can direct you to shady or malicious websites.