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How To Fix A Missing Driver In Windows 10? “
If you’re having trouble with your computer and suspect a missing driver is the cause, don’t worry – this problem is common and fixable. Here’s what you need to know to get your system running smoothly again.
When you buy a new computer or peripheral device, it comes with a set of drivers that ensure it can communicate properly with your operating system. Drivers are essential for everything from printing documents to playing video games. However, sometimes drivers can go missing, causing issues with your computer’s performance.
What are drivers?
A driver is a small piece of software that allows your operating system to communicate with hardware devices, such as printers, scanners, and graphics cards. Without drivers, these devices would not work properly, or at all.
There are several symptoms that can indicate a missing driver:
- Your computer crashes or freezes
- You can’t print or scan documents
- Your computer is slow or unresponsive
- Audio or video isn’t working
- Your device isn’t recognized by your computer
- If you’re experiencing any of these issues, a missing driver could be the cause.
Check for Windows updates
Before you start looking for missing drivers, make sure your computer is up to date. Windows updates often include driver updates that can fix issues with your computer. To check for updates:
Go to Settings
- Click on Update & Security
- Click on Windows Update
- Click on Check for updates
- If there are updates available, download and install them.
Use Device Manager to find and install missing drivers
Device Manager is a built-in Windows tool that can help you find and install missing drivers. Here’s how:
Go to Device Manager (you can find it by searching for it in the Start menu)
Look for any devices with a yellow exclamation mark next to them – this indicates that there is a problem with the driver
- Right-click on the device and select Update Driver
- Select Search automatically for updated driver software
- Windows will search for and install the missing driver
- If Windows can’t find the missing driver, try the next method.
Use manufacturer’s website to download and install missing drivers
If Device Manager can’t find the missing driver, you can try downloading it directly from the manufacturer’s website. Here’s how:
- Go to the manufacturer’s website
- Look for a Support or Downloads section
- Enter your device’s model number or name
- Look for the appropriate driver and download it
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the driver
Use third-party software to update drivers
If you’re not comfortable manually installing drivers, you can use third-party software to do it for you. These programs scan your computer for missing or outdated drivers and automatically download and install them. Some popular options include Driver Booster and Driver Easy.
Reinstall Windows
If all else fails, you can try reinstalling Windows. This will wipe your computer clean and install a fresh copy of Windows, including all the necessary drivers. However, this is a drastic solution and should only be done as a last resort.
Preventing future driver issues
Keep your computer current with all the latest updates to prevent driver problems in the future. This includes Windows updates and driver updates from the manufacturers. Third-party software can be used to keep your drivers current automatically.
Also, it’s a good idea not to install any new software or hardware without consulting the manufacturer. When installing new hardware, make sure to only download drivers from trusted sources.
Conclusion
Although missing drivers can be frustrating, they are usually easily fixed. Follow these steps to identify missing drivers and avoid future problems. If you still have trouble, do not hesitate to contact a professional or manufacturer’s support team.