How to Install Windows drivers

Install Windows drivers is one of the most common update tasks. This straightforward process is explained in this article. Base on it and install Windows drivers easy. Note, here we offer the steps for installing drivers on Windows XP. But all Windows versions have some similarities. So, if you are not using XP, it should not cause serious difficulties.

Before you start to install a driver, make sure that it is the right driver. Your driver should be match the operational system that you use and your device make and model. You can find the model number etc of an external piece of hardware on top or maybe under the unit. You should also be certain that you really need to change over your driver. If you have something with a BETA in the title, it means "in testing" or "unstable" in computer jargon. Perhaps, some errors are not ironed out. It is not usually recommended to take it into consideration if an existing driver is doing the job.

So, if you are sure that you need some new driver, you may find the necessary one on the Internet. After you downloaded the driver, we highly recommend to scan the file with your virus scanner. If it is all right, save it to the desktop or a certain folder. If you have the driver on a CD Rom that came with the device, just put it in the drive and follow the instructions.

There are two types of drivers. The first type means drivers that come as part of an executable file (ending with .exe). Just double click on the file name. It should do the job automatically, but read all questions that it asks you. In order the change to take effect, it will ask you periodically to reboot your computer.

The other type of drivers requires manual install unlike in the previous type. But we provide you with all the steps to install drivers manually, so that it will not be hard. You will need the "Device Manager". To find it, click on "Start", then "Control Panel", then "Performance and Maintenance" and finally, click on "System". After that, the new window will be opened. Now you can see several tabs. Find the tab marked "Hardware" where you can see the "Device Manager". To bring it up, click on the name. You also can use this method in all windows set ups. All you need to do is to click "Start", then choose "Run" and type devmgmt.msc in the box. The device manager will be brought up.

The device manager contains all the devices you have. You can double click on them to open a further window that lists the device properties. When you click the tab for driver, you will get all the necessary details. You can see the suggestion that Windows initiates a search via the Microsoft website. Due to the fact that you already have the file or disk, decline the offer and click "Next". If you have the disc, choose it on the next screen. If you are looking for the file you have downloaded, select the option to select from a list. Then you will get the offer to search for you again. Select "No". Now find the driver where you have saved it. Note, look for the file ending .inf. Double click on it and wait for the installation. That is it.

In addition, pay attention that there is also an option in the device manager window to return to the previous driver. If the driver updating seems to have made things worse, it will be good to use this option.