How to Update Network Drivers in Windows

Read this article all the way through to learn how to Update Network Drivers in Windows 11/10. Imagine how frustrating it would be if Windows couldn’t connect to the Internet. This could be a problem after you install Windows. Users of Windows often say they have trouble connecting to networks, which is usually caused by wrong or out-of-date network adapter drivers. So, what steps can be taken to fix this problem? Professionals and regular Windows users agree that updating your network drivers could fix your connection problems.

On Windows 11/10, a device driver is a group of files that tell the system how to interact with certain hardware (like a graphics card, hard drive, or network adapter) and peripherals, like mice, keyboards, printers, monitors, and many others. Most of the time, Windows will automatically find and install devices by using the local basic driver library and Windows Update. But you may have to update some controllers by hand at times. For example, when Windows 10 doesn’t recognize a part, when a device stops working after an upgrade, when Windows Update installs a generic package, or when you need to quickly apply a critical how to Update Network Drivers in Windows.

Why Update Network Drivers?

1. Performance: Newer drivers often come with performance optimizations that can enhance the speed and efficiency of your network connection. They can help reduce latency and improve overall network performance.
2. Compatibility: Operating systems and software applications are constantly evolving. Updating network drivers ensures compatibility with the latest operating system updates and software releases, preventing potential conflicts or issues.
3. Bug Fixes: Driver updates often include fixes for known bugs and issues. Updating your network drivers can help resolve connectivity problems, intermittent disconnections, and other networking-related issues.
4. Security: Outdated drivers might have vulnerabilities that can be exploited by malicious software. Updated drivers usually come with security patches that help safeguard your system from potential threats.
5. New Features: Driver updates can introduce new features and functionalities to your network adapter. These features could include improved wireless connectivity, better signal strength, and support for advanced networking technologies.
6. Stability: Updated drivers can contribute to a more stable network connection. They can help prevent crashes, freezes, and unexpected behavior while using network-dependent applications.

How to Update Network Drivers in Windows

Automatically Update Your Network Drivers

1. Hold down the Windows key and press the ‘X‘ key.
2. Then, choose ‘Device Manager‘.
3. Right-click the Network Adapter and select the “Update Drivers” option.
4. In the Update Drivers window, choose “Search automatically for drivers.”
5. Once you choose this option, Windows will quickly search for the best drivers for your adapter. If it finds a more recent version of the driver, it will automatically update it.
6. Remember to restart your PC after the update is done so that the changes can take effect.

Manually Update Your Network Drivers

1. Open a web browser and type “(Network Adapter name) drivers” into Google.
2. Visit the official website of the company that made your Network Adapter.
3. Get the latest driver for your version of Windows by clicking on the link below.
4. If the driver folder is compressed (in a.zip file), right-click on it and choose “Extract Here” from the menu that comes up.
5. Open the Device Manager, right-click on the Network Adapter, and choose “Update Driver.”
6. Choose the option “Browse my computer for drivers.”
7. Click “Browse” to bring up File Explorer and find the driver folder.
8. Select the driver folder and make sure the “Include subfolders” box is checked.
9. Click on the “Next” button.
10. Wait until the driver is installed.
11. After the update is done, you will need to restart your PC.

Security Benefits of Keeping Network Drivers Updated

1. Vulnerability Fixes: Updated drivers often include patches for security vulnerabilities that have been discovered since the previous version. Keeping drivers up-to-date helps mitigate the risk of exploits.
2. Bug Fixes: Driver updates can address software bugs that might have security implications. Fixing these bugs can prevent system instability that could be exploited by attackers.
3. Performance Optimization: Outdated drivers might lead to performance issues, potentially creating security vulnerabilities when systems slow down or become unresponsive.
4. Compatibility: Modern network drivers are designed to work with the latest operating systems and security protocols. Updated drivers ensure compatibility with current security standards.
5. Security Enhancements: New drivers often come with improved security features and support for encryption protocols, strengthening data protection during network communication.
6. Intrusion Prevention: Updated drivers can incorporate better intrusion detection mechanisms, helping to identify and block unauthorized access attempts.

Importance of Keeping Network Drivers Up to Date

1. Performance: Updated network drivers often come with performance improvements and optimizations. These improvements can lead to faster and more stable network connections, reducing latency and ensuring smooth online experiences.
2. Compatibility: Newer drivers are designed to work seamlessly with the latest operating systems and software updates. Ensuring your network drivers are up to date helps prevent compatibility issues that could lead to connection problems or system crashes.
3. Security: Outdated drivers may have vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit to gain unauthorized access to your system or network. Manufacturers frequently release driver updates to address security flaws and enhance the overall security of your system.
4. Bug Fixes: Like any software, network drivers can have bugs that might cause connectivity issues or other problems. Driver updates often include bug fixes that address these issues, helping to resolve any ongoing network-related glitches.
5. New Features: Updated drivers can bring new features or functionality to your network adapter. These features can enhance your networking experience, such as improved wireless performance, support for new encryption standards, or advanced network management options.

Conclusion

Follow this step-by-step guide to the end to learn how to update network adapter drivers in Windows 10, 11, and 8. How annoying is it when your Windows computer can’t connect to the internet? In fact, this can be a problem after you upgrade to Windows 10 or 11. Users of Windows 10 have often said that they have trouble connecting to the internet, which is usually caused by out-of-date or broken network adapter drivers. If you want to know more information about this issue so you can visit Microsoft Official Website.

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