Windows 10: Reset and update drivers

If a new driver for a particular device does not work properly, the easiest way to eliminate the problems is to return to the previous installation. In Windows Search, tap Device Manager at the bottom left, and then start the tool from the selection screen. Search for the driver problems in the list. Click the right mouse button and select Properties from the context menu. In the window that follows, go to the Drivers tab and use the Previous Drivers button. This works only if a previous version of the driver is already present. The function is also available in Windows 7 and 8.x.


The manual installation of new drivers works analogously via the same context menu with the item Update driver software. Find the drivers on the manufacturer's website. There you will find a guaranteed current version and make sure that the driver has not been manipulated. Some download sites on the Internet offer alternative versions that install malicious software in the background. Never use such packages. To detect the hardware, use the portable Speccy tool. Use the menu in the left window to display the information on the existing hardware components. These include the drives, graphics cards or the sound unit.


Notebook owners call up the Internet offerings of the manufacturer. Many vendors like Dell or Lenovo offer a special service. You can search for the appropriate drivers via the serial number of the device. The number is usually found on the back of the unit. Look carefully for the versions that are compatible with Windows 10. Most vendors provide these updates. Always search for the appropriate version of Windows: 32 or 64 Bit. You will also find the Speccy tool for information about the used Windows. Or you open the Windows Explorer and right-click on this PC. From the context menu, select Properties - and Windows displays the installed version in the window. This also works with Windows 7 or 8.x.


Load and unpack the drivers into a temporary directory. Go to the device manager and start the installation via the context menu of the device. In the following query, select Search for driver software from the computer. Navigate to the directory containing the files and confirm with the OK button. Windows searches for the appropriate driver.


The operating system includes all subdirectories. Confirm the selection and follow the instructions to complete the installation. Alternatively, use DriverMax Pro to search for and download driver updates.