ARCHIVED: How do I obtain and update my device drivers?
A device driver is a program that allows an operating system to communicate with hardware devices. To view the hardware devices on your computer, as well as the status of each device's driver, open your ARCHIVED: Device Manager.
Note: The following instructions require you to have a working Internet connection. If you do not have one, see Connect to the internet at IU.
- Updating drivers in Windows 8, 7, and Vista
- Updating drivers in Windows XP
- Updating drivers in Mac OS X
- Downloading drivers online
Updating drivers in Windows 8, 7, and Vista
- In Windows 8, press
Win-q
and select . Alternatively, in Desktop view, move the mouse to the bottom right corner of the screen and select , followed by . - In Windows 7 and Vista, from the Vista, on the left-hand side, select . menu, select . For
- Click or double-click the .
- To update all drivers, select your computer's name, and, from the menu, choose . This should install any missing drivers.
- To update a specific or working driver:
- Double-click the type of device (e.g. network adapter), and then double-click the device itself.
- In the window that opens, from the tab, choose .
- Click . For Vista, also select .
- Click or to finish the installation.
- Restart your computer.
Updating drivers in Windows XP
- From the menu, select .
- On the left-hand side, click . Double-click .
- From the tab, click .
- To update all drivers, select your computer's name. Then, from the menu, choose . This should install any missing drivers.
- To update a specific driver:
- Double-click the type of device (e.g. network adapter), and then double-click the device itself.
- In the window that opens, from the tab, select .
- If you are asked whether to allow Windows to search for software by connecting to Windows Update, choose .
- Select .
- Click to complete the installation.
- Restart your computer.
Updating drivers in Mac OS X
Updating Mac drivers is usually a fairly straightforward process. For drivers not distributed by Apple, see the relevant manufacturer website for your driver; a number of these are listed below.
For drivers that are either part of OS X (e.g., AirPort drivers) or are distributed by Apple (e.g., drivers for Canon cameras), use the Software Update utility, as follows:
- From the Apple menu, select .
- In the window that opens, the individual update choices should be shown; if they are not visible, click .
- Check the respective box for each driver or piece of software you wish to update.
- When you are finished selecting the software to update, click
If the software you selected requires a restart of your computer, you will then be directed to do so.
in the bottom right corner of the window.
Downloading drivers online
If you experience a hardware problem, you may need to obtain new device drivers manually. If you do not already have them, you can download most drivers and their updates from your computer manufacturer's support site; typically, you enter the specific model of your computer, and then find the appropriate drivers to download and install.
Note: Before attempting to download drivers, make sure the correct driver for your network adapter is installed. If it is not, download the drivers from a networked computer, save them to a portable media device, and then install them on your computer. If you are a student, faculty member, or staff member at Indiana University, you can download drivers in the Student Technology Centers (STCs).
Support sites for some common computer manufacturers:
- Acer Service & Support
- ASUS Support
- Compaq Support
- Dell Drivers & Downloads
- Gateway Drivers & Downloads
- HP Support & Drivers
- Toshiba Support
General sites for obtaining drivers:
This is document ahlq in the Knowledge Base.
Last modified on 2018-01-18 12:43:27.