How do I obtain and update my device drivers?

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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 Device Manager.

Note: The following instructions require you to have a working Internet connection. If you do not have one, see Connecting to the Internet at IU.

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Downloading drivers online (recommended)

As a consequence of formatting a hard drive, or for other reasons, you may need to obtain new device drivers manually. If you do not already have drivers, you can download most drivers and driver updates from your computer manufacturer's support site. To obtain device drivers from a manufacturer's support site, you will typically need to 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 installed, 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).

Following are support sites for some common computer manufacturers:

Following are some additional, general sites for obtaining drivers:

For help at Indiana University Bloomington, contact the UITS Support Center at 812-855-6789, or send email to ithelp@iu.edu . At IUPUI, send email to the same address, or phone the UITS Support Center at 317-274-4357.

Updating drivers in Windows 7 and Vista

From the Start menu, select Control Panel.
For Windows 7, switch to Small Icons view. For Vista, on the left-hand side, select Switch to Classic View.
Click (Windows 7) or double-click (Vista) the Device Manager.
To update all drivers, select your computer's name, and, from the Action menu, choose Scan for Hardware Changes. This should install any missing drivers.
To update a specific or working driver:
1. Double-click the type of device (e.g. network adapter), and then double-click the device itself.
2. In the window that opens, from the Driver tab, choose Update Driver... .
3. Click Search automatically for updated driver software. For Vista, also select Always search online.
4. Click Close (Windows 7) or Finish (Vista) to finish the installation.
Restart your computer.

Updating drivers in Windows XP

From the Start menu, select Control Panel.
On the left-hand side, click Switch to Classic View. Double-click System.
From the Hardware tab, click Device Manager.
To update all drivers, select your computer's name. Then, from the Action menu, choose Scan for Hardware Changes. This should install any missing drivers.
To update a specific driver:
1. Double-click the type of device (e.g. network adapter), and then double-click the device itself.
2. In the window that opens, from the Driver tab, select Update Driver... .
3. If you are asked whether to allow Windows to search for software by connecting to Windows Update, choose Yes, now and every time I connect a device.
4. Select Install the software automatically
5. Click Finish 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 the OS X software (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 Software Update... .
In the window that opens, the individual update choices should be shown; if they are not visible, click Show Details.
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 Install in the bottom right corner of the window.
If the software you selected requires a restart of your computer, you will then be directed to do so.

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Last modified on February 09, 2012.