Outdated software or drivers? How to Update Them

Work out whether the warning concerns Windows, one app, a hardware driver, or an external device such as a printer.

Record the exact error, app and device names, manufacturer and model number. Include the Windows version if it is shown.

For a fault affecting one device, start with its driver. When several apps or devices have problems, begin with Windows Update.

1. From Start, open Settings > Windows Update on the left and choose Check for updates.
2. Wait for the check. Let available updates download and choose Install if offered.
3. Keep a laptop connected to power and leave the computer on throughout installation.
4. If Windows requests it, choose Restart now. After it starts again, return to Windows Update and check again until it reports that Windows is up to date. More than one restart may be needed.

Windows Update supplies system updates and many approved drivers. Windows 11 also keeps some drivers under Windows Update > Advanced options > Additional options > Optional updates.

Under Driver updates, review the list and select updates for the device with the fault. Choose Download and install and wait for it to finish. Restart after installation, using the final restart-and-test step below. Leave optional drivers alone if you do not recognise the device or they have no connection to the problem.

Open Start, select the search box, type Device Manager and open the matching result. It lists installed hardware and problems Windows has detected.

Categories include Printers, Print queues, Display adapters, Network adapters, Sound, video and game controllers, Cameras, Bluetooth, Keyboards, Mice and other pointing devices, and Universal Serial Bus controllers.

Look for a yellow exclamation-mark triangle, an unknown device, an entry under Other devices, a missing device or an error message. A yellow warning generally means Windows has detected a hardware or driver problem.

1. Expand the affected device's category with its arrow.
2. Right-click the device and choose Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.
3. Wait for the search and follow the prompts, including a restart if requested.

If Windows says its best driver is already installed, continue with the manufacturer's download in the next step.

If one application has the fault, update that application directly.

Microsoft Store app: open Start > Microsoft Store and select Check for updates. Wait for the check and let the app update. Open it again and test.

App with its own updater: open it and look under Help, Settings, About or Account. Its update command might be called Check for updates, Update or Check for new version. Select that command, follow its instructions and restart the app when finished.

Use only the app's official update function or its developer's official website.

Reinstallation is for a corrupted driver or a device that still fails after updating. Do not uninstall a device you cannot identify, or one for which you have no replacement driver.

1. In Device Manager, expand the affected category and right-click the device.
2. Choose Uninstall device, read its warning carefully and select Uninstall to confirm.
3. Restart Windows. It may reinstall the driver automatically. Otherwise, use the installer downloaded from the manufacturer's official site.
4. Test the device once its driver is installed.

To review the installed driver, expand the device's category in Device Manager, right-click it and open Properties > Driver. Check Driver Provider, Driver Date, Driver Version and Digital Signer. These details can help confirm the driver matches the manufacturer and device.

1. Save your work and close the open apps.
2. Choose Start > Power > Restart.
3. Wait until Windows has fully started, then test the affected device or application.

Depending on the fault, print a test page, open the app, connect the USB device, try Wi-Fi, play audio, open the camera or check the display resolution.