Updating your USB drivers on Windows 10 is an essential step to ensure your USB devices function correctly, improve performance, and fix connectivity issues. Whether you’re experiencing unrecognized devices, slow data transfer, or peripheral malfunctions, updating the drivers can resolve these problems and enhance overall system stability. Before starting, make sure your PC is connected to the internet, as some updates may require online access. Additionally, it’s recommended to create a system restore point as a precaution against unexpected issues during the update process.
What You’ll Need
- Windows 10 PC with administrative privileges
- Active internet connection (for downloading drivers, if necessary)
- Optional: Driver backup tool or system restore point (recommended for safety)
Step-by-Step
- Open Device Manager: Press Windows key + X and select “Device Manager” from the menu. Alternatively, type “Device Manager” into the Windows search bar and click the result.
- Locate the Universal Serial Bus controllers section: Scroll down to find “Universal Serial Bus controllers.” Click the arrow to expand the list.
- Select the USB device or controller to update: Right-click on the specific device or controller associated with your USB device. If unsure, select the main USB controller (e.g., “Intel USB 3.0 eXtensible Host Controller”).
- Choose “Update driver”: From the context menu, click on “Update driver.”
- Pick how to search for drivers: In the update window, select “Search automatically for updated driver software.” Windows will then search online and locally for the latest driver version.
- Allow Windows to install updates: If Windows finds a newer driver, it will download and install it automatically. Follow any on-screen prompts. If no updates are found, you can try visiting the manufacturer’s website for your motherboard or USB controller for manual downloads.
- Optional – Manually install drivers: If you have downloaded a driver file from the manufacturer, select “Browse my computer for driver software” and navigate to the downloaded file location. Follow the prompts to complete the installation.
- Restart your computer: After updating the drivers, restart your PC to ensure changes take effect and the new drivers are properly loaded.
- Verify the update: Return to Device Manager, right-click the device, select “Properties,” and check the driver version under the “Driver” tab to confirm the update was successful.
Common Mistakes
- Updating the wrong driver: Ensure you select the correct device or controller related to your USB device.
- Ignoring driver backup: Not backing up drivers before updating can make it difficult to revert if issues occur.
- Forgetting to restart: Always restart after driver updates to complete the installation process.
- Downloading incompatible drivers: Always use drivers compatible with Windows 10 and your device model to prevent conflicts.
- Skipping driver verification: Not verifying the driver version after update can lead to using outdated or incorrect drivers.
Tips
- Regularly check for driver updates, especially after Windows updates or hardware changes.
- Use the manufacturer’s official website for the most reliable drivers.
- Create a system restore point before updating drivers to revert changes if needed.
- Use Windows Update as an alternative for driver updates, especially for common devices.
- Keep your Windows 10 system and drivers up to date to ensure optimal hardware compatibility.
Troubleshooting
If updating your USB drivers does not resolve issues or causes new problems, try these steps:
- Uninstall and reinstall the driver: In Device Manager, right-click the device, select “Uninstall device,” then restart your PC. Windows will attempt to reinstall the driver automatically.
- Use the System File Checker: Open Command Prompt as administrator, type “sfc /scannow,” and press Enter. This repairs corrupted system files that may affect driver functionality.
- Update Windows: Ensure your Windows 10 is fully updated, as updates often include driver improvements and fixes.
- Check for hardware issues: Test the USB device on another PC or try a different USB port to rule out hardware failure.
- Use the manufacturer’s troubleshooting tools: Many hardware manufacturers provide diagnostic tools or software updates for their devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I know if my USB drivers need updating?
If your USB devices are not recognized, are slow, or disconnect frequently, it may indicate outdated or corrupted drivers. You can also check the driver version in Device Manager and compare it with the latest version on the manufacturer’s website.
2. Can I update USB drivers manually?
Yes. Download the latest driver from the device or motherboard manufacturer’s website, then in Device Manager, select “Update driver” > “Browse my computer for driver software” and locate the downloaded file.
3. Is it safe to update drivers automatically?
Generally, yes. Windows Update and Device Manager are designed to install compatible drivers. However, always download drivers from official sources to avoid malware or incompatible versions.
4. What should I do if the driver update causes problems?
Use System Restore to revert to a previous state, uninstall the problematic driver, or check for updates from the manufacturer. Always back up drivers or create a restore point before updating.
5. How often should I update my USB drivers?
Update drivers when you notice issues, after major Windows updates, or when manufacturers release new versions. Regular checks every few months can help maintain optimal hardware performance.
6. Can updating drivers improve USB transfer speeds?
Yes, outdated drivers can cause slow data transfer rates. Updating to the latest drivers can improve performance and fix known bugs affecting transfer speeds.
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