How to Install Missing Drivers on Windows 11

If you’ve been using Windows 11 for a while, you might have noticed that the operating system automatically detects and installs most drivers during updates. You can also manage your device drivers using the Device Manager.

However, sometimes the update process might not go smoothly, resulting in missing drivers. If you’ve connected a new device to your PC and Windows 11 fails to recognize it, the necessary drivers may not be installed, leading to improper device functioning.

In such cases, you will need to manually locate and install the missing drivers on Windows 11. Below are four methods to help you do that.

1. Download & Install Missing Drivers via Windows Update
One of the simplest methods for installing missing drivers on Windows 11 is through Windows Update. Follow these steps to download and install any missing drivers:

1. Click the Start button and select Settings.
2. In the Settings window, navigate to the Windows Update tab on the left side.
3. On the right, click on Advanced Options.
4. Scroll down to the Additional Options section and click on Optional Updates.
5. If any driver updates are available, they will be listed under Driver Updates.
6. Click Download & Install to install the missing driver.

2. Install Missing Drivers via Device Manager
The Device Manager is a built-in tool that allows you to manage all your device drivers. It can help you install missing drivers, as well as update or roll back existing ones. Here’s how to use Device Manager to install missing drivers:

1. Search for Device Manager in the Windows 11 search bar and open the app from the results.
2. In the Device Manager window, locate and right-click on the device that’s missing a driver.
3. Select Update Driver from the context menu.
4. In the next window, choose Search automatically for drivers. If you already have the missing driver saved, choose Browse my computer for drivers.
5. If you selected the second option, browse for the folder containing the driver and click Next.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

3. Download Missing Drivers from the Official Website
If you’ve recently installed new hardware, such as a sound card or graphics card, and it’s not functioning due to missing drivers, the best approach is to download the required drivers directly from the manufacturer’s website.

For example, if you need a GPU driver, visit the official website of your GPU manufacturer (like NVIDIA or AMD), and download the latest version of the driver. Follow these steps:

1. Identify the make and model of the hardware requiring drivers.
2. Search for the driver on Google or visit the manufacturer’s official website.
3. Download the appropriate driver for your device.
4. Install the downloaded driver and restart your computer.

4. Use Third-Party Driver Updater Tools
Another method to install missing drivers is by using third-party driver updater tools. These tools can automatically detect missing or outdated drivers and update them for you. Many of the driver updater tools compatible with Windows 10 will also work on Windows 11.

You can find various free driver updater tools online. However, ensure that you download them from trusted sources to avoid installing any unwanted software. We’ve already compiled a list of the best driver updater tools for Windows on ugamasontech that you can explore to find the right one for your needs.

By following these methods, you can quickly install any missing drivers on your Windows 11 device, ensuring your hardware works properly. Learn More