Windows 10: Updating drivers - how do I do this?

Why is it so important to update device drivers regularly?
A computer is made up of many different hardware components. Input devices such as keyboard and mouse, graphics and sound cards and much more are included. The PC's operating system must be able to recognize all these components from countless manufacturers and, of course, control and manage them to ensure smooth operation. Device drivers are the files that enable mutual communication between the computer and the connected components. If these interfaces do not work properly or are out of date, malfunctions will occur. It is therefore extremely important that all device drivers are updated regularly. Experts, such as various manufacturers of printer cartridges, graphics cards, plotters or storage media also recommend this measure.

What problems can be caused by outdated drivers?
In simple terms, drivers function like interpreters: they translate the language of the hardware for the computer so that it can understand it. In the case of a printer, for example, the PC recognizes which print mode the device is in or when it is switched on so that the files to be printed can be transferred. If the drivers are no longer up to date or the software contains an error, serious malfunctions may occur. Under certain circumstances, the sound or image reproduction of graphics and sound cards may no longer work correctly, error messages may appear when using the printer or the DVD drive may simply no longer be recognized. In the worst case, the user may even have to reckon with a fatal system crash. It is therefore extremely important to regularly check the drivers for updates so that the hardware can continue to be used safely and correctly.

For which devices and PC peripherals are up-to-date drivers particularly important and why?
While a few PC peripherals continue to function even without the latest drivers, there are other hardware components for which it is essential that they are updated regularly. These include, for example, the graphics and sound card, because if malfunctions occur here due to out-of-date drivers, it is usually not possible to pass on either sound or images. The hard disk is another component that should always be up to date. An outdated driver can lead to a noticeable reduction in the computer's performance. Last but not least, the printer and input devices such as the mouse and keyboard are also components that only work properly with up-to-date drivers.

What are the options for updating the drivers in Windows 10? As a rule, the operating system always ensures that all necessary drivers are kept up to date as part of its updates. This means, for example, that printer drivers are updated automatically under Windows 10. However, if there are problems installing the updates, it is necessary to update the drivers manually. This can be done in the Control Panel of the Device Manager. The individual hardware components are listed here by category. You can also create system restore points and deactivate or move automatic updates. By right-clicking on the hardware to be updated, the sub-item "Update drivers" can be found under "Drivers". Once this has been selected, an automatic update of the driver is checked and carried out. As soon as the field is highlighted in gray, the driver is finally up to date.

What is the difference between automatic and manual updating in Windows 10?
Windows offers numerous drivers by default, which are already included with the operating system. These standard drivers ensure that the user can connect a specific device in most cases and does not have to worry about installing the driver. This function is also known as Plug & Play: Plug in and go. However, if there are any problems with the automatic driver update, the user must do it themselves and - as described above - manually search for available updates.

Final remark...
If the computer malfunctions, the cause may be due to outdated drivers. In order to avoid serious subsequent problems, the user should ensure that the drivers are up to date.