Complete Guide to Updating USB Drivers in Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

Introduction

Welcome to the Complete Guide to Updating USB Drivers in Windows 10. This step-by-step tutorial will walk you through the process of checking and updating your USB drivers on your Windows 10 computer. USB drivers are essential for the proper functioning of USB devices, and keeping them updated is crucial for optimal performance and compatibility.

Overview of USB Drivers

USB drivers are software programs that allow your computer to communicate with USB devices such as printers, scanners, keyboards, and external storage devices. They act as a bridge between the hardware and the operating system, enabling the transfer of data and the execution of commands.

Importance of Keeping USB Drivers Updated

Updating USB drivers is important for several reasons:

• Compatibility: Newer USB drivers often include compatibility improvements for the latest devices and operating system updates.
• Performance: Updated drivers can enhance the performance and stability of USB devices, resulting in faster data transfer speeds and fewer errors.
• Security: Outdated drivers may have vulnerabilities that can be exploited by malicious software. Updating drivers helps protect your system from potential security risks.

Checking Current USB Driver Version

Before updating your USB drivers, it's essential to check the current driver version on your system. Here's how:

Accessing Device Manager

1. Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard and select "Device Manager" from the menu that appears.

2. In the Device Manager window, expand the "Universal Serial Bus controllers" category.

Locating USB Controllers

1. Look for entries with "USB Root Hub" or "USB Host Controller" in their names. These are the USB controllers installed on your system.

Checking USB Driver Version

1. Right-click on a USB controller and select "Properties" from the context menu.

2. In the Properties window, go to the "Driver" tab.

3. The driver version will be displayed under the "Driver Version" or "Driver Date" section.

4. Note down the driver version for reference.

Updating USB Drivers

Now that you have checked the current USB driver version, you can proceed with updating the drivers. There are two methods for updating USB drivers: automatic and manual.

Automatic Driver Update

The automatic driver update method allows Windows to search for and install the latest USB driver updates for your system. Here's how:

Using Windows Update

1. Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open the Settings app.

2. Click on "Update & Security."

3. In the left sidebar, select "Windows Update."

4. Click on the "Check for updates" button.

5. Windows will now search for available updates, including USB driver updates.

Configuring Windows Update Settings

1. In the Windows Update settings, click on "Advanced options."

2. Under the "Choose how updates are installed" section, select "Automatic (recommended)."

3. Ensure that the "Give me updates for other Microsoft products when I update Windows" option is enabled.

Installing USB Driver Updates

1. If Windows finds any USB driver updates, it will automatically download and install them.

2. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

Manual Driver Update

If the automatic driver update method does not find the latest USB driver updates or if you prefer more control over the update process, you can manually update the USB drivers. Here's how:

Downloading the Latest USB Drivers

1. Visit the website of your computer manufacturer or the USB device manufacturer.

2. Navigate to the support or downloads section of the website.

3. Locate the latest USB driver for your specific model and operating system.

4. Download the driver to a location on your computer.

Uninstalling Old USB Drivers

1. Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard and select "Device Manager" from the menu that appears.

2. In the Device Manager window, expand the "Universal Serial Bus controllers" category.

3. Right-click on the USB controller you want to update and select "Uninstall device" from the context menu.

4. Check the box that says "Delete the driver software for this device" and click "Uninstall."

5. Repeat this process for all USB controllers you want to update.

Installing the Updated USB Drivers

1. Locate the downloaded USB driver file on your computer.

2. Double-click on the file to initiate the installation process.

3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Troubleshooting USB Driver Update Issues

If you encounter any problems during the USB driver update process, here are some common issues and their solutions:

Common Problems and Solutions

1. Problem: The USB driver installation fails or encounters errors.

Solution: Try restarting your computer and running the installation process again. If the issue persists, check the manufacturer's website for any troubleshooting guides or contact their support for assistance.

2. Problem: The USB device is not recognized after updating the drivers.

Solution: Try unplugging and reconnecting the USB device. If that doesn't work, restart your computer. If the problem persists, try using a different USB port or contact the device manufacturer for further assistance.

Rolling Back USB Driver Updates

If you experience compatibility issues or encounter problems with the updated USB drivers, you can roll back to the previous version. Here's how:

1. Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard and select "Device Manager" from the menu that appears.

2. In the Device Manager window, expand the "Universal Serial Bus controllers" category.

3. Right-click on the USB controller with the updated driver and select "Properties" from the context menu.

4. Go to the "Driver" tab and click on the "Roll Back Driver" button.

5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the rollback process.

Conclusion

Importance of Regularly Updating USB Drivers

Regularly updating your USB drivers is essential for optimal performance, compatibility, and security. By keeping your drivers up to date, you can ensure that your USB devices function properly and efficiently.

Final Tips for Successful USB Driver Updates

Here are some final tips to ensure successful USB driver updates:

• Always create a system restore point before updating drivers to revert back in case of any issues.
• Download drivers only from trusted sources, such as the manufacturer's official website.
• Follow the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer.
• Restart your computer after installing or updating drivers to apply the changes.