How to Backup and Restore Drivers on Windows 10

Learning how to backup and restore drivers on windows 10 doesn't have to be complicated. This updated guide presents a clear workflow, practical checks, and troubleshooting advice you can use while completing the process.

Step by Step Instructions

You will need to log into your account as an Admin before you begin.

1. Using CMD & PowerShell

- Create a Driver-Backups folder and save it to any drive, not the drive where Windows is installed. - Open Command Prompt as Admin and run the following command: dism /online /export-driver /destination:"Driver-Backups folder path".

Note, in the above command " Driver-Backups folder path " is the folder path you created. Suppose if you create a folder in drive D, the path will be " D:Driver-Backups ".

The above command will export all the drivers on your Windows 10 computer to a folder. Once completed, a message will appear confirming the successful export. You can back up this folder and store it on a cloud service to protect your data.

The command only supports.inf files. Windows Installer or other file formats (such as.exe) are not supported.

Although the tool allows exporting all drivers, it doesn't support reinstallation. The /add-driver option only works with Windows 10 ISO images. You can use the command below if you create an ISO file and want to install it.

Open Command Prompt with Admin rights and navigate to the driver backup folder. Then, run the following command: dism /ISOIMAGENAME /Add-Driver /Driver:"Driver-Backups folder path" /Recurse.

Alternatively, you can also use PowerShell instead of Command Prompt. Run the following command in PowerShell to back up the driver: Export-WindowsDriver -Online -Destination "Driver-Backup folder path".

2. Restore Driver on Windows 10

First press Windows + X and select Device Manager.

Next right-select the device you want to install, then click Update driver.

Now you will have 2 options: automatic installation and manual installation. Select Browse my computer for drivers software.

On the next window that appears on the screen, copy and paste the folder path and select the option to include subfolders.

Click Next.

Device Manager will search for available driver versions for your hardware and install them.

3. Use support software

If you don't want to use Command Prompt or PowerShell or you simply want to find an easier solution to backup Windows 10 drivers, in this case you can consider using 3rd party software.

Free Driver Backup is the software that Free Download wants to introduce to you. In addition to drivers, the software can also back up cookies, registry,.

Additionally, you can also try some other software like Driver Sweeper or Double Driver to easily backup and restore drivers on Windows 10.

Final Thoughts

The most reliable way to handle backup and restore drivers on windows 10 is to follow the process in order, verify each important setting, and test the result before moving on. Use the guidance above as a practical reference, then adjust the details for your device, software version, or specific goal.