How to download, update and troubleshoot USB drivers on Windows 10

USB devices have become indispensable in our daily lives, allowing us to connect a variety of essential hardware to our PCs.

Therefore, to ensure optimal performance and compatibility, it is important to install the latest USB drivers.

To solve this problem, TipsMake.com will present the tools and knowledge needed to download and update USB drivers easily.

How to download USB drivers from official sources

There are several official sources you can go to to get the latest USB drivers for your Windows 10 PC. So let's discover how to get them.

1. Find out the manufacturer and model number of the USB device

Start by identifying the manufacturer of your USB device. This information is usually found on the device itself, its packaging, or the manufacturer's documentation.

If you can't find the model name anywhere in these, plug your USB device into your PC. Then, open Device Manager and find your device on it. This will usually provide the full name of the USB device manufacturer and model.

Picture 1 of How to download, update and troubleshoot USB drivers on Windows 10

 

2. Find the USB device driver

The first place to visit is the official website of the USB device manufacturer. Look for the "support" or "downloads" section that contains the driver. Then locate the driver that matches your USB device type and model.

Picture 2 of How to download, update and troubleshoot USB drivers on Windows 10

Manufacturers usually sort their drivers by device type and model number. This makes it easy to choose a driver specifically designed for your operating system.

After selecting the appropriate driver, start the download process by clicking on the provided link or button. Some manufacturers may ask you to accept terms and conditions or provide information about your device before the download begins.

In any case, save the downloaded driver file to a location on your computer that you can easily access. If the driver is compressed in a zip file, use the built-in decompression tool in Windows 10 or third-party software to extract the file.

 

You can also visit the Microsoft Downloads Center. Find the specific page dedicated to Windows 10 drivers. Here you will find many drivers designed to work seamlessly with your operating system.

Picture 3 of How to download, update and troubleshoot USB drivers on Windows 10

Search for the specific USB driver you need based on your device's make and model. Then follow the instructions provided to start the download. Then, save the driver file to a convenient location on your computer and extract the contents.

How to install USB driver on Windows 10

Picture 4 of How to download, update and troubleshoot USB drivers on Windows 10

 

Although Windows 10 provides built-in drivers for most USB devices, downloading and installing manufacturer-specific drivers can provide additional benefits. Finally, here's how you can install the USB driver on your Windows 10 PC.

1. Install the driver you downloaded

Locate the USB driver file in the Downloads folder or any other specified location during the download. Double-click the USB driver file to launch the installation wizard, which will guide you through the necessary steps.

During the installation process, you may be prompted to review and accept the license agreement. Take the time to carefully read and understand the terms and conditions before proceeding.

Then follow the instructions provided by the installation wizard. These instructions may include choosing an installation location, confirming the installation settings, or connecting your USB device to the computer.

2. Restart the PC

Once you have completed the necessary steps, the installation wizard will begin to install the USB driver. It is best to restart your PC after installation to ensure that the newly installed USB driver is fully integrated into the operating system.

After rebooting, your PC will recognize the installed USB driver. To verify functionality, it is best to connect a USB device and observe its operation.

Note that the installation process may differ slightly depending on the USB driver or manufacturer. Therefore, you should always refer to the documentation or instructions provided by the manufacturer for any additional steps or specific requirements.

How to fix USB driver problems

Picture 5 of How to download, update and troubleshoot USB drivers on Windows 10

When having USB driver problems on your Windows 10 PC, following these instructions will help you identify and resolve them as soon as possible.

1. Check USB connection

First, check if the physical connection between the USB and your computer is good. If it is loose, the USB device will not communicate properly with the PC.

If you are using a USB hub, make sure it is powered on and working properly. Also, try connecting the USB device to different USB ports on your computer to rule out any port-specific issues.

2. Do a quick reboot

In some cases, a simple reboot can work wonders. This is why you should restart your computer before trying any of the advanced troubleshooting methods.

So close all applications and restart your computer. Then check if the USB device is recognized and working properly.

3. Uninstall and reinstall the driver

If restarting your PC doesn't solve the problem, consider uninstalling and reinstalling the USB driver. To do this, expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers category on Device Manager and right-click on the USB device or controller that is having problems.

 

Picture 6 of How to download, update and troubleshoot USB drivers on Windows 10

Select Uninstall device and confirm the uninstallation. After that, restart your computer and Windows will automatically reinstall the USB driver.

4. Check your computer for malware

You may also need to check your computer for malware, as malware can affect USB device functionality. Perform a full system scan and if any malware is found, follow the antivirus instructions to remove it from your computer.

In the rare event that none of the troubleshooting steps resolve your USB driver problem, please contact the manufacturer's support team for further assistance.

Update 11 August 2023
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