Quickly download new drivers through Device Manager on Windows 10

Windows 10 usually automatically downloads and installs drivers through Windows Update, but not always the latest version, especially for graphics and wireless drivers.

To install the driver manually, the user needs to open the Device Manager and the device location requires a new driver. Once found, users need to right-click and select Properties . From there, users need to select the driver update option to download the new package from the manufacturer's website.

Identifying the correct device is another matter and you have to search manually. In preview builds, Microsoft appears to be testing a new feature that will allow users to quickly install new drivers without first identifying the device. Microsoft is also introducing new options to filter the list of installed drivers and devices.

To install a new driver, you can now click on the Add driver option , as shown in the image below.

It's important to remember that this feature only works when you add drivers for applicable devices. It cannot be used to update existing drivers. If you want to update an existing driver, you still need to find the device that requires driver update and select 'Update driver'.

New options in Device Manager

Microsoft has also enabled support for the new driver:

1. Device by drivers: This new option lists the drivers and devices that use the .inf file. It can help you identify devices using a specific driver. Once you have identified the driver, you will be able to remove it immediately.
2. Drivers by type: This new option lists inf driver files by device type.
3. Drivers by devices: This new option lists devices and their .inf files.

These new options are designed for advanced users and anyone can use it for easier driver management. The new options above have been added to Windows 10 Build 21343 and it will be rolled out widely with the Windows 10 Sun Valley update in October or November.

Lesley Montoya

Update 19 May 2021