Technology is constantly evolving, and it’s important for us to keep up with it. One of the areas that require our constant attention is computer software. When there is an operating system update or a new device, we need to install the required drivers and applications as well. In this article, we will discuss the steps needed to install drivers on a new laptop that has been installed with windows.
What are drivers?
Drivers are software programs that allow your operating system to interact and communicate with hardware devices installed on your laptop. A driver acts as a translator, so your operating system can give the necessary commands to the hardware device in a language it can understand. An example of a hardware device that requires drivers is a printer, scanner, or graphics card.
When you buy a new laptop, the latest version of Windows is often pre-installed. However, it is rare for all hardware manufacturers to provide drivers for their devices on the installation disc. It is, therefore, necessary for users to download and install these drivers individually.
Steps to install drivers on a new laptop with Windows Installed:
The steps to download and install drivers on a new laptop are relatively easy, and it doesn’t require any special skill or knowledge. Follow these six steps:
- Identify the hardware that needs a driver:
The first step when installing drivers is identifying the device that requires the driver installed. It can be absurd to install drivers for devices that are already working correctly. - Visit the manufacturer’s website to download the latest driver:
Once you identify the hardware that requires a driver, visit the manufacturer’s website to download the latest version of the driver. - Extract the downloaded file:
When downloading the driver, it normally comes in a compressed format, .zip or .rar. Extract the downloaded file using any file extractor software into a folder that is easy to access. - Execute the driver installation file:
Double-click on the extracted driver file to start the installation process. Follow the instructions given by the installation wizard to complete the installation process. - Restart your laptop:
After installation, it’s essential to reboot your laptop to enable the driver to function correctly. - Verify the installation:
Once you restart your laptop, check if the device has started working correctly using the device manager on your laptop.
FAQs for Installing Drivers
How do I check for missing drivers on my new laptop?
Open the Device Manager on your laptop. It displays all the hardware devices installed on your laptop, each with its driver status. Look for devices with a yellow triangle with an exclamation mark next to it. It’s an indication that the driver is missing, corrupted, or outdated.
What should I do if I encounter an error message during driver installation?
There are numerous reasons why an error message may occur while installing a driver. It may be because you are trying to install the wrong driver, or it’s incompatible with your operating system, or you don’t have the administrator’s rights to carry out the installation. If you encounter such a message, try checking that you’re downloading the right driver and are running the installation with the administrator’s rights.
How to install Windows 10 with a Flash Drive
Another critical aspect of computer maintenance is updating your OS. Windows 10 is the latest version of the operating system, and it’s essential to keep it updated to enjoy new features and secure your laptop from vulnerabilities.
What is a Flash Drive?
A flash drive is a portable storage device that connects to your laptop’s USB port. It is used to transfer files and folders, store data or access applications. A Flash Drive is also known as a thumb drive, pen drive, or memory stick, and it’s convenient because of its portability.
Step-by-step guide to install Windows 10 with a Flash Drive:
- Download Windows 10 installation media:
Visit the Microsoft website and download the Windows 10 installation media tool onto a working computer. Once installed, run the media tool app and select the option to create installation media for another laptop. - Choose the media for the installation:
Select the USB flash drive option as the media installation for the required devices. (Note: The USB should have a minimum storage capacity of 8-16 GB.) - Download the required files:
After selecting the USB as the preferred installation media, the media tool downloads the required files automatically. This step is time-consuming, and its duration depends on the speed of the Internet connection. - Formatting the USB drive:
Once the download has completed, the installation media tool formats the USB drive with the correct settings to install Windows 10 successfully. - Install Windows:
Once the media tool has formatted the USB drive, you can now proceed and install Windows 10. Insert the USB drive into the laptop and restart the device. It will boot from the USB automatically, and all you have to do is follow the instructions given on the screen to install Windows 10.
FAQs for Installing Windows 10 with a Flash Drive
How long does it take to install Windows 10 with a flash drive?
The speed of the installation process depends on several factors such as the speed of the laptop, processor speed, and the USB drive’s speed. However, the installation takes between 20 minutes to an hour.
What if there are problems during the installation process with Windows 10 using a USB flash drive?
Ensure that you have a stable internet connection during the download process to avoid the download being interrupted. Also, make sure to create a backup of important files before the installation to avoid losing important data.
A Brief Summary
Updating software, operating systems, and hardware devices is essential to ensure that our devices function optimally and securely. In this article, we have discussed the steps needed to install drivers on a new laptop and the steps required to install Windows 10 with a flash drive. We hope this article has been helpful to you and has provided you with the necessary information to keep your computer running smoothly.
