How To Update Motherboard Drivers – A Simple Guide
Motherboard drivers help your operating system communicate properly with the hardware. Not updating your motherboard drivers can lead to poor performance, decreased functionality, and even system crashes. Are you facing similar issues? Are you seeking to learn how to update motherboard drivers? This article provides a step-by-step guide to solving this issue. So let’s quickly dive in.
Identifying your Motherboard Model
Remember, whether you have a gaming motherboard or a simple one for basic productivity tasks, it requires regular updates. Before you can update your motherboard drivers, you first need to identify the model of your motherboard. Here are a few ways you can do this:
1. Check the Motherboard Physically: Often, the motherboard model is printed on the board itself. You can open up your PC case and have a look, but remember to switch off and unplug your computer first!
2. Use System Information: You can use the built-in System Information utility on Windows. Simply type ‘System Information’ into your start menu, open the app, and look for ‘BaseBoard Product’ under ‘System Summary.’
3. Use a Third-Party App: Numerous free apps like CPU-Z can provide comprehensive details about your system, including your motherboard model.
How to Update Motherboard Drivers: A Step-by-Step Guide
There are several methods to update motherboard drivers. Let’s go through each one step by step:
Method 1: Using Windows Update
Windows Update is not just for updating your operating system but can also handle driver updates. To update drivers using Windows update, follow these steps:
- Click the Start button, then go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Click on ‘Check for updates.’ Windows will automatically search for any available updates, including driver updates.
- If any motherboard driver updates are available, they’ll be downloaded and installed automatically.
This method is simple and hassle-free, but it might not always get you the latest drivers, as it depends on when Microsoft receives the latest updates from the manufacturer.
Method 2: Using the Manufacturer’s Website
If you want to be sure you’re getting the latest drivers, the best way is to go straight to the motherboard manufacturer’s website.
- Visit the website of your motherboard manufacturer (e.g., ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI).
- Look for a ‘Support‘ or ‘Download‘ section, and navigate your way to driver downloads.
- Enter your motherboard model to find the corresponding drivers. Make sure to select the appropriate version for your operating system.
- Download the driver package and follow the included instructions to install it.
This method requires more manual work but ensures you get the most up-to-date drivers directly from the manufacturer.
Method 3: Using Driver Update Software
Looking for an easier approach? Use the driver update software. These programs can automatically scan your system for outdated drivers and update them for you. Some popular options include Driver Booster, Driver Easy, and DriverPack Solution.
Troubleshooting Issues During Update
You may encounter various issues while updating your motherboard drivers. Here are a few issues that may arise and some tips that may help:
Error during installation:
If you get an error message during the installation, the downloaded file may be corrupt. Try downloading it again. You may have downloaded the wrong model or operating system driver if the error persists. Double-check your motherboard model and the driver’s compatibility.
PC doesn’t boot after the update:
It’s a rare occurrence, but it’s possible that your PC might not boot after a driver update. In this case, boot in safe mode and roll back the driver update. Always ensure to create a system restore point before updating drivers as a precautionary measure.
Conclusion
Updating your motherboard drivers may seem difficult and hectic, but with this guide, you can do it with ease. Regularly updating your drivers ensures the smooth operation of your PC and helps you avoid unexpected issues or crashes. Patience is your friend during this process, as rushing can lead to mistakes.
FAQs
Outdated motherboard drivers won’t physically harm your computer, but they can lead to performance issues, software incompatibility, and even system crashes in extreme cases.
Typically, you should check for updates every three to six months. However, if you’re experiencing issues with your system, it might be worth checking for driver updates.
It’s always best to download drivers directly from the manufacturer’s website. While third-party sites might have the drivers you need, they could also carry the risk of malware or other unwanted software.
If you’ve installed the wrong driver, your system might behave erratically or even crash. In such cases, boot your system safely and roll back the driver update.
Driver update software can scan your system and update all outdated drivers. However, be aware that these tools can sometimes install the wrong drivers, so use them cautiously.
