How to install missing drivers on Windows 11

• To install missing drivers on Windows 11, open Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates, choose the driver, and click “Download & install.”
• You can also still use Device Manager, but you will have to provide the package manually since this tool no longer connects with the Windows Update service.

On Windows 11, even though the system can detect and install most drivers automatically, sometimes, you may still have to complete this process manually for missing drivers.

If you recently connected a device (such as a printer, camera, network card, etc.) and Windows 11 doesn’t recognize it, you have at least two ways to install the missing driver through Windows Update or Device Manager.

In this guide, I’ll outline the steps to download and install missing drivers on Windows 11.

Install missing drivers on Windows 11 from Windows Update

To install missing drivers on Windows 11, use these steps:

1. Open Settings on Windows 11.

2. Click on Windows Update.

3. Click the Advanced options page.

4. Click the Optional updates setting under the “Optional updates” section.

5. Click the Driver updates setting.

6. Select the device driver your computer is missing.

   

7. Click the “Download & install” button.

Once you complete the steps, the missing driver will be installed on Windows 11.

When it comes to using the Windows Update settings, manufacturers usually only provide the generic and basic drivers. If you want the most up-to-date driver version with all its functionalities, it’s best to download the package from the device manufacturer’s support website and then use the Device Manager to install the driver (see instructions below).

Install missing drivers on Windows 11 from Device Manager

On Windows 11, you can use Device Manager to install drivers. However, before proceeding, you must download the package from the manufacturer support website to your computer or onto a USB flash drive.

If the driver came with a “.zip” or “.cab” extension, you must extract the files before using the instructions.

To install a missing driver, have the package ready or connect the USB drive with the files and use these steps:

1. Open Start.

2. Search for Device Manager and click the top result to open the app.

3. Right-click the device missing the driver and select the Update driver option.

   

   Quick note: The device in question may appear with a yellow mark and be labeled as unknown.

4. Click the “Browse my computer for drivers” option.

   

5. Click the Browse button and select the folder containing the files for the missing driver.

   

6. Click the OK button.

7. Check the Include subfolders option.

8. Click the Next button.

9. Continue with the on-screen direction (if applicable).

After you complete the steps, the driver will install, allowing the device to interact with Windows 11.

If a device isn’t working despite having a driver, uninstalling it first may help. You can do this by right-clicking the device, selecting the “Uninstall device” option, and then reinstalling the driver.

If you’re trying to install a particular driver that doesn’t include a digital signature, Windows 11 won’t let you install it. In this case, if you know the driver is from a trusted source, you can disable driver signature enforcement to continue with the update.

You can also install drivers manually using the “.inf” file if you choose the “Let me pick” option and the “Have Disk” button. However, it’s important that you select the correct “.inf” file, as adding the wrong one can cause BSOD (Blue Screen of Death).

FAQ

How do you install a driver with a “.exe” file?

If the driver came as a self-extracting with an installer (.exe), you only need to double-click the file to decompress its contents and launch the installation, then continue with the on-screen directions as the driver will install automatically.

How do you install missing drivers from branded computers?

If you use a laptop or desktop computer from a known brand, such as Dell, Lenovo, Samsung, HP, and others, you can use their driver assistant tool to install and update all the drivers on the device.

Some users also turn to third-party tools that can scan and download drivers automatically, but these can cause system instability or install incorrect drivers. It’s safer to stick to official sources.

Do I need to look for 64-bit or 32-bit drivers on Windows 11?

You need to use the 64-bit version of the driver whenever possible. However, even though Windows 11 is a 64-bit operating system, the system also supports 32-bit drivers.

Update December 4, 2024: This guide has been updated to ensure accuracy and reflect changes to the process.