Your new Windows PC looks great and will perform most of its functions without extra effort from you. However, you are only halfway through going without drivers. The driver aids in computer performance optimization, increases user experience, and fixes bugs and tweaks.
So, which drivers should you install on your new PC? This article will tell you the necessary drivers to install on your new computer. Let’s move forward to see!
What Are Drivers?
Drivers are the software that allows your Windows OS to communicate with a piece of hardware. Without drivers, you can’t use a printer, connect to the internet or print out a photo.
Some devices have specific hardware manufacturers who create their drivers for them. For example, Microsoft has its own graphics driver that it develops exclusively for its Surface computers. Windows update also allows you to install updates automatically over the internet.
Third-party manufacturers may create other devices, and they’ll create their driver software. When there’s no manufacturer-specific software available, you’ll see open-source drivers such as those used by Linux or Android operating systems.
What Drivers To Install On New PC?
If you just got a new PC, you’ll have to install:
- GPU Drivers – You can find this on NVIDIA and AMD websites.
- Motherboard drivers – You can download them automatically in Windows 10 or manually from the AMD website.
- Audio drivers – You’ll find Audio drivers on Drivereasy or install them automatically on Windows 10 or earlier.
- Video drivers, they’re available on Intel’s website.
- WiFi drivers – You’ll find this on your PC manufacturer’s website.
- Ethernet drivers – They are available on your device’s manufacturer’s website or go to Intel.
- Bluetooth drivers – You can find them on Intel.
- Scanner drivers – You’ll find them on the Drivers website.
- Webcam drivers – You can find them on Driver easy’s website.
Your PC needs several drivers to serve any purpose which you got efficiently. Most of these drivers may be automatically on the laptop via Windows update.
Drivers, You Must Have On Your PC
Windows do not come with high-end motherboards and graphic card drivers. You’ll have to install the drivers in their latest versions. Here are must-have drivers for your device.
1. Graphics Card Drivers
Graphics card drivers or GPU drivers are one of the essential drivers to install. They increase the PC frame-per-second in a game of software use. An old driver can cause software or game crashes.
The graphics card will not function without the GPU driver. It is best to have notifications for driver updates, especially for a game-ready driver.
Before installing a graphic card driver, remember the graphic card’s model. Then you can go to AMD, Driver easy, or NVIDIA driver websites to download the driver for the device.
2. Motherboard Drivers
Motherboard drivers are where windows 10 gets its accolade for automatic driver installation. Some PC manufacturers also include a disk with all necessary drivers as part of the package.
It is best to check the PC model motherboard website to ensure you are using the newest driver version.
While on the manufacturer’s website, ensure to get the latest LAN, SATA, Audio, and USB drivers. Some of the best motherboard companies include:
Another way to check the installed motherboard drivers is by updating the BIOS.
3. Peripheral Drivers
Peripheral drives control external hardware like the USB, mouse, and RGB keyboard. The peripheral drivers allow users to customize and improve gameplay and are essential in gaming PC. Check the type of software you use and get the necessary driver to make it work effectively.
In Windows 7 and earlier versions of Windows, you can use Device Manager to check for drivers.
4. Audio Drivers
An audio driver is a bridge between the computer’s operating system and the audio devices, both internal and external. Your computer needs audio drivers to play sound files and music. An example is a High Definition Audio Device Driver.
This driver is part of Microsoft’s Windows Hardware Quality Lab (WHQL) certification program for audio devices and was introduced with Windows 7.
You can install an audio driver automatically by updating it from Device Manager. Alternatively, download audio drivers from Intel’s website or Driver easy but ensure you get one compatible with your device.
5. Video Drivers
Video Drivers are software that enables the operating system to communicate with a video card. Without them, you won’t be able to play video games or stream.
Video Drivers come in two forms: integrated and discrete. Integrated video cards (IGPs) are built into the motherboard and require no extra hardware or software. Discrete video cards, however, are separate pieces of hardware that are plugged into your motherboard via a PCI Express slot.
You can download and install video drivers from Intel or from Windows Update.
6. Wifi Drivers
The Wifi driver is an application that allows your computer to communicate with your Wifi adapter. It is often included in the motherboard’s chipset or in the BIOS.
The drivers are responsible for handling the background tasks of connecting to wireless networks, such as connecting to a network, sending and receiving data packets, and keeping track of the current connection status.
If you’re using Windows 10 or 11, then the best method is to use Driver Easy. This tool will automatically scan your PC and detect any driver issues, including missing or outdated drivers.
7. Storage Controller Driver
The storage controller driver is required for your PC to communicate with your storage devices, such as hard drives or SSDs. Make sure to download the correct driver for your motherboard’s storage controller.
8. Chipset Driver
The chipset driver is a critical component that enables the communication between the CPU and other hardware components. It’s important to install the correct chipset driver for your motherboard to ensure optimal performance.
9. Keyboard and Mouse Driver
While most modern keyboards and mice are plug-and-play, it’s still a good idea to check for and install any necessary drivers to ensure optimal performance.
What PC Parts Do You Need Drivers For?
Drivers are fundamental because they are the computer’s central component. It is like the veins that carry messages from the computer brain to the part of the computer. That is why updates are significant for optimal performance.
Some of the PC parts that require drivers include:
- Motherboard
- Graphics card
- Controller
- Mouse
- Display
- Sound card
- USB
- Network card
- Display
- CD/DVD Drive
The drivers for most parts come with the PC Window or operating system, but the rest has to be downloaded and installed using a driver updater. Some features like the USB and Mouse can work without the drivers because they are plug-ins.
What Are The Important Drivers For Windows 10 and 11?
The drivers are always available on the manufacturer’s support website. The important Windows 10 and 11 drivers include the following,
- The Intel Chipset Driver
- The Intel Management Interface Driver
- Audio Driver
- Graphics card Driver
- Network Driver
- Keyboard and Mouse Driver
Driver importance depends on the hardware type and software requirements. It is vital to have the important ones for Windows 10. Windows 10 stores its drivers in the device’s hard drive under the Driverstore directory. You can check through and install the essential ones.
Tools And Software To Help You Manage Your Drivers
Without the proper drivers, your computer hardware may not work correctly, or may not work at all. In this article, I’ll discuss some of the tools and software available to help you manage your drivers, ensuring that your PC hardware operates smoothly and efficiently.
Device Manager
The built-in Device Manager in Windows allows you to manage your drivers, view device properties, and update drivers. To access the Device Manager, right-click on the Start button and select “Device Manager”. From there, you can view and manage all the hardware devices connected to your PC.
Driver Easy
Is a third-party software tool that makes it easy to update your drivers. It scans your PC for outdated or missing drivers and provides a one-click solution to update them. Driver Easy offers both a free and paid version, with the paid version providing more advanced features and support.
Driver Booster
Another popular driver management tool is Driver Booster. Similar to Driver Easy, it scans your PC for outdated drivers and provides a simple one-click solution to update them. Driver Booster also includes backup and restore features, allowing you to roll back to a previous driver version if necessary.
Snappy Driver Installer
Thisr is a free and open-source driver management tool that offers both online and offline driver installation options. It uses a comprehensive driver database to provide accurate and up-to-date driver information and allows you to install drivers for multiple devices at once.
Windows Update
Microsoft regularly releases updates and driver updates through its Windows Update service. By keeping your Windows installation up to date, you can ensure that your PC is running the latest and most stable versions of all drivers and software.
DriverMax
This is a free driver management tool that allows you to back up, restore, and update your drivers. It includes a comprehensive database of drivers and allows you to create scheduled backups of your drivers for added peace of mind.
People Also Ask
Does Windows 10 Install Motherboard Drivers Automatically?
Yes, Windows 10 can automatically install the motherboard drivers if they are part of the drivers in the disk or download.
However, these drivers may be outdated. It is necessary to check the driver’s version and update the driver. The newest driver versions are on the windows website.
Which Drivers Should I Install First For Windows 10?
Installing drivers does not necessarily take any line-up, but it is better to install the Chipset driver first. The Intel Management Interface Driver can come next. The rest can be in any order you see fit.
Do I Need To Install All Motherboard Drivers?
All motherboard drivers are vital, but it is not necessary to install all of them. The motherboard comes with generic drivers for preinstalled components and Chipsets.
The absence of motherboard drivers will not affect the function of the computer. Yet to be safe, it is best to install all drivers as they are the central component necessary to control the device.
What Is the Most Forgiving Driver?
According to our testing, the most forgiving driver this year is the Ping G425 Max. Its large clubhead and low, deep center of gravity help to reduce spin and increase forgiveness on off-center hits, making it a great option for golfers of all skill levels.
The TaylorMade SIM 2 Max is a very close second, offering a forgiving sole design and adjustable weights for enhanced forgiveness and customization.
The Titleist TSi 2 also performed well in our testing, with its unique ATI face material and optimized weighting for increased forgiveness and ball speed.
What Drivers Should I Download For My Motherboard?
The vital motherboard drivers to download include Chipset, Sound, Wi-Fi, and Video drivers.
If any of these drivers are missing, there will be performance problems. Always check if they are of the latest versions and constantly update them for better performance.
How Do I Install Drivers On A New PC Via USB?
To install drivers on a new build PC using a USB flash drive:
- Download the drivers from the website to the USB. Plug the USB into the device, paste the zip driver file into the device manager, and extract.
- Locate the Boot.wim and install.wim file within the path source.
- Update the Boot.wim and determine the index to update the installation driver.wim file.
What to Do First After Building a Pc?
After completing the build process, there are a few key steps you should take to ensure that your new computer is set up properly and ready to use. Here are some things to do first after building a PC:
- Power on and Test: The first thing you should do after building a PC is to power it on and make sure everything is working as it should. Check that all the fans are spinning, the motherboard lights up, and you can access the BIOS. This will help you identify any issues early on and troubleshoot if needed.
- Install Operating System: Once you’ve confirmed that your PC is working, the next step is to install an operating system (OS) such as Windows or Linux. Follow the installation instructions carefully and make sure to install any necessary drivers or updates as well.
- Install Anti-Virus Software: After installing the OS, it’s important to protect your new PC from viruses and malware. Install reputable anti-virus software and run a full system scan to ensure your computer is secure.
- Update Drivers: Make sure to update all the drivers for your hardware components, including the graphics card, motherboard, and sound card. This will ensure that your PC is running at its best and can help fix any compatibility issues.
- Install Essential Software: Install any essential software such as web browsers, media players, and productivity tools. This will help you get started with using your new PC for work or leisure.
- Customize Settings: Finally, customize your PC settings to your liking. This includes setting up your desktop background, configuring your display settings, and adjusting any system settings that you prefer.
Conclusion
Windows 7 and 10 can automatically install necessary drivers to the computer during an update or a first-time booting, except if you disable it.
However, it is crucial to check manually if these drivers are of the latest version and update them manually if they are not. For best results, go for the latest version of your drivers. This will offer you better control over your system.
