Should You Update Your Drivers? (Yes—Here’s Why)
Your computer relies on dozens of small software programs called drivers to function properly.
Most people never think about them—until something goes wrong. A printer that stops working, a screen that flickers, or a game that crashes unexpectedly can all trace back to a single outdated driver.
So should you update your drivers?
The short answer is yes. But knowing when and how to do it safely makes all the difference.
This guide covers everything you need to know, including the risks of skipping updates and step-by-step instructions for both Windows and Mac.
Table of Contents
What Are Hardware Drivers?
A driver is a small piece of software that lets your operating system communicate with a hardware component. Think of it as a translator between Windows (or macOS) and your physical devices—your graphics card, keyboard, printer, network adapter, and more.
Without the right driver, your OS wouldn’t know how to send instructions to your hardware. An outdated or corrupted driver creates a communication breakdown, and that’s when problems start.
Key Benefits of Updating Your Drivers
Keeping drivers current isn’t just good housekeeping. It has real, practical benefits.
Better system stability. Outdated drivers are a leading cause of unexpected crashes and system errors. Updates patch known bugs that can cause your computer to freeze or reboot without warning.
Improved hardware performance. Manufacturers regularly release driver updates that optimize how their hardware runs. A graphics card driver update, for example, can noticeably boost performance in games or video editing software.
New feature access. Some updates unlock features that weren’t available at launch—better audio controls, new display settings, or improved device compatibility.
Security patches. Drivers interact directly with your hardware at a low system level. A vulnerability in an old driver can be exploited by malicious software. Updating closes those gaps.
When Should You Update Your Drivers?
You don’t need to check for driver updates every week. But there are specific situations where updating is a smart move.
- After a fresh OS installation. Windows or macOS may install generic drivers that don’t take full advantage of your hardware. Check for manufacturer-specific updates right after setup.
- When experiencing technical glitches. Audio cutting out? Display acting strangely? Peripheral not responding? A driver update is often the fix.
- After buying new hardware. Plug in a new device and the driver that ships with it may already be outdated. Download the latest version from the manufacturer’s website.
- When a software update prompts it. Games, creative software, and productivity tools occasionally require updated drivers to run correctly.
Outside of these scenarios, updating drivers every few months is a reasonable routine.
Risks of Running Outdated Drivers
Skipping driver updates might seem harmless, but the consequences can add up over time.
Security vulnerabilities. Hackers can exploit weaknesses in old drivers to gain elevated access to your system. This is especially true for network and Bluetooth drivers.
System crashes. A driver that hasn’t been updated to work with your current OS version can cause the infamous Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) on Windows or unexpected restarts on Mac.
Hardware underperformance. Your components may not run at full capacity. A graphics card with an outdated driver, for instance, may deliver lower frame rates or cause visual glitches.
Compatibility issues. Newer software often requires updated drivers. Running old drivers can prevent apps from launching or functioning correctly.
How to Safely Update Drivers on Windows
Step 1: Open Device Manager
Press Windows + X, then select Device Manager from the menu.
Step 2: Find the device you want to update
Expand the relevant category (e.g., Display Adapters, Sound, Printers). Right-click the device and select Update driver.
Step 3: Choose your update method
- Select Search automatically for drivers to let Windows find the latest version.
- Select Browse my computer if you’ve already downloaded a driver file from the manufacturer’s website.
Step 4: Restart your computer
After the update installs, restart your PC to apply the changes.
Pro tip: For graphics drivers specifically, it’s better to download directly from the manufacturer—NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel—rather than relying on Windows Update. Their installers are more up to date and include additional software tools.
How to Safely Update Drivers on Mac
macOS handles most driver updates automatically through system software updates. Here’s how to check.
Step 1: Open System Settings
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner, then select System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions).
Step 2: Go to General > Software Update
macOS will check for any available updates, including drivers bundled with system updates.
Step 3: Install available updates
Click Update Now or Upgrade Now if an update is available. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Step 4: Check third-party hardware separately
For devices like external GPUs, printers, or audio interfaces, visit the manufacturer’s website to download the latest macOS-compatible driver.
Note: Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3) handle hardware communication differently than Intel Macs. Most drivers are managed entirely through macOS updates, so staying current with your OS is the most important step.
Should You Use a Driver Update Tool?
Third-party driver update tools claim to automate the process, but proceed with caution. Many are bundled with bloatware, and some are outright scams. If you want to keep things simple and safe, stick to:
- Windows Update for general driver maintenance
- Device Manager for targeted updates
- Manufacturer websites for critical components like GPUs and network adapters
Free tools like Snappy Driver Installer (Windows) are generally considered safe, but always download from the official source.
Keep Your Drivers Current for a Healthier PC
Driver maintenance doesn’t have to be complicated. A quick check every few months—or whenever something stops working—is enough for most users. The payoff is real: fewer crashes, better performance, and a more secure system.
Start by checking your graphics and network drivers today. Those two alone cover the majority of performance and security issues most people encounter. From there, set a simple reminder to review your drivers after any major OS update, and you’ll stay ahead of most problems before they start.
