What Is the Meaning of CD Driver?

CD drivers help the operating system run the CD drive.

A CD driver is software that is used by the computer to interface and interact with an installed CD drive. Without the proper drivers installed, a CD drive may not work properly.

Function

Drivers tell the operating system vital information about the hardware, such as what kind of device it is and what it can be used for. Once installed, they allow for easy communication between the drive and the operating system. CD drivers make it possible for Windows to access the CD drive and read the discs that it uses.

Installation

Drivers are usually included with a CD drive when it is bought, and any computer that comes with a CD drive built in usually already has the drivers installed. If you're installing a CD drive for the first time, the drivers will usually be included on a disc or can be found from the manufacturer's website. They typically need to be installed after the drive itself has been physically installed in the computer.

Updating

Sometimes drivers become obsolete due to changes in the operating system. When this happens, they need to be updated. Today, Windows can usually handle this on its own, but driver updates are usually released by the manufacturer on their website, so if you want to update or change the drivers manually, that can be done as well.

References

• No Device: What is a Windows Driver?
• Microsoft Windows: What is a Driver?

Resources

• Microsoft Windows: Update a Driver for Hardware That Isn't Working Properly
• Bleeping Computer: How to Update a Windows Hardware Driver