How to Enable a Device Driver
A device driver is a software package that goes with a certain hardware device that allows a computer's operating system to use the device. Without device drivers, a computer may not recognize hardware. Whenever you install a new device into a computer, such as sound card, video card or network card, you will likely have to install drivers from a CD before you can use the device. If device drivers are installed but disabled, the device will not function.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Click "Start," right click "Computer" or "My Computer," select "Manage" and then click "Device Manager." Alternatively, you can click "Start," "Run," enter "devmgmt.msc" into the run text field and click "OK." The Device Manager will appear.
-
2
Click on the plus (+) symbol next to the device category containing the device that you wish to enable. For instance, if you want to enable a wireless network adapter, expand "Network Adapters."
-
-
3
Right click on the device you wish to enable, choose "Properties," and then click the "Driver" tab.
-
4
Click the "Enable" button and then confirm that you wish the enable the device if prompted.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
The enable option will only be available if the device is currently disabled. If the device is not disabled, the button in the "Driver" tab will say "Disable" rather than "Enable."
Disabling a device may stop errors caused by a bad device driver.
