How to Install Free Drivers

If you are unsure of the manufacturer's website, you can search for it by entering the manufacturer's name into your favorite search engine.

Every device installed on your computer has an accompanying piece of software called a "Driver." A device driver is the software that allows the computer and the device to work together. Device drivers are usually made available free of charge by the manufacture of the device via their website. Additionally, the drivers for many devices will be included in the original packaging of the device on CD.

Things You'll Need

• Internet connection

Instructions

1. Plug the device into the computer to allow Windows to attempt to install the device. Windows Vista and Windows 7 have the ability to detect a device once it is plugged into the system and subsequently locate and install the drivers.

2. Insert the disc included with the device into the CD drive of your computer. Once the disc is read by the operating system, an autorun window will appear. Click the option to install the device drivers from the autorun menu to begin the installation. In some instances, you will need to remove the device from the computer prior to installing the drivers from the disc. This information will typically be printed on the installation disc itself.

3. Visit the manufacturer's website and click the tab labeled "Drivers," "Downloads" or "Support." Locate your exact device using the provided dropdown menus or search boxes. Download the drivers specific to your device and operating system. Be sure to save the file to an easy to find location, such as the desktop. Double-click the file once it has been downloaded to launch the installation file and follow the onscreen prompts to complete the installation.

References

• Computer Hope: How Do I Install a Computer Driver?
• Win Vista Club: Searching For And Updating Vista Drivers