Microsoft Drivers

Working with your Microsoft drivers

Obtaining hardware device drivers from a software giant such as Microsoft may not be the first thing that pops into most people's minds. While most Microsoft computers are made of hardware devices from a variety of manufacturers such as motherboards from AMD, soundcards from Creative Labs, monitors from Acer, and so forth, Microsoft also manufactures a few hardware devices of its own. For example, Microsoft manufactures keyboards, mice, fingerprint readers, game controllers, and Internet communications products such as headsets and webcams.

In addition, if you have a computer running any of Microsoft's numerous operating systems, obtaining new Microsoft drivers periodically is necessary to ensure that your system is updated with the latest generic Microsoft drivers and for solving compatibility issues.

For example, Microsoft provides support for common devices with each new generation of operating system. By having the latest Microsoft drivers, your compatible hardware should work as it was designed. This doesn't mean that you have to upgrade to the most current operating system in order to receive updated device drivers. Microsoft releases new drivers in service packs and updates.

How Microsoft drivers work

First, let's look at hardware manufactured by Microsoft such as a keyboard or mouse. When you buy one of these products off the shelf at the local store, it may come with an installation disc containing the Microsoft drivers for the device. However, your computer will most likely have these drivers pre-installed as part of the operating system. All you need to do is plug in the device and Windows should know exactly what to do.

But what if the device is newer than your operating system? Microsoft provides new drivers on its Web site and also makes these drivers available as updates to computer users running supported versions of Windows.

In addition, like most manufacturers of hardware devices, Microsoft occasionally changes the current drivers to address known problems and enhance the device's features. These changes come in the form of newer versions of the original drivers.

Where to find Microsoft drivers updates

To update your Microsoft drivers for specific Microsoft hardware products, you'll need to go to Microsoft's hardware support Web site and search for the specific product that you are updating. First, you'll select the type of product followed by the model, operating system, and language. Next, download and install the updated device driver.

For general Microsoft driver updates, you can simply use the Windows Update feature found in your computer. Simply go to the Start button, click All Programs, and then click on Windows Update. Not only will you find Microsoft-specific device drivers if available, you'll also find updated drivers for many of your hardware devices when they have been made available to Microsoft from their developers.

No matter what devices you have on your computer, keeping the device drivers current helps solve conflicts, prevent hardware errors, and improve your device with the latest enhancements from the device's manufacturer. Many of these updates are available through Windows Updates.

The fastest way to manage and update your device Microsoft drivers

If you'd prefer a fully automatic way to manage and update your devices, a utility such as Driver Detective Professional will take over this task for you. This product exams the specific hardware installed on your computer and searches for the exact updated drivers required of each device. You can also schedule regular, automatic updates and benefit from having the most current editions of hardware drivers possible.

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Drivers

Microsoft Drivers

Working with your Microsoft drivers

How Microsoft drivers work

Where to find Microsoft drivers updates

The fastest way to manage and update your device Microsoft drivers