How to Install the Windows Built-In Drivers

For Windows 7, 8, 10 and 10 S

What are Built-In Drivers?

Drivers are special pieces of software that allow the computer to communicate with peripheral devices that are attached to it. There are drivers for all kinds of devices that connect to your computer. Windows printers, keyboards, headphones, mice, and smartphones that connect to the PC via a USB cable all need drivers to communicate with the computer.

Some drivers come bundled with the operating system (OS). These are called built-in drivers or kernel drivers. Whenever a user installs a Windows OS onto a new computer, the built-in drivers are also installed. This helps ensure that the machine is ready to pair with the most commonly used devices (like the mouse and the keyboard) at a moment's notice.

As time goes by, new drivers are installed automatically via Windows updates.

Alternatively, a user can install drivers for new devices like photocopiers, printers, cameras, and scanners. The driver setup files are shipped together with the device it supports. They are usually stored on a CD disk.

How to Use Windows Update to Update Windows Drivers

The easiest and safest way to update drivers is using Windows Update. Most major hardware device manufacturers will supply the latest driver updates through Windows Update, allowing for a seamless and hassle-free method for keeping your drivers updated automatically.

To update Windows drivers via Windows Update:


  1. Open the Start menu and search for "Update"
  2. Click the applicable search result option for “Windows Update” or “Check for updates”.
    Alternate Approach – Instead of using Windows search, you can go through the Windows Settings:
    • Windows 10: Start > Settings Gear Icon > Update & Security
    • Windows 7 and 8: Start > Control Panel > System & Security > Windows Update
  3. Once at the Windows Update screen, click the big “Check for updates” button. If Windows sends device driver updates through Windows Update, you will find them here.

Windows Update

Please note: In Windows 7 and 8, you might need to look under "Optional Updates" to download these drivers.


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