How to Reset Drivers Windows 11

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In Windows 11, resetting drivers can assist fix a variety of hardware-related problems, enhance performance, or return to the factory settings. Drivers are crucial channels of communication between your computer’s hardware and operating system. Knowing how to reset drivers is a useful skill, whether you’re seeking to increase system stability or solve an issue following a recent update. We’ll go over a number of driver reset techniques in this post, making sure you have all the information you need.

Understanding Drivers

It’s critical to comprehend what drivers are and their significance before beginning the resetting process. Drivers are specialized programs that let your operating system talk to hardware like network adapters, graphics cards, printers, and audio equipment. For optimum performance, each device needs a different driver, and an outdated or improper driver can cause a number of problems, such as system crashes or poor performance.

Signs You May Need to Reset Your Drivers

You may want to determine whether you are experiencing issues that require you to reset your drivers before attempting to do so. The following are typical indicators that a reset is necessary:

Methods to Reset Drivers on Windows 11

After identifying possible driver problems, let’s examine many ways to reset Windows 11 drivers.

A built-in Windows utility called Device Manager offers an easy-to-use interface for managing the devices and drivers on your system:

  • Choose “Device Manager” from the selection when you right-click on the Start menu to launch Device Manager.

  • Find the Device: Find the device you wish to reset by navigating through the list (e.g., Display adapters for the graphics card).

  • Remove the driver: Choose “Uninstall device,” right-click on the device name, and then click “Yes.”

    You have two choices here:


    • Delete the Driver Software

      : If you check the “Delete the driver software for this device,” Windows will remove the driver from your system. This is helpful if that is causing significant issues.

  • Restart Your Computer: Give your computer a restart after uninstalling. When Windows reboots, it will try to reinstall the driver automatically, usually going back to the original version.

Choose “Device Manager” from the selection when you right-click on the Start menu to launch Device Manager.

Find the Device: Find the device you wish to reset by navigating through the list (e.g., Display adapters for the graphics card).

Remove the driver: Choose “Uninstall device,” right-click on the device name, and then click “Yes.”

You have two choices here:


  • Delete the Driver Software

    : If you check the “Delete the driver software for this device,” Windows will remove the driver from your system. This is helpful if that is causing significant issues.

Restart Your Computer: Give your computer a restart after uninstalling. When Windows reboots, it will try to reinstall the driver automatically, usually going back to the original version.

Making sure your system is up to date is often necessary before resetting drivers. Windows Update may be useful.


  • Open Settings

    : Press

    Windows + I

    to open the Settings app.

  • Navigate to Windows Update

    : Click on “Windows Update” from the sidebar.

  • Check for Updates

    : Click on the “Check for updates” button. If updates are available for your drivers, they will be downloaded and installed automatically.

This procedure makes sure you are utilizing the most recent drivers that Windows recommends, which can help fix any problems that may be present.

Using command-line tools, the Command Prompt can rapidly reset particular drivers.

  • As administrator, open the Command Prompt: In the search bar, type “command prompt,” then right-click on it and choose “Run as administrator.”

  • Utilize the SFC and DISM tools: Perform the below instructions sequentially:

    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

    Your Windows image will be fixed by this command. Once it’s finished, run:

    sfc /scannow

    This will look for and try to fix any faulty system files.

  • Reboot Your System: Rebooting your system will allow you to undo any modifications that the commands have made.

As administrator, open the Command Prompt: In the search bar, type “command prompt,” then right-click on it and choose “Run as administrator.”

Utilize the SFC and DISM tools: Perform the below instructions sequentially:

Your Windows image will be fixed by this command. Once it’s finished, run:

This will look for and try to fix any faulty system files.

Reboot Your System: Rebooting your system will allow you to undo any modifications that the commands have made.

You may want to restore your system to a prior state if you believe a recent change caused problems with your drivers.


  • Open System Restore

    : Type “Create a restore point” in the Windows search box and select it.

  • Select System Restore

    : In the System Properties window, click on “System Restore.”

  • Select Restore Point

    : Follow the prompts to choose a restore point dated before the issues began. Confirm and start the restoration process.

5.

Using Safe Mode

By loading only the necessary files and drivers, Safe Mode can assist with driver resets.


  • Access Settings

    : Press

    Windows + I

    , navigate to “System,” and select “Recovery.”

  • Restart in Safe Mode

    : Click on “Restart now” under Advanced startup.

  • Select Troubleshoot

    : Choose “Troubleshoot,” then “Advanced options,” and finally “Startup Settings.” Click “Restart.”

  • Enable Safe Mode

    : After restarting, press

    F4

    for enabling Safe Mode.

After entering Safe Mode, remove problematic drivers using Device Manager by using the previously described, not-so-different-from-below procedure.

6.

Using Third-Party Driver Tools

A number of third-party applications can assist users who are uneasy with manual approaches in managing and resetting drivers more effectively. Among the often used tools are:


  • Driver Booster

  • Driver Easy

  • Snappy Driver Installer

These applications can check your system for malfunctioning or out-of-date drivers and offer alternatives for resetting or updating them.

7.

Updating Drivers Manually

Sometimes a manual method can reset the drivers if automatic procedures are unable to resolve your problems. Here’s how:


  • Identify the Manufacturer

    : Go to the manufacturer s website of the device to find the latest drivers.

  • Download the Driver

    : Locate the driver suited for your Windows version and download it.

  • Install the Driver

    : Run the downloaded driver installation file and follow the on-screen instructions to install.

  • Reboot Your System

    : A reboot may be necessary for the driver to function fully.

Additional Tips

Make regular backups of your system using third-party backup tools or System Restore points. In this manner, you can quickly restore your system to its initial configuration in the event that a driver update goes awry.

The most recent driver versions could occasionally not work with your hardware. Before implementing any significant improvements, look into user comments regarding compatibility.

Think about removing the drivers for any hardware parts you no longer need. This can simplify device administration and lessen the likelihood of conflicts.

Keep a close eye on your system’s performance following any driver resets. Look for any lingering problems and record any advancements.

Conclusion

Although resetting drivers on Windows 11 may appear difficult, it is doable if you follow the correct procedures. In addition to fixing issues, routine driver maintenance can help make computing faster and more seamless. You may efficiently manage system health as a user by being aware of the warning indications of driver-related problems, the built-in tools available, and when to use third-party solutions. With the different ways to reset drivers at your disposal, you may confidently improve your Windows 11 experience.

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