Windows 7: Update driver automatically

You should always update outdated drivers as soon as possible. Unfortunately, Windows does not do this automatically for all drivers. You can retrofit this function with a little trick.

Update standard drivers with Windows update automatically

Windows can update graphics and sound cards by default. All you have to do is activate the automatic updates.

1. To do this, enter "Windows Update" in the start menu search and start the system tool of the same name.
2. Now click on "Change settings" on the left.
3. Then, under "Important updates", select the item "Install important updates automatically (recommended)". There you can also set a fixed time at which Windows should check for updates.
4. Save the changes with a click on "Ok".

Keep all Windows drivers up to date

Unfortunately, the Windows method does not work with every driver. If you want to be on the safe side, you can also use the free "DriverEasy" program. This will find a suitable update for every installed driver - but you have to start the process yourself.

1. To do this, install the free tool and start it as an administrator (right-click> "Start as administrator").
2. Now click on "Scan" and wait until the search is completed. In the next step you will be shown all outdated drivers.
3. Now click on "Get Drivers" to download the necessary updates. Depending on the number of drivers, this can take some time.
4. After each installation, your drivers are up to date again. In many cases, you will have to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Tip: If no driver is found for one of your hardware components, there is no need to worry. This practical tip shows you how to get old printers working without drivers, for example.