Uninstall and update Windows drivers - how it works

If there are problems with the hardware or if it is no longer required, you can uninstall or update drivers under Windows. We'll show you how.

Uninstall Windows driver

Caution: Do not know which driver it is exactly and whether it is really no longer needed, you should not uninstall it.

1. Press the "Windows" and "R" keys simultaneously so that the "Execute" command opens.
2. Enter "devmgmt.msc" there and click the "OK" button.
3. You may have to confirm the subsequent security question with "Yes". The "Device Manager" opens.
4. Select a hardware group from the list, such as the "graphics card". Here you will find all installed graphics card drivers.
5. With a right click on one of these drivers you can select the item "Uninstall" in the context menu.
6. There is a query which you must confirm with "OK". If you are sure that you will never need the hardware again, you can also check the box "Delete the driver software for this device". We do not recommend this for security reasons.
7. Note: If a driver is no longer used by the computer, it is hidden. In the following practical tip, we will show you how to view and remove old drivers.

Update Windows driver

Tip: If you are not using an Internet connection on a computer, the drivers can also be updated without the Internet.

1. Repeat steps 1 through 4 above if you have not already done so.
2. With a right click on a driver you can click on "Update driver software" in the context menu.
3. Here you can either select the top option to search for the latest driver software on the Internet or search for software that has already been downloaded on your computer.
4. If a newer version of the driver is found, it will either be installed automatically or the installation program will start for you.
5. Note: If the driver update does not work, you can find further help in the practical tip "Windows: Update driver manually".

In the next practical tip, we will show you how to update your drivers automatically.