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How do I Choose the Best Drivers Download?

By G. Wiesen
Updated May 17, 2024
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When looking for a drivers download you should usually begin by searching for the website of the manufacturer of the device or hardware for which you need drivers. Most manufacturers regularly update their drivers download sections and make it fast and easy for you to find the right drivers for the product you have. If you cannot find the drivers you need from the manufacturer, or the product is no longer supported, then you may need to find the drivers from a third-party website. You should be careful to use only reputable websites and run a virus scan on any file you download before installing it to avoid infection from malicious software.

Drivers are computer files used by the operating system (OS) on a computer to properly recognize and work with an installed device or piece of hardware. While many products come with drivers on a disc for use during installation, sometimes you may need a drivers download to update or replace lost drivers. The best place to start is usually with the manufacturer of the device and any official website the manufacturer may have.

Most manufacturers of major computer products will have an official website. Though these can sometimes be surprisingly confusing to navigate, most sites will have a download section. You will usually need to know the exact model of the product you have to find the right drivers for your needs, as well as the OS you are running.

For installed devices, you may need to open your computer tower to find out the exact model number of the device. If you have other documents for the product, then you may be able to find the information you need in them instead. Some manufacturers also produce a single set of drivers that work for all of their products, in which case you will likely only need to know the type of device you are using and the OS on your computer.

If the manufacturer of your device does not provide a drivers download service, then you may need to search for your drivers on a third-party website. There are numerous sites that host vast libraries of drivers, from the newest versions to drivers for products that may be out of production. You should be careful however, as some drivers download files may be used to try to infect your computer with malware. It is typically best to run a virus scan on any file before installing it and to research any website you use before downloading drivers to ensure the website is legitimate.

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
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