How to Automatically Update Drivers in Windows 10/11

In enterprises using Windows 10, it is essential to update drivers to uphold system performance, security, and productivity throughout the organization. Although, for most hardware, Windows 10 updates drivers automatically, it might sometimes not get the latest versions. Neglecting to update drivers can result in hardware failures, compatibility challenges, and security risks. Consistent driver updates facilitate the smooth operation of devices, reduce downtime, and accommodate the latest software and IT infrastructure, thereby improving overall efficiency and mitigating operational risks within enterprise contexts.

In this article, we will learn how to enable auto driver update for Windows 10 and what are some of the best free driver update tools for Windows 10. But before we delve into these details let’s first explore why you should automatically update drivers.

1Does Windows 10 Automatically Update Drivers?

Yes, Windows 10 updates most of the drivers automatically to make sure your hardware devices are performing at their fullest. However, for some drivers, Windows might not fetch the latest versions and they might lag behind a bit. the best bet here would be to get the updates fromthe manufacturers directly and stay in the loop with latest features.

2How to Enable Automatic Driver Updates

Let us have a look at how to update Windows 10 drivers automatically using different methods for a limited number of devices as well as for a large number of devices.

1For a Limited Number of Devices

For individuals, or for a small number of devices, you can use two methods to enable automatic driver updates in Windows 10 and 11. Here is an explanation of both.

Method 1: Using Windows Update for Drivers

Follow this step-by-step guide to use this method for Windows 10 and 11:

See detailed guide

Method 2: Configuring Device Installation Settings

Here’s another way of enabling automatic driver updates in Windows through device installation settings:

2For Multiple Devices

When it comes to managing updates for multiple devices, for instance in an enterprise where the entire IT assets need to have regular driver updates, it is a lot different from managing updates on an individual or small-scale level.

Here, the smallest negligence can compromise data security or lead to interruptions resulting in downtime. Hence, to avoid such a scenario and ensure seamless integration of the latest driver updates on each of the devices, using a comprehensive MDM solution is recommended.

We recommend using AirDroid Business as a reliable and easy-to-manage MDM partner for ensuring automated updates, timely patch management, and important bug fixes through a centralized dashboard so that the staff always have access to the latest features when using hardware features.

How to Use AirDroid Business to Update Drivers Automatically for Business

AirDroid Business offers a unified dashboard where you can monitor and manage the updates for the IT infrastructure in your enterprise. Using its ‘Patch Management’ feature, you can automate updates deployment, including those for the drivers, and make sure all the important updates are promptly installed for each of the target devices. Let's see how to use this feature.

An Introduction to the Centralized Panel for Updates Management

In this intuitive, centralized panel, you are shown the status of patches and updates. Here you can get an overview of available updates, the patches that are missing, and those that need to be updated. It also shows failed patches and the ones that have been installed but will take effect after rebooting a particular device. Most importantly, it categorizes the updates according to the severity of vulnerability and helps to prioritize them.

It has a dedicated ‘Windows System Updates’ section allowing you to see updates and patch history, important patches, and the ones to be ignored. You can select the devices that need these patches and mass deploy or customize the patch deployment schedule, i.e., get a workable combination of automated and manual updates.

Let us now delve into a step-by-step guide to using the ‘patch management’ feature for automated driver updates and more.

How to Manage Patches in Bulk with AirDroid Business

Set up Configurations for Patch Updates

Check Patch Update Logs of Devices

In the "Windows System Update" section, you can click the “Details" icon to check the patch update logs.

3Best Free Driver Update Tools for Windows 10

All set to take the automated driver updates to the next level? Consider using a tool to help you streamline the process so that you never miss an important update without keeping yourself occupied with the process.

1Top Free Tools for Automatic Driver Updates

Free automatic driver update tools come in handy when you want your drivers to stay up to date with all the important available updates without getting too bothered by the entire process. Let us have a look at some of the most popular free tools.

AirDroid Business

AirDroid Business is a reliable and comprehensive tool for automatic driver updates, providing a centralized dashboard for monitoring and managing driver updates and patches.

Driver Booster

Driver Booster is a free tool to help you search for and automatically update drivers with important available updates.

Snappy Driver Installer

A handy free driver update tool with online as well as offline support.

Driver Easy

A popular auto driver update tool with an edge over others when it comes to ease-of-use and simplicity.

2Comparing Free and Paid Driver Updater Tools

Where free tools are easy on your budget while still providing the basic functionality, paid driver update tools bring a feature-rich experience and some additional perks that can be handy. However, what should be preferred depends on a number of factors. Let us have a look at the pros and cons of each option.

4Benefits of Automatic Driver Updates

Here is how both individuals and enterprises can benefit from automatic updates of drivers for Windows 10.

Benefits for Individuals

At an individual level, auto driver updates for Windows 10 and 11 can have significant benefits both on the operational front and for ensuring security.

• Smooth Hardware Performance
  Timely driver updates guarantee optimal performance by hardware devices like graphics cards and printers. This ensures that the latest features always work with the hardware components.
• Impeccable Security
  Outdated drivers are a security risk. When you update Windows 10 drivers automatically, you are minimizing the risk of malware attacks. Auto updates mean patches are deployed from time to time, enhancing security.
• Added Convenience
  Automatic driver updates mean you don’t have to put effort and time into searching for all the necessary updates. It adds to the convenience for individuals and saves time.
• Access to Latest Features
  Updated drivers are more compatible with the newest software and often offer a feature-rich experience with all the latest features promptly updated.
• Automatic Fixes for Bugs
  Auto updates for Windows drivers mean any bugs in older versions will be fixed automatically and security vulnerabilities will be covered.

Benefits for Enterprises

Enterprises, where a vast IT infrastructure needs to be maintained, can benefit significantly from auto driver updates for Windows 10/11. Here is how they help:

• Avoiding Downtime
  Updating drivers automatically helps enterprises avoid downtime as these updates regularly fix bugs and keep the drivers up and running without any issues. Hence, the users can always have uninterrupted access to the hardware devices.
• Cost Reduction
  When the drivers are set to be updated regularly without needing manual assistance from IT personnel, this automation helps reduce costs as the enterprises won’t need manual assistance.
• Uncompromised Security
  When Windows updates drivers automatically, it deploys patches regularly for security vulnerabilities. This means a lot to enterprises as they give great value to securing their data.
• Integration of New Hardware
  Updated drivers offer seamless introduction of new hardware devices onto the company’s IT assets without needing manual configuration.

5Ensuring Driver Update Safety

Although regularly updating drivers offers compatibility with new hardware and software and covers vulnerabilities, not all methods or tools for driver updates are safe. Without necessary precautions, your device’s security and functionality will be compromised. Let us get into the details of whether automatic driver download is safe, and what steps can be taken to ensure safety.

1Is Automatic Driver Download Safe?

The safety or risks of automatic driver download depends on what tools or software you are using for the updates. For example, there can be three options:

• Windows Update: It is usually among the safest available options. However, Windows updates may not always have the latest driver updates available.
• Manufacturer Updates: These too are usually safe to use but you need to be cautious about using the official source only.
• Third Party Tools: A lot of caution needs to be taken when using third-party automated driver update tools. Only go for the certified ones and do some research, exploring the user experience and goodwill of a tool you intend to use.

2Tips for Safe Driver Updates

While using auto driver update tools, make sure you prioritize your device’s and hardware's safety. Here are a few practical tips to consider in order to avoid security risks.

• Ensure Compatibility: Make sure the driver update is compatible with your hardware device’s model and your computer’s operating system.
• Only Use Trusted Platform: Prioritize the official website of the hardware manufacturer for the latest driver updates to avoid malicious or incompatible downloads.
• Make Backups: Before installing newer updates, make sure you have made a copy of the current driver and created a system restore point.

6Troubleshooting Driver Update Issues

Let’s have a look at some of the common issues that arise while installing driver updates, and how to resolve them.

Why Are My Drivers Not Automatically Updating?

While using Windows Update settings is among the most reliable and safest ways to automatically update the drivers, it may not always automatically fetch the latest updates for the drivers. The most recommended course of action, if Windows aren’t automatically updating a driver, is to get the updates from your device manufacturer’s website.

How to Stop Windows 10 from Automatically Updating Drivers

You can disable auto driver updates in Windows 10 if you do not want Windows to fetch new updates for your drivers. Here is one way to do so: