Driver updates are one of the most overlooked performance and stability improvements on Windows. A graphics driver from 18 months ago might be missing optimisations for modern games, and an outdated Wi-Fi driver can be the hidden cause of intermittent disconnects.
Why Driver Updates Matter
Drivers are the software layer between Windows and your hardware. Manufacturers release updates to:
- Fix crashes and blue screens
- Improve performance (GPU driver updates regularly improve game frame rates by 5–15%)
- Add support for new features
- Patch security vulnerabilities
Windows Update handles some drivers, but it prioritises stability over recency — it may be months behind the latest release from the manufacturer.
- Fix crashes and blue screens
- Improve performance (GPU driver updates regularly improve game frame rates by 5–15%)
- Add support for new features
- Patch security vulnerabilities
Windows Update handles some drivers, but it prioritises stability over recency — it may be months behind the latest release from the manufacturer.
How to Check What Drivers You Have
Press Win + X and click Device Manager. Expand any category to see your devices. Right-click a device → Properties → Driver tab to see the current driver version and date.
A driver dated more than 12–18 months ago is worth checking for updates, especially for GPUs, network adapters, and audio devices.
A driver dated more than 12–18 months ago is worth checking for updates, especially for GPUs, network adapters, and audio devices.
Updating Graphics Drivers (Most Important)
NVIDIA: Download NVIDIA App (the replacement for GeForce Experience) from nvidia.com. It detects your card automatically and offers driver downloads. Use "Studio Driver" for content creators and "Game Ready Driver" for gamers.
AMD: Download AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition from amd.com. Same idea — auto-detects your GPU and offers Recommended or Optional driver tracks.
Intel (integrated graphics): Download the Intel Driver & Support Assistant from intel.com.
Tip: Before updating a GPU driver, use DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller) in safe mode to cleanly remove the old driver first. This prevents conflicts and is especially helpful if you are switching between NVIDIA and AMD.
AMD: Download AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition from amd.com. Same idea — auto-detects your GPU and offers Recommended or Optional driver tracks.
Intel (integrated graphics): Download the Intel Driver & Support Assistant from intel.com.
Tip: Before updating a GPU driver, use DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller) in safe mode to cleanly remove the old driver first. This prevents conflicts and is especially helpful if you are switching between NVIDIA and AMD.
Updating Motherboard / Chipset Drivers
Chipset drivers are often overlooked but control how your CPU communicates with storage, RAM, and USB. Find your motherboard model (look on the board itself or check CPU-Z → Mainboard tab), go to the manufacturer's website (ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, ASRock), and download the latest chipset driver from the Drivers & Downloads section.
Updating Network and Audio Drivers
If you experience Wi-Fi drops, slow network speeds, or audio glitches, check these drivers specifically:
Network adapter: Go to your PC/laptop manufacturer's support page, enter your model, and download the latest LAN and Wi-Fi drivers.
Audio: Realtek audio drivers are used by most motherboards. The version bundled by Windows Update is often older than what Realtek publishes on their website. Download the latest from realtek.com or your motherboard manufacturer's page.
Network adapter: Go to your PC/laptop manufacturer's support page, enter your model, and download the latest LAN and Wi-Fi drivers.
Audio: Realtek audio drivers are used by most motherboards. The version bundled by Windows Update is often older than what Realtek publishes on their website. Download the latest from realtek.com or your motherboard manufacturer's page.
What Not to Do
Avoid third-party "driver update" tools that scan your PC and offer to download drivers for you — many of these are scams that install adware or provide incorrect drivers. The exceptions are tools from known, reputable sources (manufacturer apps like NVIDIA App or AMD Software, or tools like WhaleClean's Driver Center which shows you the driver info and links you to official manufacturer pages).
Do not update drivers that are working fine just for the sake of it. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" applies particularly to printer drivers and obscure peripheral firmware.
Do not update drivers that are working fine just for the sake of it. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" applies particularly to printer drivers and obscure peripheral firmware.
See All Your Drivers at a Glance in WhaleClean
WhaleClean's Driver Center lists all installed drivers with their version, date, and publisher — making it easy to spot outdated entries and get to the right download page without digging through Device Manager.
Download WhaleClean Free