Windows driver management and backup methods

Windows users can manage device drivers through several official and third-party methods. Microsoft recommends using Windows Update to automatically receive drivers for components such as network adapters, printers, scanners, and video cards. Users can also access optional driver updates manually through the Windows Update settings menu.

Hardware manufacturers provide dedicated tools for driver maintenance, including Intel Driver & Support Assistant, AMD Software, the NVIDIA app, Dell SupportAssist, HP Support Assistant, Lenovo Vantage, and MyASUS. Third-party options from providers like Avast and Norton are also available.

For manual management, Windows 11 allows users to back up installed drivers using the Command Prompt utility with the DISM command. This backup can later be used to restore specific drivers via the Device Manager by browsing to the saved folder.