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Introduction
Your computer’s hardware depends on drivers. And Windows Update delivers many of those drivers automatically. But not all driver updates are safe. Some contain malware disguised as legitimate drivers. Others break your hardware.
This Windows Update driver updates guide teaches you how to manage drivers safely. You will learn which updates to trust, how to block unwanted ones, and what to do when a driver causes problems. By the end, you will control exactly what installs on your PC.
What Are Driver Updates in Windows Update?
Drivers are software that let Windows communicate with your hardware: graphics cards, printers, Wi-Fi adapters, sound chips, and more. Windows Update scans for newer driver versions from manufacturers and offers them as optional updates or automatically installs them.
Driver updates appear in two places:
| Location | Update Type | Install Behavior |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Update > Optional updates | Driver updates (non-critical) | Manual – you choose to install |
| Automatic Windows Update | Critical security drivers | Automatic – for security fixes |
The fake Windows Update 2026 malware sometimes disguises itself as a driver update. Learning to verify drivers protects you from this threat.
Why Driver Updates Matter (Good and Bad)
Good reasons to update drivers:
- Fix security vulnerabilities in hardware
- Improve performance and stability
- Add new features to your devices
- Resolve compatibility issues with Windows updates
Risks of driver updates:
- New driver may break your hardware (blue screen, Wi-Fi stops working)
- Malicious drivers can spy on you or steal data
- Some drivers cause battery drain or overheating
- Printer drivers may remove custom settings
Balancing these risks is why you need this Windows Update driver updates guide.
How to Find Driver Updates in Windows Update
Windows 11
- Open Settings > Windows Update
- Click Advanced options
- Scroll to Optional updates
- Click Driver updates (if available)
- You will see a list of available drivers
Windows 10
- Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update
- Click View optional updates
- Click Driver updates
- Select which drivers to install
Never install driver updates from third-party pop-ups or “driver updater” tools. Only use Windows Update or the manufacturer’s official website.
How to Verify a Legitimate Driver Update
Before installing any driver, run this checklist:
| Verification Step | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Publisher name | Should be Microsoft, Intel, NVIDIA, AMD, Realtek, Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc. |
| Digital signature | Must show “Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher” |
| Date | Should be recent (within 1-2 years) |
| Size | Typically 1MB to 500MB – not 2MB |
| Source | Only inside Windows Update settings, not a browser pop-up |
Red flags:
- Publisher name is generic (“Driver Update”, “System Software”)
- No digital signature
- Extremely small file size (under 1MB)
- Asks you to download from a website
If you see any red flags, do not install. Run a full antivirus scan and review our pillar post on fake Windows Update 2026.
Step-by-Step: Install Driver Updates Safely
Follow this process to minimize risk:
Step 1: Create a System Restore Point
- Search for “Create a restore point”
- Select your system drive (C:)
- Click Create and name it “Before driver updates”
- Wait for completion
This allows you to roll back if something breaks. (Learn more in our Windows Update history guide.)
Step 2: Review the Driver List
In Optional updates > Driver updates, you will see each driver with:
- Manufacturer name
- Device name
- Version number
- Release date
Only install drivers for hardware you actually own. Ignore drivers for devices you do not have.
Step 3: Install One Driver at a Time
Do not install all drivers at once. Install one, restart, test, then install the next. This way, if a driver causes problems, you know exactly which one.
Step 4: Test Your Hardware
After installing a driver:
- For graphics: open a game or video
- For Wi-Fi: browse the web
- For audio: play music
- For printer: print a test page
If everything works, proceed to the next driver.
How to Block Automatic Driver Updates
Sometimes Windows Update automatically installs a driver that breaks your hardware. You can prevent this.
Method 1: Show or Hide Updates Tool
Microsoft provides a tool called wushowhide.diagcab:
- Download from Microsoft’s official site
- Run the tool
- Click Hide updates
- Select the problematic driver
- Click Next
This prevents that specific driver from installing again.
Method 2: Device Installation Settings
- Search for “Device installation settings”
- Select No (your device might not work as expected)
- This stops Windows from automatically downloading manufacturer drivers
- You will still get security drivers
Method 3: Group Policy (Enterprise)
For domain-joined computers, use our Group Policy Windows Update guide to disable driver updates via policy: Do not include drivers with Windows Updates.
How to Roll Back a Bad Driver
If a driver update breaks your hardware:
- Open Device Manager (right-click Start button)
- Find the problematic device (yellow exclamation mark)
- Right-click it > Properties
- Go to Driver tab
- Click Roll Back Driver
- Follow the prompts
- Restart your computer
If Roll Back is grayed out, use System Restore (the point you created earlier). (For more troubleshooting, see our Windows Update stuck fixes.)
Real-World Applications
Scenario A: Gamer with Broken Graphics
After a Windows Update driver update, Maria’s games run at 10 FPS. She opens Device Manager, rolls back the NVIDIA driver, and performance returns. She hides that driver update using wushowhide. Her system stays stable.
Scenario B: Small Business with Printer Issues
A receptionist’s printer stops working after automatic updates. The IT admin checks Optional updates and finds a new HP driver installed. He rolls it back and uses Group Policy to block driver updates on all print servers. (He also reviews Windows Update for Business setup to control updates across the office.)
Scenario C: Home User Avoiding Malware
John sees a pop-up: “Critical Driver Update – Click Here.” He remembers this Windows Update driver updates guide. Instead of clicking, he opens Windows Update settings. No driver updates are pending. He runs an antivirus scan and finds malware. The pop-up was a fake. He avoids infection.
Driver Updates vs. Manufacturer Drivers – Comparison
| Aspect | Windows Update Driver | Manufacturer Website Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | Automatic, easy | Manual download and install |
| Timeliness | Usually weeks behind | Latest version available |
| Stability | Tested by Microsoft | May have bugs (cutting edge) |
| Best for | Most users, critical security | Gamers, professionals needing latest features |
For most users, Windows Update drivers are safer and sufficient. Only download from manufacturers if you have a specific problem that a newer driver fixes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Installing every optional driver. Many drivers are for hardware you do not own. Only install what matches your PC.
Mistake #2: Using third-party driver updater tools. These often contain malware or adware. Windows Update is all you need.
Mistake #3: Ignoring driver updates completely. Security vulnerabilities in drivers (like printer or Wi-Fi drivers) can be exploited by attackers.
Mistake #4: Not creating a restore point before driver updates. Always have a backup plan.
FAQ Section
Can driver updates contain malware like the fake Windows Update 2026?
Yes. Malware can disguise itself as a driver update. Always verify the publisher and digital signature. Never install drivers from pop-ups or emails. (Read our pillar post on fake Windows Update 2026 for more.)
How often should I check for driver updates?
Check Optional updates once per month. Only install drivers if you are having hardware issues or if the update fixes a security vulnerability.
Why does Windows Update keep reinstalling a driver I rolled back?
Windows Update may see the newer driver as “needed.” Use the wushowhide tool to hide that specific driver permanently.
Do I need driver updates for gaming performance?
Sometimes. Graphics card drivers from NVIDIA or AMD can improve game performance. But get them directly from the manufacturer, not Windows Update, for the latest versions.
Conclusion
This Windows Update driver updates guide has shown you how to manage drivers safely. Stick to Windows Update for most drivers. Verify publishers before installing. Create restore points. Roll back bad drivers immediately.
Never install driver updates from pop-ups or third-party tools. When in doubt, check Windows Update settings first. And always keep your system protected against malware like the fake Windows Update 2026 campaign.
Next steps: Learn how to control update bandwidth with our Windows Update Delivery Optimization guide. For enterprise driver management, see Group Policy Windows Update.
