In the search box, type Update, and then, in the list of results, click Windows Update. Open Windows Update by clicking the Start button. You can review the available updates and then select them from the list of updates that Windows finds for your computer.

To get all the available updates for your devices, periodically check Windows Update for all available updates, including optional updates. Windows doesn't automatically download and install optional updates, but you will be notified when optional updates are available. For instance, optional updates might include updated drivers that become available for hardware or devices you've already installed.

These details can make it easier for you to distinguish between similar devices that are connected to your computer, such as different mobile phones.Įven if you have Windows Update set to automatically download and install all important and recommended updates, you still might not be getting all of the updated drivers available for your devices. Windows can download high-resolution icons for many hardware devices that you connect to your computer, along with detailed information about them, such as product name, manufacturer, and model number-even detailed information about the sync capabilities of a device. To install these optional updates, go to Windows Update in Control Panel, check for updates, and then view and install driver updates that are available for your computer. Windows can automatically check if there are drivers available for new devices that you connect to your computer.įor hardware that you've connected to your computer in the past, updated drivers might become available at a later date but those drivers aren't installed automatically. Without drivers, the devices you connect to your computer-for example, a mouse or external hard drive-won't work properly. A driver is software that allows your computer to communicate with hardware devices. Windows can find and download two kinds of updates for devices connected to your computer:ĭrivers. This is a good way to make sure all your hardware and devices work properly. You can have Windows automatically download recommended drivers and detailed information for your hardware and devices.

We recommend you move to a Windows 11 PC to continue to receive security updates from Microsoft. Support for Windows 7 ended on January 14, 2020

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