Corrupted drivers can be a frustrating issue for Windows 10 users, leading to system crashes, performance issues, and compatibility problems. Fortunately, there are several effective methods to resolve this problem and restore your system to a stable state. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top 5 ways to fix corrupted drivers in Windows 10.
1. Update Drivers from the Device Manager Menu
The first step in addressing corrupted drivers is to update them through the Device Manager. Follow these steps:
Press the Windows key R to open the Run dialog, then type “devmgmt.msc” and press Enter to open the Device Manager.
Locate the device with the corrupted driver, usually indicated by a yellow exclamation mark.
Right-click on the device and select “Update driver”.
Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software” and let Windows search for and install the latest driver.
2. Reinstall Drivers
If updating the driver doesn’t resolve the issue, you can try uninstalling and then reinstalling the driver. Here’s how:
Open the Device Manager and locate the device with the corrupted driver.
Right-click on the device and select “Uninstall device”.
Check the box to “Attempt to remove the driver for this device” and click “Uninstall”.
Once the driver is uninstalled, reboot your computer, and Windows will automatically reinstall the driver.
If the issue persists, you can download the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website and install it manually.
3. Run Troubleshooter from Control Panel
Windows 10 has a built-in troubleshooter that can help identify and fix issues with corrupted drivers. Follow these steps:
Open the Control Panel and navigate to “Troubleshooting”.
Click on “Hardware and Devices” and then “Run the troubleshooter”.
Follow the on-screen instructions to let the troubleshooter scan for and resolve any driver-related issues.
4. Run Windows Security Scan
Corrupted drivers can sometimes be the result of malware or system file corruption. Running a Windows Security scan can help identify and resolve these issues:
Press the Windows key I to open the Settings app.
Navigate to “Update & Security” and then “Windows Security”.
Click on “Virus & threat protection” and then “Scan options”.
Select “Full scan” and click “Scan now”.
5. Update Windows OS
Keeping your Windows 10 operating system up-to-date can also help resolve driver-related issues. Microsoft regularly releases updates that include driver improvements and bug fixes. Follow these steps to ensure your system is running the latest version:
Open the Settings app and navigate to “Update & Security”.
Click on “Windows Update” and then “Check for updates”.
If any updates are available, install them and reboot your computer.