We created this step-by-step guide to accompany our originalHow to Update Drivers in Windowshow-to guide.
Updating drivers can be a little complicated, so this visual tutorial should help provide clarity.
The download came in the form of a single, compressed file.
Download the Latest Windows 7 Driver for the Hardware.
If you’re not sure, seeHow to Tell if You Have Windows 64-Bit or 32-Bitfor help.
Many drivers available today are packaged for automatic installation.
If so, there’s no reason to continue with these stepsjust execute the program and follow any instructions.
Extract the Driver Files From the Compressed Download.
As of January 2020, Microsoft isno longer supporting Windows 7.
We recommendupgrading to Windows 10orWindows 11to continue receiving security updates and technical support.
There are plenty offree file extractor programsout there if you don’t care for 7-Zip.
Open Device Manager From the Control Panel in Windows 7.
In Windows 7, hardware management, including updating drivers, is accomplished from withinDevice Manager.
Navigate through the hardware unit categories by using the>icon.
Under each hardware category will be the one or more devices that belong to that category.
Locate the Hardware Device You Want to Update the Drivers For.
ensure to right-tap the actual machine entry, not thecategorythat the machine is in.
ChooseBrowse my computer for driver software.
Select ‘Have Disk’
On theSelect internet Adapter1screen, selectHave Disk.
Open the Hardware Device’s Properties.
You don’t need to select aNetwork Adapterhere.
A more genericSelect the machine driver you want to install for this hardwareis common.
Select ‘Browse’
SelectBrowse.
Start the Update Driver Software Wizard.
Your screen should be showing something similar to the image above.
The Update Driver Software wizard will read the information from all the INF files in this folder.
INF files are the only files that unit Manager accepts for driver setup information.
Choose to Locate and Install Driver Software Manually.
Not sure which INF file to choose when there are several?
Couldn’t find an INF file in the folder you selected from your driver download?
Try looking in another folder within the extracted drivers.
Choose to Pick From a List of Device Drivers on Your Computer.
Maybe you chose the wrong one.
Couldn’t find an INF file in any folder from the extracted driver files?
The driver download may have been damaged, or you may not have extracted them properly.
Click the Have Disk Button.
Try downloading and extracting the drivers again.
See Steps 1 and 2 again if you need help.
Confirm Your Folder Choice
PressOKback on the Install From Disk window.
Click the Browse Button.
You might notice the path to the folder you chose in the last step in the text box.
This time, however, you want to choose the correct driver and then selectNext.
Only one compatible driver is listed in the example above.
Navigate to the Folder with the Extracted Driver Files.
Wait While Windows 7 Installs the Updated Driver
Wait while the wizard completes the driver installation process.
SelectCloseto close this window.
You’re not finished yet!
Choose Any INF File in the Folder.
you better cycle your box and ensure your hardware is working properly with its new drivers.
kickstart your setup
Not all driver updates require arestart of your setup.
Even if you’re not prompted, I always recommend restarting anyway.
Confirm Your Folder Choice.
Wait While Windows Restarts
Wait for Windows to fully restart and then access as you usually do.
Test the Hardware
Finally, you should test the hardware gear and verify it’s working properly.
Were you trying to fix a unit Manager error code, but a driver update didn’t work?
Start the Windows 7 Driver Installation Process.
If a driver update didn’t fix your problem, return to the troubleshooting information for your error code.
MostDevice Manager error codeshave several possible solutions.
Wait While Windows 7 Installs the Updated Driver.
Close the Update Driver Software Window.
Restart Your Computer.
Wait While Windows Restarts.
Check the Device’s Status for Errors.
