How to Reset Drivers on Windows 10? (2024)

Are you having difficulty with your drivers on Windows 10? Have you noticed that your computer is constantly freezing or running slow? If so, it might be time to reset your drivers. Resetting drivers is a great way to fix any driver-related issues and can help improve the performance of your computer. In this article, we’ll discuss how to reset drivers on Windows 10 quickly and easily. So, let’s get started!

What is Driver Resetting?

Driver resetting is a process of reinstalling a device driver or other software component that was previously installed on your Windows 10 system. It is designed to help troubleshoot and correct any issues with the driver or other software component. Driver resetting can be used to restore a system to its original state or to restore a driver or other software component to a previous version.

Driver resetting can be done manually or with the help of Windows 10’s built-in features such as Device Manager and System Restore. Manual driver resetting requires technical knowledge and can be time-consuming. System Restore is a feature that allows users to rollback their system to a previous point in time, which can undo any driver changes or other modifications made to the system.

How to Reset Drivers on Windows 10?

There are several ways to reset drivers on Windows 10. The most common method involves using the Device Manager. Device Manager is a built-in Windows 10 tool that allows users to view, manage, and update device drivers.

Using Device Manager to Reset Drivers

To reset a driver using Device Manager, open the Start Menu and type “Device Manager” into the search bar. Select “Device Manager” from the list of results. Select the driver that you would like to reset. Right-click on the driver and select “Uninstall Device.” Follow the on-screen instructions to uninstall the driver.

Once the driver has been uninstalled, you can reinstall it by selecting “Scan for hardware changes.” This will reinstall the driver with the latest version available.

Using System Restore to Reset Drivers

System Restore is a built-in Windows 10 feature that allows users to rollback their system to a previous point in time. This can be used to undo any driver changes or other modifications made to the system. To reset a driver using System Restore, open the Start Menu and type “System Restore” into the search bar. Select “System Restore” from the list of results. Follow the on-screen instructions to select a restore point and reset the driver.

Using Third-Party Software to Reset Drivers

There are also third-party software programs available that can be used to reset drivers on Windows 10. These programs provide an easier and more automated way of resetting drivers than the manual methods described above. However, these programs should only be used if you are confident in your technical ability.

Conclusion

Resetting drivers on Windows 10 can be done manually or with the help of Windows 10’s built-in features such as Device Manager and System Restore. There are also third-party software programs available that can be used to reset drivers on Windows 10. It is important to ensure that you are confident in your technical ability before attempting to reset drivers manually or with third-party software.

Few Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is a driver?

A driver is a piece of software that acts as an interface between the operating system and the hardware of a computer. Drivers enable the operating system to interact with the hardware and enable it to perform certain tasks. Without the correct drivers, the hardware may not function properly or at all.

Q2. What are the steps to reset drivers on Windows 10?

To reset drivers on Windows 10, you first need to open the Device Manager. To do this, press Windows key + X and select “Device Manager” from the list. Once Device Manager is open, you can then find the driver you wish to reset. Right-click on the driver and select “Uninstall Device”. You will then be asked to confirm that you wish to uninstall the device. Click “Yes” to complete the process.

Q3. How do I know if I need to update my drivers?

The easiest way to determine if you need to update your drivers is to check for any available updates on the manufacturer’s website. You can also check for any available updates in Device Manager. If there are any available updates, you can install them by clicking on the “Update Driver” button.

Q4. What happens if I uninstall a driver?

When you uninstall a driver, the hardware it was associated with will no longer be able to function correctly. This means that any applications that were using the hardware will no longer be able to do so. Depending on the hardware, you may be able to reinstall the driver after uninstalling it.

Q5. How do I reinstall a driver?

To reinstall a driver, you can open Device Manager, right-click on the hardware you wish to reinstall, and then select “Update Driver”. You will then be prompted to either search for the driver online or to browse your computer for the driver. Once the driver is found, it will be installed.

Q6. What should I do if I can’t find the driver I need?

If you can’t find the driver you need, you can contact the manufacturer of the hardware and ask them for the driver. You can also use a third-party driver updater tool to search for and install the drivers you need. These tools will often be able to find drivers that the manufacturer does not have available.

Resetting drivers on Windows 10 is a great way to ensure that your system is functioning as efficiently as possible. This can be done manually, or you can use the Windows 10 Device Manager to quickly and easily reset drivers. Whatever method you choose, taking the time to reset drivers on Windows 10 can make a big difference in the performance of your computer. With the right tools and some patience, you’ll be able to quickly and easily reset drivers on Windows 10 and enjoy better system performance.