
If you have noticed that some of your devices USB do not work properly on your computer with Windows 11, you are likely to have problems with USB drivers. Keeping these drivers up to date is crucial to ensure the smooth operation of your USB ports and devices. In addition, with Windows 11, which brings many improvements in performance and compatibility, making sure everything is up to date will make your system run more efficiently.
In this article, you will learn the detailed steps and methods available to update USB drivers on your Windows 11 computer. Either by using the built-in Windows tools like Windows Update or Device administrator, or through third-party tools, we will cover all the possibilities so that you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
Why is it important to update USB drivers in Windows 11?
As the OS advance, as in the case of Windows 11USB drivers play an increasingly important role in ensuring that connected devices function optimally. These are small programs that enable communication between your USB device and the operating system.
Updating USB drivers not only ensures that your devices, such as printers, external hard drives, or keyboards, remain compatible, but can also fix common issues such as unrecognized devices o connection errors. If you don't keep them up to date, you could face compatibility errors, inefficient performance, or even the inability to use some devices. hardware.
Methods to update USB drivers in Windows 11
There are several methods at your disposal to update USB drivers in Windows 11. Below, we will go through the most effective and detailed ways to do so:
1. Update USB drivers via Device Manager
Windows Device Manager is one of the easiest and quickest ways to update your drivers USB without the need to download additional software.
- Press the key Windows + X and select Device administrator on the menu.
- In Device Manager, expand the section called Universal Serial Bus Controllers.
- Right click on the USB device you want to update and select Update Driver.
- Choose the option Search for drivers automatically to have Windows search for the latest versions available online and install them.
This method is very convenient because it allows Windows to do most of the work for you, but it does not always guarantee that the most recent versions will be found.
2. Update via Windows Update
Windows Update not only keeps your operating system up to date, but it can also find driver updates that would otherwise go unnoticed. To update your USB drivers from this tool, follow these steps:
- Open the menu Configuration by clicking on the gear icon in the start menu.
- Go to the section Windows Update and click Search for updates.
- If there optional driver updates available, they will appear in the section of Advanced. From there, select USB driver updates and click on Download and install.
This update method is efficient, although it does not always detect the most recent drivers from the manufacturer, so it is a good idea to combine it with other methods.
3. Update manually from the manufacturer's website
If Windows Update or Device Manager fails to find the latest updates, you always have the option to do so manually from your USB device manufacturer's website. Follow these steps:
- Determine the make and model of your USB device.
- Visit the manufacturer's website and look for the section Support, Controladores o Downloads.
- Download the latest version of drivers for Windows 11.
- Open the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the new driver.
4. Use driver update tools
If you prefer not to update manually or using native Windows tools, you can use third-party programs such as Driver Booster o driver talentThese tools scan your computer for outdated drivers and download the most updated versions for you.
Many users prefer these solutions as they are automatic and cover most devices connected to the system, making them a great alternative if you prefer to avoid technical issues or manual searches.
Possible errors when updating drivers
While updating USB drivers in Windows 11 is usually a smooth process, errors can sometimes arise during or after the update. Some of the most common errors you might encounter include:
- Device not recognized: Sometimes, even after updating a driver, the device may not be recognized, which is usually due to a driver conflict or the new driver being incompatible.
- Performance issues: Another common error is that after an update, the device starts to behave erratically or experiences problems with data transfer speed.
- System failures: In some rare cases, updating drivers may cause system errors or even serious failures that prevent the device from functioning properly.
To avoid these problems, it is always advisable make a system backup before performing major upgrades or using data recovery programs if something goes wrong.
Recover lost data after an update
In some cases, updating USB drivers may result in data loss on the connected devices. If you are facing such a problem, there are several highly efficient data recovery tools like EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard o Wondershare Recovery.
These programs allow you to scan your device for deleted or corrupted files and restore them to their original location or a new safe destination. To prevent future loss, it is always recommended to keep drivers up to date and use backup solutions.
By following the methods and steps mentioned above, you can ensure that your Windows 11 system is always up to date and that your USB devices are performing optimally. Keeping your drivers up to date saves you headaches and ensures efficient performance in all your daily tasks.
I'm Alberto Navarro and I'm passionate about everything related to technology, from cutting-edge gadgets to software and video games of all kinds. My interest in digital began with video games and continued in the world of digital marketing. I have been writing about the digital world on different platforms since 2019, sharing the latest news in the sector. I also try to write in an original way so that you can stay up to date while having fun.
I studied Sociology at university and completed my studies with a Master's in Digital Marketing. So if you have any questions, I'll share with you all my experience in the world of digital marketing, technology and video games.