How to Recover Uninstalled Drivers in Windows 11/10

If you have ever experienced driver issues on your Windows 11/10 computer, you would understand how frustrating it can be. Drivers play a crucial role in ensuring that your hardware devices function optimally, and if you accidentally uninstall one, it can lead to a lot of problems. However, the good news is that you can recover uninstalled drivers in Windows 11/10. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to do it.

How to Check if a Driver is Uninstalled

The first step in recovering an uninstalled driver is to check if it is indeed uninstalled. Here's how to do it:

Open the Start Menu and type in "Device Manager" in the search bar.

Click on the "Device Manager" option that appears.

Look for the hardware device that you suspect has an uninstalled driver.

If there is a yellow exclamation mark next to the device, it means that the driver is not installed or has been uninstalled.

How to Recover Uninstalled Drivers Using Windows Update

The easiest way to recover an uninstalled driver is to use the Windows Update feature. Here's how to do it:

Open the Start Menu and click on the "Settings" icon.

Click on the "Update & Security" option.

Click on the "Windows Update" option.

Click on the "Check for updates" button.

If there is a driver update available for the hardware device, Windows will download and install it automatically.

How to Recover Uninstalled Drivers Using Device Manager

If the Windows Update feature doesn't recover the uninstalled driver, you can use Device Manager to recover it manually. Here's how to do it:

Open the Start Menu and type in "Device Manager" in the search bar.

Click on the "Device Manager" option that appears.

Look for the hardware device that you suspect has an uninstalled driver.

Right-click on the device and click on the "Properties" option.

Click on the "Driver" tab.

Click on the "Update Driver" button.

Choose the option "Search automatically for updated driver software."

If there is an updated driver available, Windows will download and install it automatically.

How to Recover Uninstalled Drivers Using System Restore

If you have created a restore point before the driver was uninstalled, you can use System Restore to recover it. Here's how to do it:

Open the Start Menu and type in "System Restore" in the search bar.

Click on the "Create a restore point" option that appears.

Click on the "System Restore" button.

Select the restore point that was created before the driver was uninstalled.

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the restore process.

How to Prevent Uninstalling Drivers Accidentally

Prevention is always better than cure, and the same applies to uninstalling drivers accidentally. Here are some tips to prevent it from happening:

Always create a restore point before making any changes to your computer.

Avoid uninstalling drivers unless you are sure of what you are doing.

Use a third-party driver update tool that automatically updates drivers for you.

Conclusion

Recovering an uninstalled driver in Windows 11/10 can be a simple process if you follow the steps outlined above. Whether you use the Windows Update feature, Device Manager, or System Restore, you can recover your driver and get your hardware device functioning correctly. Remember to take preventative measures to avoid uninstalling drivers accidentally.

We hope this article has been helpful in providing you with the information you need to recover uninstalled drivers in Windows 11/10. If you have any further questions, feel free to check out our FAQs section below.

FAQs

Can I recover an uninstalled driver without a restore point?

Unfortunately, if you do not have a restore point, it may be difficult to recover an uninstalled driver. However, you can try using a third-party driver update tool to automatically download and install the necessary driver.

Can I recover an uninstalled driver using the Windows Device Manager?

Yes, you can recover an uninstalled driver using Device Manager. Follow the steps outlined in the article to do so.

How do I prevent accidentally uninstalling drivers in the future?

To prevent accidentally uninstalling drivers, always create a restore point before making any changes to your computer. Additionally, avoid uninstalling drivers unless you are sure of what you are doing, and consider using a third-party driver update tool.

Can I recover a driver that has been deleted from my computer?

If a driver has been completely deleted from your computer, it may be difficult to recover it. However, you can try using a third-party data recovery tool to see if it can retrieve the deleted driver.

How often should I update my drivers?

It is recommended that you update your drivers periodically, especially when you notice issues with your hardware devices. However, be cautious about updating drivers too frequently, as it can cause compatibility issues with your system.