Let us explore updating the network driver on Windows 11.
Nowadays, having a fast and reliable internet connection is crucial for most people. However, even with the latest hardware, outdated network drivers can cause connectivity issues, slow internet speeds, and other problems.
This is why keeping your network drivers up to date is essential, especially when using the latest operating system, such as Windows 11.
In this article, we’ll discuss the best ways to update network drivers in Windows 11. By following these methods, you can ensure that your network connection is stable, fast, and reliable, helping you stay connected to the online world easily.
Do I really need to update my PC’s network driver?
Yes, it is recommended to regularly update your PC’s network driver to ensure optimal performance and stability of your network connection. Here are some of the benefits of updating your PC’s network driver:
- Improved Performance: A new network driver can improve the speed and reliability of your network connection by addressing bugs, adding new features, and optimizing performance.
- Bug Fixes: Updating your network driver can fix known bugs and security vulnerabilities in older driver versions.
- Compatibility: New network drivers often support the latest network standards and technologies, ensuring your PC is compatible with the latest networking hardware and software.
- Stability: Updating your driver can help ensure your connection is stable and reliable.
- Security: New network drivers often include security patches and improvements that can help protect your PC from online threats and attacks.
- Increased functionality: Some new network drivers may also include new features, such as support for new network protocols, which can enhance the functionality of your network connection.
How do I install Network drivers on Windows 11?
1. Use Windows update
- Press Windows + I to open system settings.
- Select Windows Update and click Advanced options.
- Choose Optional Updates.
- Click the Drivers update to display more options and check the available update.
- Select the Download & install button to begin the installation.
- Wait for the installation to complete.
2. Install drivers with the device manager
- Hold Windows + X simultaneously and select Device manager.
- Right-click on your Network adapter and pick Update driver.
- Choose the Browse my computer for drivers option.
- Select the Browse option.
- Choose the folder containing the driver installation files and click OK.
- Follow the rest of the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
3. Use the command prompt to install drivers
- Hold Windows + R simultaneously to open the run menu, type cmd, and hit Enter.
- In the command prompt, enter the following command.
pnputil.exe -directoryofdriverpackage\drivername.inf
- Replace directoryofdriverpackage with the location of the driver file on your computer and hit Enter.
4. Download drivers from the manufacturer’s website
Downloading the network driver directly from the manufacturer’s website is a reliable and effective way to update your network driver on Windows 11.
Therefore, when you download the driver from the manufacturer’s website, you can be assured that you are getting your device’s latest and most compatible version.
Also, manufacturer websites often provide driver updates for their devices designed to improve performance, stability, and security.
These updates may also include bug fixes or address compatibility issues that may have arisen with newer versions of Windows 11. We recommend going to the Intel download center to get updates for network drivers.
Each of the methods listed in this article has its advantages, and choosing the right one for your needs will depend on your technical expertise and preferences.
Regardless of which method you choose, keeping your network drivers up to date is always essential to ensure that your computer is running smoothly and efficiently.
By following these best practices for updating network driver in Windows 11, you can avoid issues and ensure a seamless computing experience.
