I'm wrapping up my PC build and I'm curious about the best practices for installing drivers. Usually, I install all the drivers first, then update Windows fully. However, I sometimes find that Windows replaces my specific drivers with others I don't want. What strategies do you all use when installing drivers?
3 Answers
I go in order: first, I install the chipset drivers so that Windows recognizes all the hardware. After that, I let Windows do its updates, and once that's done, I install my custom drivers to replace anything older that's been pulled in during updates. Chipset drivers are crucial for ensuring everything works smoothly.
I usually start with Windows Update, then install all the necessary drivers using the tool from my motherboard manufacturer, like Gigabyte. For my graphics driver, I just go to the Nvidia homepage for the latest version. The only driver I end up installing manually is usually the Bluetooth one since that can be a specific issue related to the motherboard.
My approach is pretty straightforward: I finish the Windows installation, update it, and then I check for any missing drivers. I often use my motherboard's control center software for updates, and I just stick to installing the GPU drivers from the official site after everything else is set up.
I've had similar experiences, mostly rely on manufacturer tools to catch any missed drivers.