Since information technology'south complimentary, plenty of people will be upgrading to Windows 10 equally presently as it'due south released. But we've been asked by many about drivers: they're worried that upgrading will mean their hardware won't work properly. Here'south what you need to know nigh getting drivers for Windows 10.

A new operating system is e'er going to have teething troubles, and information technology will be no dissimilar with Windows ten. There's a vast range of hardware out there, spanning almost a decade (in some cases even older). So, at that place'south ever going to be a chance a commuter volition exist missing when you update to Windows 10. But you shouldn't worry. Here's why.

How to become drivers for Windows 10: automatic driver installation

As with playing games in Windows 10, it'south of import to understand that the new Os is backwards compatible with Windows 7 and 8. It isn't a new platform which requires new drivers. Microsoft has already confirmed that if Windows seven drivers are available for a piece of hardware, they'll work with Windows 10. Manufacturers are playing safety by saying that their Windows 7 and viii drivers aren't guaranteed to piece of work in Windows ten, but it's likely they volition.

So if all your hardware is working in Windows vii, you'll be able to get information technology working in Windows x. In theory, the update procedure will take care of everything for you. You tin can read more nearly this in our Will my PC get Windows ten? article

As well every bit keeping your files and settings, your apps should be moved over too. Only anti-virus programs will have to be reinstalled, Microsoft says.

In one case Windows 10 is installed, requite information technology fourth dimension to download updates and drivers from Windows Update. In our experience of running the preview builds, this can take a few minutes – merely allow upwardly to 30 before you start manually installing drivers. Windows will get abroad and find all the drivers information technology tin for your hardware and install it automatically.

This will include motherboard / chipset drivers, graphics card drivers, sound cards, touchpads, Wi-Fi & networking, webcams, printers, keyboards and mice, and whatever other peripherals connected to your PC, laptop or tablet. Power profiles, or annihilation specific to your laptop or tablet might non be immediately available, and this is one valid reason for checking on your manufacturer's website before you upgrade.

How to get drivers for Windows ten: download them yourself

If something isn't working, check in Device Manager (right-click on the Beginning button and you'll run across it) and look for any Unknown devices, or devices which aren't working properly.

Information technology can be tricky to work out what an unknown device is, simply if you already know which component isn't working it's an easier process of elimination. You can also look at a device'south properties to see if in that location are any ID codes y'all tin can google to discover exactly what it is.

Most manufacturers already take a dedicated Windows ten back up page, if not a selection of Windows 10 drivers. But as we've already said, you can download the Windows 8 (or seven) driver for your hardware and it should piece of work. Be sure you're downloading the right driver for your version of Windows 10: there will be both 32-flake and 64-flake versions.

Non all manufacturers have final Windows 10 drivers nonetheless, only nosotros expect to come across all the major names with official drivers from launch day onwards.