What if a device isn't installed properly?
When you connect a wired device to your PC, such as a printer, mouse, or keyboard, Windows automatically tries to install the correct driver for your device. A driver is software that every device needs to work with your PC. If Windows can't find a driver for the device, here are several things you can try. If you're trying to add a wireless device or a device on a network, but Windows isn't finding it, see Why isn't Windows finding my device?
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Windows tries to search online for a device driver, so make sure you have an Internet connection. If you're not online, try reinstalling your device after you connect to the Internet.
If you're on a metered Internet connection, Windows won't download device drivers unless you change the metered Internet connections setting. You can change this setting in PC settings.
To change the metered Internet connections setting
Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, tap Settings, and then tap Change PC settings.
(If you're using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer down, click Settings, and then click Change PC settings.)
Under PC settings, tap or click Devices.
Under Download over metered Internet connections, move the slider to On.
Windows checks for the latest drivers by using automatic updating in Windows Update.
For more info about automatic updating, see Windows automatic updating: Frequently asked questions.
Make sure you select the option to include recommended updates because some updates aren't included as important updates.
Even if you already receive automatic updates, you can manually check for and install updated drivers in optional updates. Windows Update doesn't install optional updates automatically, but we notify you when there are some available, and then let you choose whether or not to install them.
To check Windows Update for drivers
Open Windows Update in Control Panel by swiping in from the right edge of the screen, tapping Search (or, if you're using a mouse, pointing to the upper-right corner of the screen, moving the mouse pointer down, and then clicking Search), entering Windows Update in the search box, tapping or clicking Settings, and then tapping or clicking Install optional updates.
Tap or click Check for updates, and then wait while Windows looks for the latest updates for your PC.
If updates are found, tap or click Install updates.
Read and accept the license terms, and then tap or click Finish if the update requires it.
You might be asked for an admin password or to confirm your choice.
Tip
You can also check for updates in PC settings. Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, tap Settings, and then tap Change PC settings.
(If you're using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer down, click Settings, and then click Change PC settings.) Under PC settings, tap or click Windows Update, and then tap or click Check for updates.
If Windows Update can't find a driver for your device, check the device manufacture's website, or insert the disc that came with the device, and then follow the instructions for installing the software.
You can try using the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter to fix the problem. It checks for common problems and makes sure that any new device or hardware connected to your PC is installed correctly.
Open the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter by swiping in from the right edge of the screen, tapping Search (or if you're using a mouse, pointing to the upper-right corner of the screen, moving the mouse pointer down, and then clicking Search), entering hardware and devices in the search box, tapping or clicking Settings, and then tapping or clicking Find and fix problems with devices.
You might be asked for an admin password or to confirm your choice.
If the common resolutions here don’t solve the problem you’re experiencing, check out the hardware and drivers community page in the Windows forum for solutions to problems with specific devices that other people have found.
