Microsoft - Reinstall current device driver
Problem
A Windows system device is not working as expected.
Resolution
- Below procedure allows you to reinstall the current device driver for a component if it has become non-functional. This sometimes will fix the problem.
- If the above fails it may then be necessary to try to update the driver via Device Manaer or obtain a driver from the manufacturer to install.
Using a mouse
- Right click Start button, or press WindowsKey+X to open the special start menu, then select “Device Manager”.
- In Device Manager look through and open the relevant device category to reveal the affected driver. This may show a yellow exclamation mark or some other marking indicating it is not functioning properly.
- Right click the affected driver and choose “Uninstall” in the context menu and follow the prompts to uninstall. Do not check any checkbox to remove software unless you already have a copy of the driver software to reinstall.
- When uninstallation if complete restart the computer or click Action > Scan for hardware changes to trigger reinstallation.
- Then check the functionality of the driver to see if this fixes the issue.
Using the keyboard
- Press Windows+X to open the special start menu.
- Then press arrow keys to select Device Manager then press ENTER.
- In Device manager press TAB twice.
- Then press UP/DOWN arrow keys to find Sound, Video and Game Controller, the press RIGHT ARROW.
- Then press DOWN arrow to find your onboard sound device, generally it will be a Realtek audio or an Intel. If you see anything described as display audio you can leave it alone.
- When you have found the device press SHIFT+F10 for the context menu.
- Then use UP/DOWN arrow keys to locate Uninstall, then press ENTER.
- You may then be prompted to confirm uninstallation, in the dialogue there will be a checkbox to remove any driver files, leave this opeion unchecked and press TAB to reach OK then press SPACEBAR on it.
- Now close any Windows and restart the machine, on startup Windows will attempt to reinstall the affected driver after which you can use your PC/laptop normally.
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