Microsoft - Reinstall current device driver

Microsoft - Reinstall current device driver

Problem

A Windows system device is not working as expected.

Resolution

  1. 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.
  2. 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

  1. Right click Start button, or press WindowsKey+X to open the special start menu, then select “Device Manager”.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. When uninstallation if complete restart the computer or click Action > Scan for hardware changes to trigger reinstallation.
  5. Then check the functionality of the driver to see if this fixes the issue.

Using the keyboard

  1. Press Windows+X to open the special start menu.
  2. Then press arrow keys to select Device Manager then press ENTER.
  3. In Device manager press TAB twice.
  4. Then press UP/DOWN arrow keys to find Sound, Video and Game Controller, the press RIGHT ARROW.
  5. 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.
  6. When you have found the device press SHIFT+F10 for the context menu.
  7. Then use UP/DOWN arrow keys to locate Uninstall, then press ENTER.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.