Is your computer acting strange after an update? Maybe your printer isn’t working, or games are stuttering. These are classic signs of a driver issue. Drivers are the bridge between your hardware and the Windows operating system, and when they aren’t installed correctly, things go wrong.
This guide will show you exactly how to check the status of your drivers using built-in Windows tools. I’ve spent countless hours troubleshooting PCs, and the first place I always look is Device Manager. It tells you almost everything you need to know.
Method 1: The Go-To Tool – Using Device Manager
Device Manager is your command center for all hardware connected to your computer. It’s the most reliable way to check if drivers are installed properly.
Step 1: Open Device Manager There are a few quick ways to get to Device Manager:
- From the Start Menu: Right-click on the Start Menu button and select Device Manager from the list. This is the fastest method.
- Using Search: Click the Start Menu or the search icon, type “Device Manager,” and press Enter.
Step 2: Look for Problem Indicators Once Device Manager is open, you’ll see a list of categories (like “Display adapters,” “Keyboards,” “Mice and other pointing devices”).
- Expand any category by clicking the small arrow next to it.
- Scan the list for any devices that have a yellow exclamation mark (!) or a red ‘X’ next to them.
- A yellow exclamation mark is the most common sign of a problem. It means Windows has detected an issue with the device, which is almost always related to a missing, corrupt, or incompatible driver.
- A red ‘X’ means the device has been disabled. This might be intentional, but if you didn’t disable it, it’s worth investigating. If you don’t see any of these symbols, Windows believes all your drivers are installed and functioning correctly.
Step 3: Check the Device Status For a more detailed report on a specific piece of hardware, you can check its properties.
- Right-click on the device you want to check (e.g., your graphics card under “Display adapters”).
- Select Properties.
- In the new window, stay on the General tab.
- Look at the Device status box.
- If everything is working, it will say: “This device is working properly.”
- If there’s an issue, it will provide an error message and a code, such as “Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems. (Code 43)” This code is crucial for troubleshooting the specific problem.
Method 2: For Gamers and Media – The DirectX Diagnostic Tool (DxDiag)
If you suspect issues specifically with your graphics or sound card, the DirectX Diagnostic Tool is an excellent resource.
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type dxdiag and press Enter.
- A window will open and scan your system. Once it’s done, click on the Display tab.
- Here, you can see detailed information about your graphics card, including the driver version and date.
- Most importantly, look at the Notes box at the bottom. If there are any problems, it will state: “No problems found.” If it detects an issue, it will be described here.
- You can do the same for your audio devices by clicking on the Sound tab(s).
Method 3: Verifying a Specific Driver Version
If you recently installed a new driver manually and want to confirm the update was successful, you can check the version number.
- Open Device Manager.
- Right-click the device and select Properties.
- Go to the Driver tab.
- Here, you can see the Driver Provider, Driver Date, and the exact Driver Version. You can compare this information with the driver you downloaded to ensure it was installed correctly.
By using these simple, built-in tools, you can quickly and accurately diagnose whether your hardware drivers are installed and functioning as they should, giving you a clear starting point for any troubleshooting.