Windows 11 is a new operating system that has been recently released by Microsoft. If you have just installed Windows 11 or are using it for the first time, you might be looking for the ways to view a list of all the installed drivers on your computer. Drivers are a crucial part of the system as it allows the computer to communicate with hardware. You can identify the devices that have drivers installed on your computer and check whether they are working properly by viewing them in Device Manager. If you are looking for a way to see all the drivers installed on your computer, this blog post is for you.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
To view a list of drivers installed on your Windows 11 computer, you will need to have access to the Device Manager. You can access this tool by right-clicking the Start button and selecting Device Manager from the menu. Alternatively, you can search for Device Manager in the Start menu and click on the result.
What Requires Your Focus?
The most crucial aspect of viewing all the drivers on your computer is to ensure that they are up-to-date. Outdated drivers can cause system instability and can lead to hardware problems. Therefore, it is important to keep your drivers up-to-date to ensure optimal performance of your computer.
Different Methods to See All Drivers on Windows 11
Method 1: Viewing all drivers using Device Manager
To view all the drivers installed on your Windows 11 computer using Device Manager, follow these steps.
1. Right-click the Start button
2. Select “Device Manager” from the menu
3. Expand the category or categories of devices you want to view.
4. Right-click the device, and then click Properties or double-click the device to open the Properties dialog box.
5. Click the Driver tab to view the version number.
Pros:
-Quick and easy to access
-Provides detailed information about each driver
-Allows you to update or roll back a driver if needed
Cons:
-May not show all drivers if the appropriate category of devices is not expanded.
-Does not provide information on drivers that are not associated with a device.
Method 2: Using Command Prompt
1. Press Windows + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) from the list.
2. Type "Driverquery" and press Enter.
3. A list of all installed drivers will be displayed.
Pros:
-Provides a comprehensive list of drivers, including those that are not associated with a device.
-Can generate a report for documentation purposes.
Cons:
-Requires administrative access to the computer.
-Does not provide detailed information about each driver.
Method 3: Using PowerShell
1. Press Windows + X and select PowerShell (Admin) from the list.
2. Type "driverquery.vbs" and press Enter.
3. A list of all installed drivers will be displayed.
Pros:
-Allows you to sort and filter the list of drivers.
-Provides detailed information about each driver.
Cons:
-May be intimidating for those unfamiliar with using PowerShell.
Method 4: Using Third-party Software
1. Download and install a third-party driver management software, such as Driver Easy or Driver Booster.
2. Open the software and scan your system for drivers.
3. A list of all installed drivers will be displayed.
Pros:
-Provides an easy-to-use interface.
-Allows you to update drivers automatically.
Cons:
-Requires the installation of additional software.
-May not be as reliable as using built-in tools.
Method 5: Using System Information Tool
1. Press Windows + X and select System from the list.
2. Expand the Components section, and then click on the "Drivers" folder.
3. A list of all installed drivers will be displayed.
Pros:
-Provides a straightforward way to view installed drivers.
-Displays detailed information about each driver.
Cons:
-May not show all drivers installed on your computer.
Why Can’t I See All Drivers on Windows 11?
1. You may be looking in the wrong location. Ensure that you have checked all categories in Device Manager.
2. Some drivers may not be associated with a device and may not be displayed in Device Manager.
3. You may not have administrative access to view all drivers using Command Prompt or PowerShell.
Implications and Recommendations
To ensure optimal performance of your computer, it is recommended that you keep your drivers up-to-date. Use the built-in Device Manager or third-party software to identify outdated drivers and update them regularly.
5 FAQs about Viewing All Drivers on Windows 11
Q1: Why do I need to view all drivers installed on my computer?
A: Viewing all drivers on your computer can help you identify outdated drivers and troubleshoot hardware problems.
Q2: Can I view drivers for a specific device?
A: Yes, you can expand the category of devices in Device Manager, and then right-click on the device to view its properties and associated drivers.
Q3: Why are some drivers not associated with a device?
A: Some drivers may be installed on your computer but may not be used by any device.
Q4: Can I update drivers using third-party software?
A: Yes, third-party driver management software can update drivers automatically.
Q5: How often should I update my drivers?
A: It is recommended that you update your drivers regularly, at least once a month.
Final Words
Knowing how to view all the drivers installed on your Windows 11 computer is crucial for troubleshooting hardware problems and ensuring optimal performance. You can use the built-in Device Manager, Command Prompt, PowerShell, or third-party software to view a list of all installed drivers. Keep in mind the implications and recommendations mentioned above to ensure that your drivers are up-to-date and your computer is working efficiently.