Keeping your laptop’s drivers and BIOS up to date fixes Wi-Fi drops, battery and charging bugs, crashes and security holes. But the method matters, because the wrong driver or an interrupted BIOS update causes problems. Here’s the safe way.
Quick fixes to try first
- Run Windows Update, including Advanced options → Optional updates → Driver updates.
- Install your laptop maker’s update app (Lenovo Vantage, MyASUS, Dell SupportAssist/Command Update, HP Support Assistant) and run it.
- Plug in the charger before any BIOS update.
In this article
Where to get drivers (in order of preference)
- Your laptop maker: drivers tested for your exact model. Use their app or the support site with your model or serial number (how to find it).
- Lenovo: Lenovo Vantage (or Commercial Vantage / System Update on ThinkPads)
- Dell: SupportAssist or Dell Command | Update
- HP: HP Support Assistant
- ASUS: MyASUS; Acer: Acer Care Center; MSI: MSI Center
- Windows Update: Settings → Windows Update → Advanced options → Optional updates → Driver updates.
- Graphics card makers for newer graphics drivers (especially for gaming): the NVIDIA app, AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition, or Intel Driver & Support Assistant. Some laptops need the maker’s version, so if a generic driver causes problems, go back to the laptop maker’s.
Avoid “driver updater” programs from random websites. They often install wrong drivers, bundle adware, or nag you to pay.
How to update the BIOS safely
The BIOS (UEFI firmware) controls the laptop’s hardware at the lowest level. Updates fix battery, charging, thermal, sleep and security issues.
- Plug in the charger and make sure the battery is reasonably charged. Most updates refuse to run otherwise.
- Use your laptop maker’s app or the BIOS file from their support site for your exact model.
- Have your BitLocker recovery key handy (account.microsoft.com/devices/recoverykey). Maker tools usually suspend BitLocker automatically, but some laptops ask for the key after a firmware update. See BitLocker recovery.
- Close other apps, start the update, and don’t turn off or unplug the laptop while it runs. It may restart several times and show a progress screen.
Only update the BIOS when there’s a reason (a fix listed for an issue you have, or a security update). If everything works, it’s fine to update every few months rather than immediately.
Roll back a bad driver
- Right-click Start → Device Manager.
- Find the device (Display adapters, Network adapters, Sound…), right-click → Properties → Driver tab → Roll Back Driver.
- Restart.
If Windows keeps reinstalling the bad driver, pause updates for a week or two while you wait for a fix.
Mac
Macs get drivers and firmware through macOS updates: System Settings → General → Software Update. There’s nothing to install separately.
FAQ
How often should I update laptop drivers?
Let Windows Update and your maker’s app check automatically, and run them monthly. Gamers may update graphics drivers more often for new games.
Can a BIOS update brick my laptop?
It’s rare, but a power cut during the update can. That’s why you should keep it plugged in and leave it alone until it finishes. Many modern laptops also have a backup BIOS that recovers automatically.
