Selecting the Correct Windows Vista Drivers
Whether you’re upgrading your computer from Windows XP to Vista or want to improve the performance of your Vista PC by updating its device drivers, selecting the appropriate Windows Vista drivers is crucial! Hardware manufacturers regularly release updated device drivers for their products; however, each device driver is operating system specific. Pick the wrong driver for your device or operating system and you could render the device inoperable. Pick the correct Windows Vista driver for your device and operating system and enjoy the benefits of newly improved hardware performance.
Upgrading to Windows Vista
If you are upgrading from Windows XP to Windows Vista, run the Microsoft Windows Vista Upgrade advisor first. This tool will scan your PC’s current hardware and list any hardware or software incompatibilities that need addressed. Once you know which devices will need Windows Vista drivers, you can begin your search for the appropriate ones. It’s helpful to download all required Vista drivers onto a CD or USB stick for later installation.
Windows Vista 32-bit versus 64-bit Windows Vista Device Drivers
If you own a Windows Vista computer, you may discover several options when searching for Windows Vista drivers including 32-bit and 64-bit versions. When given a choice, which one should you pick? While Windows Vista comes in several different editions, it also comes in two versions: 32-bit and 64-bit. If you have the 32-bit version, you must select 32-bit Vista drivers. The same is true if you have the 64-bit version; you must select 64-bit Vista drivers.
To find out which version of Windows Vista you have, go into the Control Panel and click the System icon. Under System > System Type, you will find out which type of operating system you have.
Using Windows Update to Update Windows Vista Device Drivers
Microsoft’s Windows Update tool is built into your Vista operating system. Double check your computer’s configuration to make sure that you have this tool enabled. Not only will this keep your operating system patched with security fixes, it will also keep many of your computer’s device drivers updated. To enable Windows Update, go to the Control Panel and click on Windows Update. Now, click the Change Settings link and make sure that updating is enabled. Depending on your preferences, you may want to be notified when updates are available or you may opt to allow the system to automatically check for and download updates.
Using Device Manager to Update Windows Vista Drivers
The Device Manager is a useful tool for both troubleshooting malfunctioning devices as well as keeping hardware updated with the latest Vista device drivers. Though Device Manager is located in the Control Panel, you can easily access it by clicking the Start button and typing “device manager” into the Search bar. Click the program’s icon once it appears.
The Device Manager categorizes hardware by type. For example, if you are having trouble with your CD-ROM drive, expand the DVD/CD-ROM Drives category and double-click your device. From there, the General tab list any known errors with the device along with recommended steps for resolving them. To update the driver, click the Driver tab followed by the Update Driver button. Several options may appear including an option to browse your computer for compatible Vista drivers or search the Internet for Windows Vista drivers for the device. Allowing Windows to search for drivers ensures that the appropriate driver for the device will be selected while manually searching requires extreme caution on your part.
Windows Vista drivers are readily available for hardware of all types. Make sure to carefully select the appropriate drivers for your device and operating system and enjoy the benefits of an updated machine.
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