How to Install and Update Tablet Drivers on Windows

Why drivers matter on Windows tablets

Windows tablets run the full Windows operating system, so they depend on drivers for every piece of hardware: the touchscreen, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, audio, cameras, and more. A driver is a small program that tells Windows how to talk to a specific device. When a driver is missing or outdated, you might see symptoms like a non-responsive touch display, no sound, weak Wi-Fi, or the device not appearing in Device Manager at all.

Unlike phones or tablets on other operating systems, Windows tablets let you update drivers yourself. This gives you more control, but it also means you need to know where to look. The good news is that most modern Windows tablets already have the basic drivers installed, thanks to Windows Update and the manufacturer's efforts. The USB Implementers Forum explains that USB connects more than computers and peripherals, and many USB devices work without loading a driver, which reduces the need for manual driver installation for add-ons. For a broader look at how tablet operating systems handle updates, see our learn on tablet OS updates.

Start with Windows Update

The first place to check for driver updates is Windows Update. Windows automatically downloads and installs driver updates for many devices, including tablets. To do this, open Settings, go to Windows Update, and select 'Check for updates.' Windows will search for available updates, including optional driver updates that you can install manually.

For most users, this is all you need. Windows Update pulls from Microsoft's catalog, which includes drivers from tablet makers that have been tested for stability. If a device is still not working after Windows Update, move on to Device Manager.

Use Device Manager to update drivers

Device Manager gives you a detailed view of all hardware on your tablet. To open it, right-click the Start button and select Device Manager. Look for any device with a yellow warning icon, which means Windows doesn't recognize it or the driver is missing. Right-click the device and choose 'Update driver.' Windows can search automatically for the best driver online, or you can browse to a driver you downloaded from the manufacturer.

If you need to reinstall a driver, you can right-click the device, select 'Uninstall device,' and then restart your tablet. Windows will try to reinstall a basic driver on boot. For a clean start, you can also use Device Manager to roll back a driver update that caused a problem, which is covered later.

Check the manufacturer's driver support page

When Windows Update and Device Manager don't find a driver, go directly to the tablet maker's website. Most manufacturers, including Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Microsoft, publish driver packages for each model. You can search by your tablet's exact model number and download the latest drivers for the hardware components.

Download the driver package, run the installer, and follow the on-screen instructions. Some manufacturers also offer a utility that scans your tablet and recommends driver updates. If you have a recent Windows tablet, this is often the most reliable way to get the correct driver version. For Surface devices, Microsoft provides a dedicated app that checks for firmware and driver updates, which we'll cover next.

Surface tablets: use the Surface app and Windows Update

Microsoft Surface devices get driver and firmware updates through Windows Update, but you can also use the Surface app to check for updates manually. The app shows your device's system info, battery health, and any pending updates. For advanced users, Microsoft also posts standalone driver and firmware ISO files that can be applied with a USB drive or recovery process.

If you own a Surface and encounter a specific hardware issue, check the Surface support pages for known issues and driver history. Remember to keep your Surface OS up to date, as firmware updates often come alongside Windows feature updates. See our guide to Microsoft tablets for model comparisons.

Troubleshoot driver issues

If a driver update causes a problem, you can roll back to the previous driver. In Device Manager, right-click the device, go to Properties, select the Driver tab, and choose 'Roll Back Driver' if that option is available. If rolling back doesn't work, you can uninstall the driver and let Windows reinstall it on the next reboot.

For more serious issues, booting into Safe Mode can help you remove problematic drivers without interference. If your tablet won't start at all, you may need to use the Windows recovery environment. See our guide on tablet OS reinstallation for steps. Also, keep in mind that some hardware problems are not driver-related; check our tablet touchscreen troubleshooting for other possibilities.

Keep drivers up to date

Set a routine to check for driver updates every few months, especially after a major Windows feature update. Graphics and Wi-Fi drivers often receive performance and stability improvements. You can also enable automatic driver updates in Windows Update settings, though some users prefer manual control to avoid surprises.

For business and enterprise tablets, driver updates are often managed through Windows Update for Business, which lets IT control deployment. Regardless of your situation, keeping your tablet's firmware and drivers current reduces the risk of hardware issues and improves battery life. The ENERGY STAR program notes that efficient components and better energy management are key to saving power, and updated drivers often include power management improvements. For regular checks, consider firmware updates as part of your routine.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Do Windows tablets require more driver maintenance than other tablets?

Yes, because they run the full Windows OS and allow full driver control. You can update drivers manually, but Windows Update handles most of the work. Other tablets, like iPads or Android tablets, update the OS as a whole without exposing individual drivers.

How do I update drivers if I don't have an internet connection?

You can download drivers on another computer, copy them to a USB drive, and then use Device Manager's 'Browse my computer for drivers' option. You can also use a manufacturer's offline driver package if available.

What does the yellow warning icon in Device Manager mean?

It indicates that Windows cannot recognize the device or the driver is missing, outdated, or incompatible. Right-clicking and selecting 'Update driver' is the first step to fix it.

Can I uninstall a driver to fix a problem?

Yes, you can uninstall a driver in Device Manager and restart. Windows will attempt to reinstall a basic driver. If you have a stable driver version, restarting after uninstall often resolves issues.

How often should I update drivers on a Windows tablet?

Check after every major Windows feature update and every few months otherwise. Graphics, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth drivers benefit from more frequent updates. Use Windows Update for automatic driver updates if you prefer.