Which Drivers Do You Need After Building a PC?
Research-led guide — checked 16 October 2026: After a new Windows PC build, you usually need fewer manual driver installs than you might expect. Windows Update can install recommended drivers automatically, but a fresh build still deserves a deliberate pass through chipset, graphics, networking, audio and any specialist hardware. This guide explains a sensible order without relying on third-party “driver updater” utilities.
Quick answer
For a typical Windows 11 desktop, use this order: finish Windows Update first, install the correct AMD or Intel chipset package, install the current graphics driver from NVIDIA, AMD or Intel, then check Device Manager for anything still missing. Only install motherboard, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, audio, storage, capture-card or peripheral software when your exact hardware needs it.
Do not download random driver packs from unofficial websites. Microsoft recommends Windows Update as the normal route for driver updates, while hardware manufacturers provide the correct packages when Windows does not have the driver you need.
1. Start with Windows Update
Once Windows is installed and you have a working internet connection, open Settings > Windows Update and install the available updates. Microsoft says Windows 11 automatically installs recommended drivers through Windows Update. Optional driver updates can also appear under Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates.
Restart after the update cycle, then check again. A fresh Windows installation can take more than one pass before operating-system, security and device updates are fully settled.
Microsoft: automatically get recommended and updated hardware drivers
2. Install the chipset driver
The chipset package is one of the most important manufacturer-specific installs on a new PC. It helps Windows communicate correctly with the platform around the CPU, including power-management and chipset-related devices.
AMD systems
For an AMD Ryzen platform, identify the motherboard chipset — for example B650, B850, X670 or X870 — and use AMD’s official Drivers and Support route for the matching Ryzen chipset package. AMD’s installation guidance notes that supported chipsets, processors and individual components can vary by driver version, so check the release notes for your Windows version rather than assuming every package applies to every board.
Intel systems
For Intel hardware, use the motherboard manufacturer’s support page where the system needs board-specific drivers, or Intel’s official download tools for supported Intel devices. Intel Driver & Support Assistant can identify many Intel products and offer relevant updates, but Intel also states that not every Intel product is supported by the tool.
Intel Driver & Support Assistant
3. Install the graphics driver
If the build has a discrete graphics card, install the driver for the exact GPU family from its manufacturer. Windows may provide a functional display driver, but the vendor package is normally the right route for gaming features, application profiles, performance fixes and current control software.
NVIDIA GeForce
Use NVIDIA’s official driver page or NVIDIA App. NVIDIA currently separates Game Ready and Studio driver choices: Game Ready is aimed at gamers who prioritise new-game support, while Studio drivers emphasise testing for major creative applications. Both are official routes; choose the one that best matches the PC’s main workload.
AMD Radeon
Use AMD’s official support page for the exact Radeon product family. Do not confuse the Radeon graphics package with the AMD chipset package: an AMD CPU and an AMD GPU can require both, because they serve different parts of the system.
Intel Arc or Intel graphics
Use Intel’s official download route or Driver & Support Assistant for supported hardware. If the PC uses a dedicated graphics card but also has integrated graphics enabled, Windows may show both display adapters; that is not automatically a problem.
4. Check Ethernet, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
If Windows already has a working network connection, you may find that the basic network driver arrived through Windows Update. If Ethernet, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is missing or unstable, go to the support page for the exact motherboard model and revision or the adapter manufacturer.
Motherboards with similar names can use different wireless modules, so do not install a package simply because the product family sounds close. Confirm the board name printed on the motherboard or shown in the BIOS/system information, then match the driver to that model.
5. Install audio drivers only when they add something you need
Windows can provide basic audio functionality for many systems. The motherboard maker’s audio package may be useful for jack detection, control-panel features or board-specific processing. USB audio interfaces, DACs and specialist recording hardware should normally use the manufacturer’s own driver or control software where required.
For creators, low-latency ASIO support can matter more than the generic Windows audio path. If you use an interface such as a Focusrite Scarlett, follow that manufacturer’s current installation guidance rather than installing an unrelated motherboard-audio package for the interface itself.
6. Storage drivers are usually simpler than they sound
Most ordinary NVMe SSDs do not need a separate third-party driver just to operate in a normal Windows installation. Windows has native storage support. Manufacturer utilities may still be useful for firmware updates, health information or model-specific features.
RAID is different. If you intentionally configured RAID or another controller mode that requires a vendor driver during Windows Setup, follow the motherboard or storage-controller documentation for the exact platform. Do not enable RAID after the fact simply because a driver package exists.
7. Motherboard utilities are optional, not mandatory
Board vendors may offer control suites for RGB lighting, fan control, firmware tools, audio features and update checks. Install only the functions you actually need. A stable PC does not require every utility listed on a motherboard support page.
For fan curves and basic hardware settings, the UEFI/BIOS often provides enough control without another background application. For RGB or peripheral ecosystems, vendor software can be worthwhile if it provides a feature you intend to use.
8. Peripheral software comes last
Keyboards, mice, headsets, webcams, capture cards and controllers can often work with basic Windows drivers. Install vendor software when you need features such as remapping, macros, firmware updates, RGB profiles, advanced microphone processing or capture settings.
This keeps troubleshooting easier: if the PC is stable before peripheral utilities are added, a later problem is easier to isolate.
What about BIOS and firmware?
A BIOS update is not a Windows driver. It changes motherboard firmware and deserves more caution. Before updating, confirm the exact motherboard model and hardware revision, read the manufacturer’s release notes, use the vendor’s supported update method and avoid interrupting power during the process.
You do not need to flash a BIOS merely because a newer version exists. Reasons can include required CPU support, a relevant stability or security fix, memory compatibility or a problem specifically addressed by the release notes. If the system is already stable, make the decision from the board maker’s documentation rather than from a generic update utility.
A sensible installation order
- Complete Windows 11 installation.
- Run Windows Update until the main update cycle is complete, then restart.
- Install the correct AMD or Intel chipset/platform package where appropriate.
- Install the current driver for the exact NVIDIA, AMD or Intel graphics hardware.
- Check Ethernet, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
- Check Device Manager for unknown or warning-marked devices.
- Install audio, storage-controller, capture-card and specialist device drivers only as required.
- Add optional motherboard and peripheral utilities last.
- Restart and run a stability check before changing BIOS tuning, overclocking or undervolting.
How to check whether a driver is missing
Right-click Start and open Device Manager. Look for devices marked with a warning symbol or shown as unknown hardware. Microsoft also supports updating or reinstalling drivers through Device Manager, but its guidance still recommends Windows Update as the normal first route.
If an unknown device remains, identify the motherboard or device first rather than trying random packages. The hardware IDs shown in a device’s properties can help identify what Windows has detected, but use the resulting information to locate the driver on the manufacturer’s official site.
Microsoft: update drivers through Device Manager
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using third-party driver-updater sites. Prefer Windows Update and the component or motherboard manufacturer.
- Installing drivers for a similar motherboard. Match the exact model and, where relevant, hardware revision.
- Confusing chipset and graphics drivers. An AMD CPU platform and Radeon GPU can need separate packages.
- Installing every motherboard utility. Optional software can add background services you do not need.
- Changing BIOS settings while troubleshooting drivers. Keep one variable changing at a time.
- Ignoring restarts. Finish required restarts before deciding an update failed.
- Installing an older vendor driver over a working newer one without a reason. Check release notes and the problem you are trying to solve.
Do you need to update every driver constantly?
No. Security fixes, compatibility fixes and graphics updates can be important, but a stable device does not benefit from replacing a driver simply because another version number exists. Windows Update handles much of the routine work. For graphics cards, active gaming or creative workloads can justify more frequent vendor-driver checks. For motherboard devices, update when there is a relevant fix, requirement or security reason.
What if Windows Update and the manufacturer offer different drivers?
Start from the purpose of the machine and the device maker’s guidance. Windows Update provides certified driver updates for many devices, while the hardware manufacturer may publish a newer or more feature-complete package. For a specialist device or a problem explicitly addressed by the vendor, the manufacturer’s supported driver can be appropriate. Avoid mixing packages casually when the system is already working.
Final checklist
A fresh PC build is in a good driver state when Windows Update is complete, the correct chipset and graphics packages are installed, network and audio work as expected, Device Manager has no unexplained warnings, and you have only added optional utilities that serve a real purpose.
Before ordering a build, use our Build a PC tool and PC compatibility checklist. After assembly and driver setup, continue with our new-PC stress-testing guide before you rely on the machine for important work or long gaming sessions.
