How To Download And Reinstall Usb Drivers On Windows 7/8/8.1/10 And Latest Windows 11 Version

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USB drivers are essential components that allow your computer to communicate and interact with USB devices. However, sometimes these drivers can become corrupted or outdated, resulting in various issues such as USB devices not working, slow transfer speeds, or even system crashes. In this tutorial, we will guide you on how to download and reinstall USB drivers on different Windows versions.
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Step 1: Identify the USB Device and Its Driver

Before downloading and reinstalling the USB drivers, it is important to identify the USB device and its corresponding driver. To do so, follow these steps:

  1. Connect the USB device to your computer
  2. Open the Device Manager by pressing the Windows key + X and selecting Device Manager from the menu
  3. Locate the USB device under the Universal Serial Bus controllers section
  4. Right-click on the USB device and select Properties
  5. Click on the Details tab and select Hardware Ids from the drop-down menu
  6. Make a note of the Hardware Ids, which should look something like this: USB\VID_XXXX&PID_XXXX&REV_XXXX
  7. Now, search for the driver using the Hardware Ids

Step 2: Download the USB Driver

Once you have identified the USB device and its driver, you can download the latest version of the driver from the manufacturer’s website. Follow these steps:

  1. Open your preferred web browser
  2. Go to the manufacturer’s website
  3. Navigate to the support or downloads section
  4. Enter the model number or name of the USB device
  5. Select the correct operating system version (Windows 7/8/8.1/10 or Windows 11)
  6. Download the latest version of the driver

Step 3: Uninstall the Old USB Driver

Before reinstalling the new driver, you need to uninstall the old driver. Follow these steps:

  1. Open the Device Manager
  2. Locate the USB device under the Universal Serial Bus controllers section
  3. Right-click on the USB device and select Uninstall device
  4. Tick the box next to Delete the driver software for this device
  5. Click on Uninstall
  6. Restart your computer

Step 4: Install the New USB Driver

Now that you have uninstalled the old driver, you can install the new driver. Follow these steps:

  1. Open the downloaded driver file
  2. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver
  3. Restart your computer

Step 5: Test the USB Device

Once you have installed the new driver, you can test the USB device to check if it is working correctly. Follow these steps:

  1. Connect the USB device to your computer
  2. Check if the device is recognized by your computer
  3. Transfer files or perform any other operations to check if the device is working correctly

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What if the manufacturer’s website does not have the latest driver?

A: In this case, you can try downloading the driver from other reputable websites such as TechSpot or DriverGuide. However, make sure to scan the downloaded file for viruses or malware before installing it.

Q: Can I use a third-party driver updater software to update my USB drivers?

A: While third-party driver updater software can be convenient, they may not always provide the latest and most compatible drivers. It is always recommended to download and install the drivers manually from the manufacturer’s website.

Q: What if the USB device is still not working after reinstalling the driver?

A: If the USB device is still not working, try connecting it to another USB port on your computer. You can also try connecting the device to another computer to check if the issue is with the device itself. If the problem persists, it could be a hardware issue, and you may need to contact the manufacturer for further assistance.

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