[Fresh Windows install on my PC] Windows drivers or provider drivers?


  1. Posts : 213
       #1

    [Fresh Windows install on my PC] Windows drivers or provider drivers?


    Hi guys,
    It feels like forever since I’ve installed Windows on a PC.


    I got my 2018 Acer Nitro 5 and I’m waiting to do a clean install now. Provider drivers are outdated af (2017/2018). Is there any reason not to let W10 do all the driver stuff?


    I remember there was a time when I’d turn off the network, install the drivers from the provider (this laptop doesn’t even have a CD slot lol) and then turn network on and let Windows update them. I’ve had issues in the past with certain drivers (e.g. integrated Intel GPU on my old Lenovo) that seemed to be different between the provider and Windows Update.

    Thanks!
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 42,737
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #2

    If Windows clean installs and all is well, fine.
    You should only need to worry about drivers if there's a problem.
    If your PC is old, you might need to use older drivers if there's a particular problem.

    Never use driver updater programs unless there's a driver you really can't find at all.

    The one situation where you will need to download something specific from your manufacturer is if the device has special hardware features such as backlighting or special keys that are not supported by a clean install.
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 4,752
    Windows 11 Pro 64 Bit 22H2
       #3

    As stated, you probably don't need any drivers.
    Press the Windows key+X and choose Device Manager. Are there any devices with yellow flags? If not, then you don't need ANY drivers unless a device isn't working properly or as stated, if the features aren't enabled. If you do see a device with yellow flag, then download the drivers from the Acer Support/Download Drivers site, not from any 3rd party driver finder software
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 213
    Thread Starter
       #4

    dalchina said:
    If Windows clean installs and all is well, fine.
    You should only need to worry about drivers if there's a problem.
    If your PC is old, you might need to use older drivers if there's a particular problem.

    Never use driver updater programs unless there's a driver you really can't find at all.

    The one situation where you will need to download something specific from your manufacturer is if the device has special hardware features such as backlighting or special keys that are not supported by a clean install.
    spunk said:
    As stated, you probably don't need any drivers.
    Press the Windows key+X and choose Device Manager. Are there any devices with yellow flags? If not, then you don't need ANY drivers unless a device isn't working properly or as stated, if the features aren't enabled. If you do see a device with yellow flag, then download the drivers from the Acer Support/Download Drivers site, not from any 3rd party driver finder software
    Thanks for answering!

    Yeah well I was thinking of using my old approach.

    Download the drivers from the manufacturer’s website even though they are old (2017/2018) on a USB. Install Windows. Disconnect the network. Install drivers from USB. And then let them update from WU where needed
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 18,424
    Windows 11 Pro
       #5

    I would let Windows install drivers first and only revert to the manufacturer's website drivers for what you need after Windows is done.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 4,752
    Windows 11 Pro 64 Bit 22H2
       #6

    As stated. Windows 10 has a large driver data base and will probably install most drivers when Windows Installs.
    After the first Windows Update, It will find most other drivers that weren't loaded with Windows. After that, Anything that doesn't have a driver, you would go to the Manufacturers site to download
      My Computer


 

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