Windows 10 has a feature that automatically downloads and installs drivers for your devices when you first connect them. This is done through Windows Update, which is a service provided by Microsoft to keep your operating system and drivers up to date.
When you connect a new device to your Windows 10 computer, such as a printer, scanner, or external hard drive, the operating system will search for the appropriate driver software needed to make that device work. It will then automatically download and install the driver from the Microsoft catalog, if available.
This automatic driver installation feature in Windows 10 can be quite convenient, as it saves you the hassle of searching for and manually installing drivers yourself. It also ensures that you have the most up-to-date version of the driver software, which can improve compatibility and performance.
However, it is worth noting that while Microsoft has a vast collection of drivers in their catalog, they may not always have the latest version of a driver for a specific device. In some cases, you may need to manually download and install drivers from the device manufacturer’s website to ensure you have the most recent and compatible version.
Furthermore, there are instances where certain drivers may not be found in the Microsoft catalog at all. This is particularly true for older or less common devices. In such cases, you will need to visit the manufacturer’s website and locate the appropriate driver for your specific device model.
It’s also worth mentioning that Windows 10 allows you to control the automatic driver installation process. You can choose to disable the automatic driver updates and install them manually if you prefer. This can be useful if you have specific driver requirements or if you want to avoid potential compatibility issues that may arise from automatic installations.
To manage driver installations in Windows 10, you can go to the Device Manager, which is a built-in utility that allows you to view and control the hardware devices connected to your computer. From there, you can update, roll back, or uninstall drivers for individual devices.
While Windows 10 does have a feature that automatically downloads and installs drivers for your devices, it may not always have the latest or most specific drivers available. It is recommended to periodically check the manufacturer’s website for the most up-to-date drivers and to manually install them if necessary.