How to Download Drivers That Are Unavailable on Dell Support Website
Summary: If the drivers you are looking for is not available on the Dell Support website, learn how to download native drivers in Microsoft Windows, Linux (Ubuntu, RedHat, and so on) or Chrome OS. ...
Instructions
Updating drivers is essential for maintaining performance, security, and sometimes accessing new features on hardware and devices, such as network adapters, monitors, printers, and video cards.
Dell Support website offers tested and validated drivers that are developed for Dell products. These drivers are provided for operating systems that Dell validates and supports for each product. For example, if the Dell computer was shipped with Windows 11 or Windows 10, drivers for Windows 8.1, 8, or 7 may be unavailable.
Drivers for macOS or Linux operating systems are available only if products such as a Dell monitor or printer have been tested for such operating systems.
Drivers for third-party devices such as non-Dell branded printers, webcams, docking stations, and so on must be downloaded from the device manufacturer's website.
How to update drivers on my Dell computer?
Operating systems such as Microsoft Windows, Linux, and Chrome OS have an integrated update feature to download the latest drivers and software.
Based on the operating system that is installed on your Dell computer, click to expand a section below for more information.
Windows Update can automatically download recommended drivers and detailed information for your hardware and devices. Windows Update can automatically check if there are drivers available for new devices that you connect to your computer. This is a good way to ensure all your hardware, and devices work properly.
Windows updates can support your Windows operating system in many ways. Windows updates can solve specific problems, provide protection from malicious attacks, or even add new features to the operating system.
How to use Windows Updates in Microsoft Windows 11 or Windows 10?
- In Windows 11 - Select Start > Settings > Windows Update and then select Check for updates. In Windows 10 - Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and then select Check for updates.
- Restart the computer when you are prompted.
How to use Windows Updates in Microsoft Windows 11 or Windows 10?
- Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, select Settings > Change PC settings. If you are using a mouse, point to the lower-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer up, select Settings > Change PC settings.
- Select Update and recovery > Windows Update > Check now.
- If updates are found, select Install.
- Restart the computer when you are prompted.
How to use Windows Updates in Microsoft Windows 7?
- Select Start > Control Panel > System & Security > Windows Update and then select Check for updates.
- Restart the computer when you are prompted.
Drivers for Linux come in two variants, Open and Closed (proprietary). Open drivers are open source, while closed drivers are proprietary drivers that are supplied by the device manufacturer for use only with its devices or computers.
All the drivers, open and closed, required to run in Linux (Ubuntu, RedHat, and more) are integrated into the factory-installed Linux operating system.
How to use Software Update Center in Linux?
- Select Dash Home icon on the launcher and type
Software and Updates. - In the Software and Updates settings, select the options as per your preference and complete the update process.
How to update proprietary drivers?
- Press the Super key (also called Windows key) and type
Additional drivers. - After the operating system finds the available drivers, select a driver from the list. If multiple proprietary drivers are available, you can install drivers for each device.
- Select Activate to download, install, and configure the drivers.
- Restart your computer to load the latest drivers.
Drivers for Chrome OS are embedded into the operating system. It is not necessary to update the drivers on Chromebooks. Dell Chromebook automatically checks for and downloads updates when connected to the Internet using Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
To manually update Chrome OS, follow these steps.
- Turn on your Dell Chromebook.
- Connect your Dell Chromebook to the Internet using Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
- Select your account photo.
- Select Settings > Menu > About Chrome OS > Check for Updates.
- If your Dell Chromebook finds a software update, it starts to download automatically.
How to find drivers for non-Dell branded devices?
Drivers for non-Dell branded or third-party devices such as printers, webcams, docking stations, and so on, must be downloaded from the device manufacturer's website.
How to install or update drivers for a Dell Printer?
Drivers for Dell printers are available at https://www.dell.com/support/drivers. For non-Dell branded printers, download the drivers from the device manufacturer's website.
See the following Dell knowledge base articles for more information.
How to find drivers for Windows 11 or Windows 10 upgrade?
Dell provides drivers for computers that have been tested for Windows 11 or Windows 10. If you have upgraded the operating system to Windows 11 or Windows 10, see the Dell knowledge base article, Dell computers tested for upgrade to Windows 11 or Dell computers tested for Windows 10 November 2021 Update and previous versions of Windows 10 to check if your computer has been tested for the operating system.
Microsoft provides native or integrated drivers in Windows 11 and Windows 10. Use Windows Updates to download and install the latest drivers and software.
If Windows 11 or Windows 10 drivers are not available on the Dell.com/support/drivers website or through Windows Update, your Dell computer may not be compatible with Windows 11 or Windows 10 upgrade. Dell Technologies recommends that you install the original operating system that was shipped with the computer for the best hardware experience.
website for more information and support. To learn more, see the Windows life cycle factsheet
.
How to find drivers for an operating system downgrade?
The Dell.com/support website provides drivers for previous versions of the operating systems if the downgrade option was provided at the time of purchasing the computer. For example, when you purchase a Windows 10 or Windows 8 (8.1) computer with a downgrade option to Windows 7, drivers for Windows 7 are available on the Dell.com/support website.
What are native or integrated drivers?
Native or integrated drivers are integrated into the operating system and provide functionality for many devices that support plug-and-play technology. For example, devices such as USB, CD or DVD drive, integrated webcam, keyboard, mouse, touchpad, touch screen, and more.
Additional Information
Recommended Articles
Here are some recommended articles for you.
- Drivers and Downloads FAQs
- How to Download and Install Dell Drivers
- Where Can I Download Drivers and Dell Installed Software for My Dell Computer?
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