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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. ...

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.
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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.

WARNING: Dell Technologies recommends downloading drivers for third-party devices from the device manufacturer's website. Do not download drivers from an untrusted website or use third-party driver scan utilities.
WARNING: Dell Technologies recommends downloading BIOS updates for Dell computers from the Dell.com/support/drivers website. Do not download BIOS updates for your Dell computer from the system board (motherboard) manufacturer or a third-party 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?

  1. 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.
  2. Restart the computer when you are prompted.

How to use Windows Updates in Microsoft Windows 11 or Windows 10?

  1. 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.
  2. Select Update and recovery > Windows Update > Check now.
  3. If updates are found, select Install.
  4. Restart the computer when you are prompted.

How to use Windows Updates in Microsoft Windows 7?

  1. Select Start > Control Panel > System & Security > Windows Update and then select Check for updates.
  2. 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.

NOTE: Drivers for third-party devices may not have compatible drivers in the factory-installed Linux operating system on Dell computers. Device manufacturer usually provides proprietary drivers on a CD, DVD, or USB drive that is shipped with the device or on the manufacturer's website.

How to use Software Update Center in Linux?

  1. Select Dash Home icon on the launcher and type Software and Updates.
  2. In the Software and Updates settings, select the options as per your preference and complete the update process.
NOTE: Dell Technologies recommends that you enable the option to automatically check for updates.

How to update proprietary drivers?

  1. Press the Super key (also called Windows key) and type Additional drivers.
  2. 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.
  3. Select Activate to download, install, and configure the drivers.
  4. 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.

  1. Turn on your Dell Chromebook.
  2. Connect your Dell Chromebook to the Internet using Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
  3. Select your account photo.
  4. Select Settings > Menu > About Chrome OS > Check for Updates.
  5. If your Dell Chromebook finds a software update, it starts to download automatically.

How to find drivers for non-Dell branded devices?

WARNING: Dell Technologies recommends downloading drivers for third-party devices from the device manufacturer's website. Do not download drivers from an untrusted website or driver scan utilities.

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.

NOTE: Dell.com/support website provides drivers for Dell printers that are tested and validated for supported operating systems.

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.

NOTE: If you want to upgrade the operating system to Windows 11 or Windows 10 on an untested Dell computer, go to the Microsoft Windows support This hyperlink is taking you to a website outside of Dell Technologies. website for more information and support. To learn more, see the Windows life cycle factsheet This hyperlink is taking you to a website outside of Dell Technologies..

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.

NOTE: The operating system downgrade option is available for select Dell computers only. Dell.com/support website does not provide drivers for operating systems that are not tested and validated.

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.

NOTE: Native or integrated drivers may not be available for all devices. An Internet connection may be required to install native or integrated drivers for some devices such as printers.

Additional Information

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Affected Products

Chromebox, Alienware, Inspiron, Legacy Desktop Models, OptiPlex, Vostro, XPS, G Series, Dell Printers, MultiFunction Printers, Legacy Printers, Smart Printers, Chromebook, G Series, Alienware, Inspiron, Latitude, Vostro, XPS, Legacy Laptop Models , Fixed Workstations, Mobile Workstations ...
Article Properties
Article Number: 000129450
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 31 Aug 2024
Version:  19
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