After completing the hardware setup and installing the operating system, your next crucial step is installing the correct drivers. Drivers are the communication bridge between your operating system and hardware components.
Without the right drivers, your GPU, motherboard, sound system, and networking features may not work properly — or at all. Properly installing drivers ensures that your new PC runs smoothly, securely, and at maximum performance.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to identify, download, and install all the essential drivers for your newly built PC in 2025.
Why Driver Installation Is Critical
Drivers impact every aspect of system performance.
Benefits of installing proper drivers:
- Unlock full GPU and CPU performance.
- Ensure stable Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and LAN connectivity.
- Maximize storage speeds (especially NVMe SSDs).
- Enable audio features like surround sound or studio-grade output.
- Protect against security vulnerabilities.
Running outdated or missing drivers can cause crashes, performance drops, and security risks.
Step 1: Prioritize Which Drivers to Install First
After OS installation, prioritize drivers in the following order:
- Chipset Drivers
- GPU Drivers
- LAN/Wi-Fi Drivers
- Audio Drivers
- Storage Drivers
- Peripheral Drivers (printers, webcams, etc.)
Installing in this order ensures that critical system features are fully functional early on.
Step 2: Download Drivers from Official Sources
Always prefer manufacturer websites over third-party download sites.
Where to get official drivers:
- GPU: NVIDIA (GeForce Experience), AMD (Adrenalin Software).
- Motherboard: Manufacturer’s support page (ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, ASRock).
- LAN/Wi-Fi: Intel, Realtek, Killer Networking.
- Audio: Realtek, Creative Labs, motherboard vendor sites.
Third-party driver downloaders often bundle malware or outdated files — avoid them.
Step 3: Install Chipset Drivers First
The chipset driver is the foundation for CPU, RAM, storage, and USB port functionality.
Steps:
- Visit the motherboard manufacturer’s site.
- Locate your motherboard model under “Support” or “Downloads.”
- Download and install the latest chipset driver package.
After installation, reboot your system to complete setup.
Chipset drivers optimize communication between CPU and motherboard components for maximum stability.
Step 4: Install Graphics Card Drivers
Your GPU won’t perform properly on generic drivers.
Steps for NVIDIA:
- Download GeForce Experience from NVIDIA’s site.
- Install the latest Game Ready or Studio drivers (depending on your use case).
- Customize installation with “Custom Install” and clean install options to remove old files.
Steps for AMD:
- Download Adrenalin Software from AMD’s site.
- Install latest drivers with recommended settings.
Keep your GPU drivers updated to access new features like DLSS 3.0, ray tracing optimizations, and stability fixes.
Step 5: Install LAN and Wi-Fi Drivers
Most motherboards include wired LAN, and many now include Wi-Fi 6/6E or 7.
Steps:
- Download LAN and Wi-Fi drivers from your motherboard’s support page.
- Install LAN drivers first to ensure wired internet connection.
- Install Wi-Fi drivers if you plan to use wireless networking.
Having reliable network drivers installed is essential for downloading updates, games, and software.
Step 6: Install Audio Drivers
Good audio drivers unlock advanced features like surround sound, high-res audio, and noise suppression.
Steps:
- Download Realtek HD Audio, SupremeFX, or any other vendor-specific audio drivers.
- Install with recommended options (custom installs often allow sound effects or enhancements toggling).
- Reboot after installation.
Without proper drivers, you might experience crackling, missing output devices, or low-quality sound.
Step 7: Install Storage and NVMe Drivers
Fast storage needs proper driver support.
For NVMe SSDs:
- Windows 11 natively supports most NVMe drives.
- Some vendors (Samsung, WD) offer custom NVMe drivers for enhanced performance and monitoring software.
Installing specific storage drivers can boost read/write speeds, lower latency, and extend SSD lifespan.
Step 8: Install Peripheral Drivers
If you use peripherals like:
- Gaming keyboards/mice (Logitech, Razer, Corsair).
- Printers (HP, Canon).
- Webcams (Logitech, Elgato).
Download their respective drivers and software suites for full functionality, lighting control, macro programming, or additional features.
Many gaming accessories unlock powerful customizations through their native software.
Step 9: Update Drivers Regularly
Driver updates aren’t a one-time thing.
How to stay updated:
- Set GPU software (GeForce Experience, Adrenalin) to notify of updates.
- Regularly check motherboard manufacturer’s page for chipset, audio, and network driver updates.
- Use Windows Update carefully — while it updates basic drivers, it doesn’t always grab the latest versions.
Staying updated ensures peak performance, especially with major OS updates or new hardware launches.
Step 10: Create a System Restore Point
Before installing or updating multiple drivers at once:
Steps:
- Open “Create a Restore Point” in Windows.
- Set a manual restore point.
If something goes wrong during a driver update (rare, but possible), you can roll back your system safely.
Creating restore points provides peace of mind during major updates.
FAQs About Installing PC Drivers
Can I rely on Windows Update for drivers? Only partially. Windows provides basic drivers but not always the latest or most optimized versions.
Do I need to uninstall old drivers before installing new ones? For GPUs, yes — especially when switching brands (AMD to NVIDIA or vice versa). Use DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller) in safe mode.
What happens if I install the wrong driver? Usually, it just won’t work, but rarely it can cause boot loops. Always confirm compatibility before installing.
How often should I update drivers? Check GPU and chipset drivers monthly; others (LAN, audio) every few months unless issues arise.
Are beta drivers safe to use? Generally yes, but they can have bugs. Only use beta drivers if you need a specific feature or support for a new game.
Is driver updater software safe? Most third-party updater tools are unnecessary at best and dangerous at worst. Manual updates are safest.
Bonus Tips for Mastering Driver Installation
Download all drivers before OS installation
- Save them to a USB stick to install offline if needed.
Install chipset before GPU drivers
- Ensures PCIe lanes and power management settings are optimized first.
Use clean installs
- Many driver installers offer a “clean install” option to remove old files and settings.
Benchmark after installing drivers
- Tools like 3DMark, Cinebench, or CrystalDiskMark confirm performance improvements.
Keep a driver backup
- Create a folder with working drivers in case you need to reinstall later.
Final Thoughts on Installing Essential Drivers
Installing the right drivers transforms your PC from simply “working” to “optimized.” Proper drivers ensure that every component — from the GPU to the NIC to the storage controller — runs at full speed, stability, and security.
Taking the time to carefully select, install, and maintain your drivers will pay off in better gaming performance, faster system responsiveness, clearer audio, and longer hardware life.
Your hardware has massive potential — unlocking it starts with the right drivers.
