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How do You Update CPU Drivers on Windows 10 & 11?
Updating the CPU driver is a must and this is how you can do it
6 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
Keeping both our hardware and software up to date is essential for everything to go smoothly, and also to keep everything secure.
Don’t think that updates are just meaningless MB downloaded with no purpose whatsoever. In fact, updates contain important fixes, improvements, or security patches.
It’s even more important to have our software up to date when we are talking about the Windows OS, as the system can become vulnerable if not constantly updated.
And, speaking of updates, seehow to easily update your drivers on your Windows 10device, so you can be prepared when the time comes.
But wait, maybe you’ve already switched to Windows 11 and left the old operating system behind. In that case, seehow to update drivers on Windows 11.
Just in case you also need this information, the article onhow to check and update BIOS on Windows 11is waiting for you to peruse through it.
We are about to show you a few methods that you can use in order to update your central processing unit (CPU) on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC.
it really doesn’t matter, as the steps are pretty much the same for both versions of the popular Microsoft-designed operating system.
Why should I constantly update my drivers?
Well, let’s just say that a hardware component for your PC would be pretty much useless without its software counterpart.
Thus, updating your device’s drivers can actually resolve problems, improve performance, and increase the stability of your computer.
Yes, we did say improve performance, which should be the sole interest you have when mentioning the PC’s CPU.
For better health and longer usage, we strongly recommend you install updates for the system’s software every time they become available.
Malicious third parties are always looking for a way inside our lives, so keeping everything updated makes it less likely that you will become a victim of cybercriminals.
Usually, a CPU is integrated with a graphics card (GPU), making these updates even more meaningful than first anticipated.
CPUs that come without a native GPU, don’t have drivers. Software support for that kind of CPU is included in its motherboard’s BIOS.
So, it goes without saying that, in order to upgrade the CPU driver, you will therefore need toupdate your BIOS.
How can I update my CPU drivers?
1. Use the Device Manager
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Press theWindowskey on your keyboard to bring up the Windows search box.
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Typedevice managerin the search box and click on the first result to open the app.
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Scroll down to theProcessorssection.
4.ExpandProcessors, right-click the one you are using, and selectUpdate driver.
5.ChooseSearch automatically for drivers.
The first method you should try out when you’re looking to update your CPU drivers on a Windows 10/11 PC is to update them with Device Manager.
Device Manager is a built-in app on your device that allows you to install and update your devices’ drivers in a few clicks.
2. Use specialized software
It should go without saying that whatever choose to do on your PC can be done without crashes, lags, or freezes by keeping all drivers up to date and error-free.
Sometimes, manual checks are hard to perform, that’s why we recommend using an automated assistant that will scan for fresh driver versions daily.
So, if you are not in the mood to use any other of the solutions we are presenting to you in this guide, stop right here, download the specialized software and let it do the work for you.
Even though updating your CPU driver is an easy task, it’s understandable that you want to deal with it, so that’s why we recommend using an automated tool.
Outbyte Driver Updater
3. Use the Windows Update tool
4. Download the driver from the manufacturer’s site
Some users don’t even rely on the Device Manager or the Windows Update tool to update the driver that their CPU uses.
In fact, those people choose to cut the middle man and go directly to the supplier, just like in the good old days.
What does that mean? It means that they go directly to the website of the CPU’s manufacturer, which can be Intel, AMD, or others, and download the diver directly from the source.
After downloading on your device, simply double-click the executable you downloaded and it will take you through the setup.
5. Re-install CPU software
Usually, after restarting your PC, Windows will try to install the latest CPU software including CPU driver software, so don’t worry.
If, however, the system doesn’t automatically do it, use the Device Manager and it will automatically find the one for you.
6. Manually install using CD/USB stick
Sometimes, when we purchase a new processor, it comes with a CD, or USB stick that contains the setup file and necessary drivers.
Simply put the CD in your PC, or insert the USB stick, and run the executable you find on it. Go through the setup and that’s all there is to it.
However, the CD/USB stick only contains the stater driver pack, so your system will need to download the latest drivers off the internet. Just use one of the methods above.
7. Update Motherboard BIOS
1.Visit the Asus Download Center, type in your motherboard’s model, and choose it when you see it in the drop-do list.
2. SelectDriver & Utilityand thenDriver & Tools.
3. Choose your OS (we chose Windows 11 in this case).
4. UnderSoftware and Utility, look forASUS AI Suite 3, and selectDownload.
- Scroll back to the top and click theBIOS & FIRMWAREtab.
6. Up next, scroll to theBIOSsection and selectDownload.
7. Extract the ZIP file containingASUS AI Suite 3, then openAsusSetup.exeand install the program. When finished, reboot your computer.
8. Extract the ZIP file that contains the BIOS folder.
9. OpenAsus AI Suite 3and select theMenuicon (the three horizontal lines) on the left side.
10. SelectEZ update.
11. UnderManually update boot logo or BIOS, select theEllipses (…), and choose the same BIOS file you had extracted earlier.
12. ChooseUpdatein the lower-right corner.
13. SelectFlash.
- ChooseOK. Reboot your computer once the process is done.
If you have a different laptop brand, don’t hesitate to check the dedicated article above on how to update your BIOS.
All the methods described in this article are valid for Windows 10 and Windows 11, so simply follow the same steps regardless of OS version.
When should I update my CPU drivers?
As a general rule, you should keep your PC and its components updated at all times. Regular driver updates also bring security measures and should ultimately help you avoid any problems.
Windows automatically checks your device for new software updates. This happens frequently, to ensure that you won’t miss out on any security updates.
Has this guide been helpful to you in your quest to update your CPU? Let us know in the dedicated comments section located below.
More about the topics:Windows 10 Guides,Windows 11 Tips
Alexandru Poloboc
Tech Journalist
With an overpowering desire to always get to the bottom of things and uncover the truth, Alex spent most of his time working as a news reporter, anchor, as well as TV and radio entertainment show host.
A certified gadget freak, he always feels the need to surround himself with next-generation electronics.
When he is not working, he splits his free time between making music, gaming, playing football, basketball and taking his dogs on adventures.
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Alexandru Poloboc
Tech Journalist
With a desire to always get to the bottom of things and uncover the truth, Alex spent most of his time working as a news reporter.
