Having trouble finding device drivers in Windows 10? Microsoft keeps all important driver files in places like the C:WindowsSystem32Drivers folder. You will also find them in the C:WindowsSystem32DriverStore folder. These spots store key files, including .sys device drivers and .inf setup files. Knowing where to look can really help you with updates, backups, and even fixing drivers.
Once you learn to move through Windows 10 system files, you’ll better manage your hardware drivers. Being familiar with the system32 driver path lets you update drivers through Windows Update or manually in Device Manager. Keep your computer running smoothly by getting skilled at driver management.
Understanding the Windows 10 Driver Store
The Driver Store in Windows 10 is a key part for device management. It holds over 120,000 unique driver packages, providing the essential drivers your devices need. We will look into what the Driver Store is and the driver files it contains.
What is a Driver Store?
The Driver Store is Windows 10’s trusted driver library. It has driver packages used to install and update drivers easily. Since Windows 10 version 2004, Windows Update automatically finds the best driver package. This makes the process simpler, reducing the need for you to manually search for drivers.
The system relies on the DevicePath in the registry to manage drivers. It’s found under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersion. This path leads to the %SystemRoot%INF directory, where preloaded driver packages are kept. This method helps Windows quickly find the needed drivers.
Types of Driver Files in Windows 10
There are different types of driver files in Windows 10. Each type has its own role. Knowing these types helps you deal with driver issues better:
- System Files (.sys): These are the actual drivers that manage hardware components. Devices like graphics and sound cards need them to work.
- Setup Information Files (.inf): These files contain instructions for installing and setting up drivers. INF files guide the system in applying the .sys files during driver installation.
The driver cache in Windows 10 also speeds up installation by keeping used drivers handy for quick access. This is helpful when reinstalling drivers due to system updates or hardware changes.
It’s smart to back up important driver files in custom folders or on external drives. Doing so protects your data and makes restoring drivers easier if needed.
Where Are Drivers Located in Windows 10
Finding your drivers in Windows 10 helps with fixing and managing your computer. We’ll show you two main ways to find driver files. You can look in the System32 folder or use the Device Manager.
Accessing System32 Folder
Drivers are kept in two spots in Windows 10: C:WindowsSystem32Drivers and C:WindowsSystem32DriverStore. The System32 folder has .sys files needed for your devices to work. The DriverStore folder has .inf files, which help install drivers. You just need to be an admin to go to these folders.
- Open File Explorer and head to C:Windows.
- Find and open the System32 folder.
- There, you’ll see the Drivers and DriverStore folders.
Going through these folders lets you get to important driver files. This is handy for fixing problems or making backups.
Using Device Manager to View Drivers
Device Manager is easy to use for checking on and handling your drivers. It shows you the details for each device and helps you find files in the System32 folder.
- Hit Windows + X and pick Device Manager.
- Look for the device you’re interested in and right-click for Properties.
- Click the Driver tab to see its info.
- Hit Driver Details for a list of all related driver files and where they are on your computer.
This way, you can easily find specific driver files. It makes managing and understanding your system’s drivers better.
Using both the System32 folder and Device Manager helps keep your drivers working smoothly. It also aids in fixing any device problems in Windows 10.
How to Backup and Restore Hardware Drivers in Windows 10
Backing up and restoring hardware drivers in Windows 10 keeps future trouble at bay, especially for a clean install. About 70% of Windows users may face needing to reinstall drivers. Windows 10 makes it easy to back up and restore drivers.
Backing Up Driver Folders
When backing up Windows 10 drivers, copy key folders to an external drive. Focus on the Drivers and DriverStore folders. This way, all your driver files are safely kept for easy reinstallation.
- Open File Explorer and go to C:WindowsSystem32.
- Copy the Drivers and DriverStore folders to your storage device.
- Consider backing up the FileRepository folder in DriverStore for future needs.
Easy third-party tools like EaseUS DriverHandy help identify and back up outdated drivers. For those who like using commands, Command Prompt and PowerShell are solid options. Use the DISM command or Export-WindowsDriver command for effectiveness.
Restoring Drivers from Backup
Restoring drivers is simple. 75% of users choose Device Manager for restoring specific drivers. However, Command Prompt can restore all system drivers at once. This saves both time and effort.
- Open Device Manager, find the device, right-click, and click Update driver.
- Select Browse my computer for drivers and find your driver backup.
- Or, use the Command Prompt to re-import drivers with the DISM command.
To fully protect your data, think about making a system image with EaseUS Todo Backup or Windows’ Backup and Restore. This way, you back up everything: drivers, files, and settings. It offers a smooth recovery path.
These driver backup methods safeguard your system from unexpected issues. They make restoring system drivers easy when needed.
Steps to Update Drivers in Windows 10
It’s really important to keep your drivers updated for the best performance of your devices. Windows 10 makes it easy to update drivers, offering automatic and manual options. We’ll show you how to update your system drivers without much hassle.
Using Windows Update for Driver Updates
Using Windows Update to get driver updates is a simple way to keep your drivers up-to-date. It usually takes about 15 minutes, which is pretty fast. Here’s the way to do it:
- Navigate to Settings > Update & Security.
- Click on Check for Updates. The system looks for new driver updates and installs them.
- Find drivers in the optional updates section and pick the ones you need.
- Restart your computer to make the drivers work correctly.
This way is great because it’s easy for you and the computer does most of the work.
Manual Driver Update through Device Manager
For those who like to be more involved, updating drivers manually through Device Manager is an option. It’s good for getting drivers straight from the source like AMD or NVIDIA. Here’s what to do:
- Press Win + X and choose Device Manager.
- Find the device needing an update, right-click it, and click Update Driver.
- Choose Browse my computer for driver software.
- Go to where you saved the driver files. Make sure to check subfolders if needed.
- Follow the on-screen steps to finish installing.
- Restart your computer so the changes can happen.
With this method, you pick exactly which drivers you install. This is great for getting specific updates or features from device makers.
Both using Windows Update and manual installation are great ways to keep your drivers fresh. They make sure your hardware works well and stays in tip-top shape.
The Role of INF Files in Driver Team Installation
In Windows 10, INF driver files are super important for installing drivers. They are setup files that tell the system how to set up hardware right. When you plug in a new device, Windows looks for these INF files. It checks the Driver Store or the specified DevicePath to find the best match. This makes sure your hardware works well without any issues.
INF files have all the details about devices, drivers, registry settings, and how to install them. For drivers of file systems, some sections aren’t needed in the INF. But, it must have important details like how to load services and which operating systems it supports. For instance, it must state it’s for SERVICE_FILE_SYSTEM_DRIVER. It also guides on what to do when the system starts and how to handle errors.
Driver catalog files are crucial too. They contain cryptographic hashes to check the driver’s integrity after its release. Vendors need to get a digital signature from Windows Hardware Quality Lab (WHQL). This proves the driver is reliable. Driver packages come with not just the driver files but also extras. These extras include things like device setting adjustments and icons. INF files manage every part of a driver’s life, from installation to updates, or even removal.
The design of INF files is strictly checked with tools like InfVerif from the Microsoft Windows Driver Kit (WDK). This checks they are up to standard. Using INF files, sometimes with batch files or apps, makes managing device drivers easier. This shows how essential INF files are for our everyday tech needs.
