solution Contentsolution Content

HP PCs - Downloading or updating software and drivers

To keep your HP or Compaq computer running smoothly, update software on a regular basis.

HP constantly strives to improve its products and regularly provides updates for software, drivers, and firmware.

Note:

If you have trouble finding software and driver updates for your HP computer, go to HP Business PCs and Workstations tested with Windows 11 or HP Products Tested with Windows 10 to find out if your computer has been tested with a Windows operating system.

How To Find and Download Software and Drivers for HP Products

Learn how to find and download HP software and drivers for HP Products from HP Support Assistant, 123.hp.com, or support.hp.com/drivers, depending on your printer.

Run Windows Update

Update your Windows 11 or Windows 10 computer using Windows Update.

How To Update Windows 10

Learn how to update Windows 10.

In Windows, search for and open Check for updates.
If there are any available updates, they begin automatically.
Note:
To download and install optional updates, use the following instructions for your operating system:
- In Windows 11, select Advanced options > Optional updates, select the updates that you want to install, and then click Download & install.
- In Windows 10, select View all optional updates, select the updates that you want to install, and then click Download and install.
After the updates install, restart your computer when prompted.

Update specific drivers in Device Manager

If a specific hardware component (such as the touchpad, video display, or keyboard) is not working correctly, or is missing functionality, update the component driver in Device Manager.

In Windows, search for and open Device Manager.
In the list of devices, expand the device that you want to update.
Right-click the device, and then click Update driver.
Click Search automatically for drivers, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
Restart your computer to complete the installation.

Update the PC with HP Support Assistant

Use HP Support Assistant to find and install updates, including BIOS updates, for your computer with Windows.

In Windows, search for and open HP Support Assistant, or click the app icon in the taskbar.

If the app is not installed on your computer, download the latest version from the HP Support Assistant website.
On the My Dashboard tab, find your computer, and then click Updates.
Wait while HP Support Assistant analyzes the system.
After the analysis completes, select the listed updates, download and install the updates, and then follow any on-screen instructions.
If prompted, restart the computer, and then close the tool.

Find driver updates on the HP website

Learn how to find driver updates on the HP website.

HP provides many free software and driver downloads.

Note:

For devices with Windows 10 in S mode, you can only get drivers through Windows Update. Go to HP PCs - Frequently Asked Questions about Windows in S Mode (Windows 11, Windows 10) for more information.

Go to the HP Customer Support - Software and Driver Downloads page.
If a Let's identify your product to get started page opens, click Laptop or Desktop.
Type the model name for your computer in the Or, enter your serial number field, and then click Submit. For example, type Pavilion HPE h8-1360t Desktop, and then click Submit.
If a Matching products webpage opens, select your model number from the list.
The software results page for your computer displays with the default operating system selected. If you need to change the operating system, click Change, select your version, and then click Change.

Note:
If the operating system you want is not on the list, HP does not have drivers for that operating system. Use a different method to download software and drivers.
From the list of available software and driver categories, click the category name, and then click Download.

CAUTION:
Sometimes there is more than one download available for a component, such as several DVD firmware updates. If this happens, identify the component installed in your computer, and then download the appropriate file. To find the name of a component, search for and open Device Manager. Find the component, and then expand the category (for example, DVD/CD ROM drives). The category lists the component’s original manufacturer name.
Follow the on-screen instructions to install the software or driver.

Find BIOS updates on the HP website

Only install BIOS updates from HP. Use one of the following links for detailed instructions to find and install BIOS updates from HP.

Find firmware updates

Firmware is most commonly used with CD/DVD drives, but network adapters, modems, and video cards can also use firmware. Check for firmware updates from HP or the hardware manufacturer.

For software and drivers from HP: See Finding driver updates on the HP website.
For software and drivers from the manufacturer: See Getting updates from the maker of the software or hardware.

Restore or reinstall software or apps (Windows)

Restore or reinstall a program that does not work properly or becomes infected with malware. This also works to revert a program to its original version.

Find and download software and apps from Microsoft, HP, or the manufacturer's website.

Check the Microsoft Store. Many of the apps that came preinstalled on your computer are available to download for free in the Microsoft Store app.
Go to the HP Customer Support - Software and Driver Downloads page. If a Let's identify your product to get started page displays, select your computer type. Type the model name of your computer, and then click Submit. From the list of available software and driver categories, find the software or driver. Click the category name, and then click Download.

For more information and support, go to HP PCs - Issues with Apps in Windows 10.

Restore device drivers (Windows)

Restore or reinstall a program that does not work properly or becomes infected with malware. This also works to revert a program to its original version. You can find and restore or reinstall original device drivers for your computer with Windows 10.

HP recommends installing the latest drivers available from Windows Update. Go to HP PCs - Updating drivers and software with Windows Update (Windows 11, 10) for more information.
Go to the HP Customer Support - Software and Driver Downloads page. If a Let's identify your product to get started page displays, select your computer type. Type the model name of your computer, and then click Submit. From the list of available software and driver categories, find the software or driver. Click the category name, and then click Download.

If you need a previous version of a driver, there might be a link to an older driver in the details.

Get updates from the maker of the software or hardware

Learn how to get updates from the maker of the software or hardware.

If you cannot find an update from HP, try the product manufacturer's website.

CAUTION:

Only install BIOS updates from HP. Do not install BIOS updates from the system board manufacturer's website. Doing so can prevent the computer from accepting an HP System Recovery.

Product manufacturers provide technologies used on many HP and Compaq computers. Many hardware component manufacturers have their own website with driver downloads.

Note:

Find information about your computer hardware from the product specifications for your computer model. Go to the HP Customer Support website, type the computer model number followed by Product Specifications in the Search box, and then press enter. Click the link to the Product Specifications for your computer.

For example, type 34-a172cn product specifications.

Note:

If you do not know your computer model name or product number, see .

In the specifications document, find the component or software you want to update or troubleshoot, and then note the manufacturer or developer name, component number, or version number.

AMD and ATI utilities and drivers (processor utilities, AMD Live!): AMD.com (in English). Find downloads in the support section.
Creative (sound cards): Creative Worldwide Support (in English).
Intel hardware and software (chipsets, Intel RAID, Viiv): Intel Download Center (in English).
Microsoft (Windows, Microsoft software, and many hardware drivers): Microsoft Download Center (in English).
NVIDIA hardware (chipsets and video): NVIDIA Driver Downloads (in English).
Realtek (sound hardware and codecs): Realtek Downloads (in English).
SanDisk (disk drives): SanDisk Global Customer Care (in English)
SiS (chipsets and onboard devices).
VIA (chipsets): VIA Driver Downloads (in English).

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about software and drivers

Review frequently asked questions about software and drivers.

Where can I find drivers for my business computer?

Learn where to find drivers for a business computer.

Go to HP PCs - Using HP Image Assistant to download HP Image Assistant. This utility provides a quick and easy way to download software and driver updates for HP commercial notebook and desktop PCs. In addition, HP offers alternative drivers and solutions through Client Management Solutions on the HP Driver Packs page.

What if I cannot find drivers after installing a different operating system on my computer?

Find and download software or drivers from the hardware manufacturer.

CAUTION:

Unless otherwise specified, HP does not support software that did not originally come with the computer. See your warranty for details.

Find compatible drivers for all the components on your computer.
Create a recovery disc set. You can restore the computer if compatibility problems occur.
Find the names of the various hardware components on your computer. The most important component is the chipset. It drives many of the onboard components such as network, sound, and even video. Find component names and manufacturers on the product specifications for your computer model.

Search for your computer model plus the word specifications at the top of this page. For example, if you have an HP Pavilion HPE h8-1360t Desktop computer, search for h8-1360t specifications. Then, check the manufacturer's website for the driver. For a list of websites, see the Getting updates from the maker of the software or hardware.
Find and install the latest chipset driver package for the new operating system.

If your computer does not have an Internet connection, download the chipset from another computer. Save it to a CD or USB storage device, and then transfer it to your computer. For help finding chipsets and other downloads, see the Getting updates from the maker of the software or hardware.
After installing the chipset, download and install the latest drivers for any components that are not functioning. For example, your computer makes no sound and it uses Realtek high-definition audio. Go to Microsoft or Realtek's website to download and install a new high-definition sound driver.

If drivers are not available and the hardware component is not working, you might need to replace the component. For example, you changed your operating system from Windows Vista to Linux and a Linux sound driver is not available. To solve this, install a sound card and driver that is compatible with Linux.

How do I find the current version of the drivers or software on my computer using Windows?

Search Windows to find the current version of a driver or application software.

Find driver version number: In Windows, search for and open Device Manager. Double-click the name of the component, and then click the Driver tab in the properties window.

Note:
The Driver Version displayed in the Driver tab may be presented differently by the manufacturer of the device. For example, the driver version shown in the Driver tab (in the graphic) is 24.21.14.1198 and the same driver may be presented by the manufacturer as 411.98.
Find the software version of an application: In Windows, search for and open Apps & features. In the list that displays, click the name of the app to view the software version number. If the app does not list the version number, click Advanced options to find and view the software version number.

How do I find the current version of the BIOS on my Windows computer?

Use the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics for Windows tool to find the BIOS version on your computer.

Note:

If the app is not available on your computer, download the latest version from HP PC Hardware Diagnostics.

In Windows, search for and open HP PC Hardware Diagnostics Windows.
The app opens to the main menu. Click System Information to view the BIOS version.

Where is the network (LAN or Ethernet), sound (audio), or video (graphics) driver on the HP Software & Drivers download page?

If you are looking for network, sound, or video drivers and cannot find them on the HP Software & Driver Downloads page, you need to download the chipset driver. The chipset can drive many of the onboard components such as network, sound, and video.

The chipset driver is on the HP Software & Driver Downloads page for many computer models. If the driver is not available from HP, you can find the name and manufacturer of the chipset on the product specifications for your computer model. Search for your computer model plus the word specifications at the top of this page. For example, if you have an HP Pavilion HPE h8-1360t Desktop computer, search for h8-1360t specifications. Then, check the manufacturer's website for the driver. For a list of websites, see Getting updates from the maker of the software or hardware.

Where can I find software or drivers for my printer, scanner, or camera?

If you have an HP printer, scanner, or camera, HP posts software and drivers on the support site for each product.

These software and drivers are not included on the computer support pages. That is, you cannot find a printer driver from the software and driver download page for your HP computer. Go to the HP Customer Support - Software and Driver Downloads page. If a Let's identify your product to get started page displays, select your product type. Type the model name of your HP printer, scanner, or camera, and then click Submit. From the list of available software and driver categories, find the software or driver. Click the category name, and then click Download.

Why can't I find a driver that fixes my computer problem?

If your computer is experiencing a problem, a driver update might be available to fix the problem. However, installing software or driver updates does not solve all problems.

Instead, try searching the HP Customer Support website for the computer problem or error message. Updating the driver might resolve these common types of drivers and associated problems:

Audio: Loss of sound, 'audio device not found' errors, and quality problems such as popping noises.
BIOS: Problems with sleep, suspend, hibernate, startup, shutdown, or meeting the minimum requirements for an operating system upgrade.

Avoid BIOS updates unless you know it addresses the problem.
Keyboard: Extra buttons and special keys stop working.
TV Tuner: TV playback performance, poor sound quality when watching TV, and video capturing quality.
Video: Unsupported display resolutions, movie playback performance, and problems that occur in 3D games.

If an updated driver does not fix your computer problem, then try searching the HP Customer Support website or the Internet for a troubleshooting solution (not a driver).

How do I download a driver to install on another computer?

Learn how to download a driver to install on another computer.

Save the driver to external media, such as a USB flash drive or CD/DVD. Next, see Find driver updates on the HP website for detailed instructions. After clicking Download, save the driver to external media, such as a USB flash drive, memory card, CD/DVD, or external hard drive. Then, move the external media to the other computer and install the driver.

Why can't I find drivers for my CD/DVD drive?

CD/DVD drives use drivers built into the operating system. They do not require updates. However, CD/DVD drives use firmware to control their operations and HP provides firmware updates for these drives.

To find a firmware update for a CD/DVD drive, follow the instructions in Find driver updates on the HP website. On the Software & Driver Downloads page, expand the Firmware section.

Where can I find a driver that upgrades the USB standard, such as USB 1/1.1 to 2, 1 to 3, or 2 to 3?

Learn how to find a driver that upgrades the USB standard, such as USB 1/1.1 to 2, 1 to 3, or 2 to 3.

You cannot upgrade a USB port using a driver upgrade. The port hardware must be capable of supporting the 2.0 or 3.0 standard to achieve the speed of 2.0 or 3.0. However, if the computer displays messages about connecting a USB 2.0 or 3.0 device into a higher speed USB port and you know a USB 2.0 or 3.0 port is on the computer, the USB controller drivers might need upgrading. Use Device Manager to get any available updates.

Connect the computer to the Internet if it is not already connected.
In Windows, search for and open Device Manager. If Other devices is not listed, Windows was able to identify and set up all plug and play hardware on the computer.
In Device Manager, expand Other devices. If Other devices is not listed, Windows was able to identify and set up all plug and play hardware on the computer.
If there are any references to USB, such as USB Host Controller, right-click the name, select Update driver, and then follow the on-screen instructions to download and install any available updates.
Remove the name in Other devices and add it to the proper category (Universal Serial BUS Controllers).
Test the USB device again.
- If the message no longer displays, stop here.
- If the message still displays, continue using these steps.
If there are no more references to USB in the Other devices category, expand Universal Serial Bus Controllers.
Right-click the name of one of the Universal Host Controllers and select Update driver.
If any downloads installed, test the USB device to see if the message continues to display.

Is the Windows version on my computer 32-bit or 64-bit?

Learn how to determine if your version of Windows is 32-bit or 64-bit.

See HP PCs - Is the Windows Version on My Computer 32-bit or 64-bit? to determine if you have a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows.

You cannot upgrade from a 32-bit version of Windows to a 64-bit version of Windows. Similarly, you can only upgrade a 64-bit version of Windows to a 64-bit version of Windows. To install a 64-bit version of Windows on a computer with a 32-bit version, you must reinstall Windows. This deletes all the information on the hard drive.

Why is my operating system not listed on the software & driver download page?

Learn why your operatins system is not listed on the software & driver download page.

HP might not currently have software downloads available, depending on the situation:

If your operating system is not listed, HP might not currently have software or driver downloads available for your product for that operating system, or the downloads are not available in the language you have chosen.
If you have installed an operating system other than Windows, HP might not provide software or driver downloads for your operating system.
If you have upgraded Windows, the downloads might not be available from HP yet.

Review the following options if there are no downloads listed for your operating system:

If you are installing a new device, use the “Add New Hardware” wizard. Drivers for some peripheral products (cameras, printers, scanners, and so on) are preinstalled in the operating system and do not require downloading a new driver.
If HP does not make the products you are installing, you might be able to find drivers and software downloads from the original manufacturer’s website.
Visit the HP Customer Support website again later to see if new downloads are available.
For Linux drivers, go to hplip.sourceforge.net/supported_devices/index.html (in English).
For FreeDOS, go to www.freedos.org (in English).
Note:
HP only supports and provides drivers for operating systems for HP-branded, warranty-replaced, or factory-installed hardware that is shipped on or supported by the product.

Where can I find Linux or FreeDOS drivers?

The open source community develops Linux and FreeDOS. Find drivers posted on community sites.

For more information about FreeDOS and Linux and how these operating systems apply to HP and Compaq computers, see HP PCs - Frequently Asked Questions About Linux (FAQs).

What if I tried everything and I am still having trouble finding a driver?

Some drivers, such as network, video, bus controller, a .dll file, USB, or other computer component, must be updated using Device Manager.

Are you looking for a driver because an error message displays?

Search HP or the Internet using the exact error message. HP and its partners provide many support documents that provide known fixes for error messages.
Are you looking for a device driver because you updated Windows?

You might not need a driver. Windows can find and install drivers through the plug and play process or through the Windows Update process. If Windows cannot fully recognize the name of the device, Windows lists the device as an Other device in Device Manager. If this is the case, use the following steps.

Note:

Hardware devices (video, sound, network cards, and similar) that were not designed for plug and play might not work in a computer that is upgraded to a newer version of Windows. If this is the case, replace the hardware device with one that is compatible with your upgraded operating system.

Connect to the Internet if the computer is not already connected.
In Windows, search for and open Device Manager.
Expand Other device. If Other device is not listed, Windows was able to identify and set up all plug and play hardware on the computer.
Right-click a name of one of the unknown devices and select Update driver.
Follow the directions on the pages that open to install any available driver updates through Windows.

The name should be removed from Other devices and added to the proper category. For example, a previously unknown network card is listed in the network adapters category.
If any downloads were installed, test the device to see if it is now functioning properly.

What is the difference between software, driver, and firmware?

Review the following descriptions of the difference between software, drivers, and firmware:

Software: Instructs your computer how to do something, such as playing a game or movie, word processing, and home finance.
Driver: A specific type of software used by the operating system (such as Windows) that allows a hardware device, such as a printer, sound card, or keyboard, to work.
Firmware: Instructions stored on chips attached to hardware devices. Examples of devices that use firmware are CD/DVD drives and hard drives.

What is the difference between a software update and a software upgrade?

It is important to know the difference between a software update and a software upgrade:

Software update: Modifies the version of software that is on your computer, usually bugs fixes or adding minor enhancements or features. For example, software that is currently version 3.1.1 updates to 3.1.2. Updates are usually free. The HP software and driver download pages provide only updates, not upgrades.
Software upgrade: Provides a newer full version of the same software title. For example, software that is currently version 3.0 upgrades to version 4.0. Upgrades are generally purchased from the software provider.

Additional support options

Try one of our automated tools or diagnostics

Ask a question on our HP Support Community page

Get in touch with one of our support agents

Enter a topic to search our knowledge library

What can we help you with?

Need Help?