What can I do if Windows 10 drivers won’t install?

1. Run Hardware and Devices troubleshooter

If you can’t install drivers on Windows 10, then run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter to resolve the issue. This checks for commonly occurring issues and ensures any new device or hardware is correctly installed on your computer.

2. Update your drivers

Alternatively, you can also try to check whether or not it is a driver issue, as missing, broken, or outdated drivers can hinder the functionality of your hardware components. While this can be done manually, it can be time-consuming, and that is why we recommend that you try a third-party utility instead, since it also eliminates the risk of human error.

3. Run DISM tool

If you still can’t install drivers on Windows 10, run the DISM tool, or Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool. Disclaimer: this program needs to be upgraded from the free version in order to perform some specific actions. The DISM tool helps fix Windows corruption errors when Windows Updates and service packs fail to install due to corruption errors, like if you have a damaged system file. Once the repair is complete, reboot your computer and try to install drivers on Windows 10 again. If you’re having trouble accessing Command Prompt as an admin, then you better take a closer look at this guide.

4. Run an SFC scan

Click Start Go to the search field box and type CMD Select Command Prompt

Right click and select Run as Administrator

Type sfc/scannow Press Enter Restart your computer

You can also use one of the registry cleaners listed in this article. If you still can’t install drivers on Windows 10, try the next solution. Most users don’t know what to do when the Windows search box goes missing. Read this article to learn how you can get it back in just a couple of steps.

5. Perform a Clean Boot

Performing a clean boot for your computer reduces conflicts related to software that can bring up the root causes why you can’t install drivers on Windows 10. SPONSORED These conflicts can be caused by applications and services that start up and run in the background whenever you start Windows normally. How to perform a clean boot In order to successfully perform a clean boot on Windows 10, you have to be logged on as the administrator, then follow these steps:

Go to the search box Type msconfig

Select System Configuration

Find Services tab

Select Hide all Microsoft services box Click Disable all Go to Startup tab Click Open Task Manager

Close Task manager then click Ok Reboot your computer

You will have a clean boot environment after all these steps are carefully followed, after which you can try and check if you still can’t install drivers, or if the problem is gone. If you want to know how to add or remove startup apps on Windows 10, check out this simple guide.

6. Perform a System Reset

Performing a reset allows you to choose which files you want to keep, or remove, and then reinstalls Windows. Here’s how to get started:

Click Start Click Settings Click Update & Security Click Recovery on the left panel

Click Advanced options Click Reset this PC Click Get started and choose an option either Keep my files, Remove everything, or Restore factory settings

Note: all your personal files will be deleted and settings reset. Any apps you installed will be removed, and only pre-installed apps that came with your PC will be reinstalled. Sometimes, you want to keep some important files or you just want to back up your data, just to be safe. To do that, check this dedicated guide. If you’re having trouble opening the Setting app, take a look at this article to solve the issue. Need more info on how to factory reset your PC? Read this article and find out everything you need to know. Have you tried to install the drivers again after using any of these solutions? Let us know your experience in the comments section. Also, leave there any other suggestions or questions you may have.

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