How to check for drivers by viewing optional updates

by Claudiu Andone

Editor

Last update:April 1, 2021

Affiliate Disclosure

---

Drivers, or better said, problematic drivers are one of the top reasons for issues with updates and even BSoDs.

Microsoft changed the way how they validate drivers and with Windows 10 version 2004, they made it easier and safer to download and install new drivers.

All driver updates are now listed under the View optional updates option. That means that you don’t need to check for drivers in the Device Manager anymore.

According to a recent document issued by Microsoft, they will evaluate better the quality and reliability of a Windows 10 driver update by analyzing the data coming from cohorts.

The cohorts refer to a set of systems and devices that share the same targeting attributes including HWID, CHID, and OS version.

Another idea behind this move was that hardware manufacturers would able to block updates when you try to install incompatible drivers.

How can I check for drivers using View optional updates?

1. Click on the Windows button and hit the Settings button (the cogwheel above the Power button).
2. Next, click on Updates & Security.
3. In the Windows Update window, click on the View optional updates option.
4. In the next window, you will see the Driver updates category but no updates.
5. Click on Driver updates in order to expand with possible updates.
6. Check the boxes of the drivers you want to install and click on the Download and install button.

How can I find out which drivers I installed?

If you installed the drivers and have some issues with it, you can always go to the manufacturer’s website and download a previous version. But how do you know which one had a problem?

It’s simple, you just need to check the history of updates:

1. In the Windows Update window, click on the View update history option.
2. Click on the Driver updates option and you will see the list with all the previous drivers you installed complete with their versions.

Use a driver updater

A driver updater such as DriverFix is dedicated software that pulls off several driver-related tasks with just a couple of clicks.

Once installed, if you run the tool it will scan your device and return a full list with all the installed drivers, their status and recommended actions.

This would be the easiest way to find out the latest drivers you installed, or if any driver is missing or needs updating, plus get recommendations of matching software.

⇒ Download DriverFix

So, do you like the new way of updating the drivers introduce by Microsoft? Tell us all about it in the comments section.

Still having issues? Fix them with this tool:

1. Download this PC Repair Tool rated Great on TrustPilot.com (download starts on this page).
2. Click Start Scan to find Windows issues that could be causing PC problems.
3. Click Repair All to fix issues with Patented Technologies (Exclusive Discount for our readers).

Restoro has been downloaded by 0 readers this month.