Fastboot Drivers for Windows 11: How to Download & Install

Reading time icon 5 min. read


Readers help support Windows Report. We may get a commission if you buy through our links. Tooltip Icon

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial team Read more

Key notes

  • By installing the Fastboot drivers for Windows, you will be able to connect your smartphone or tablet to the computer.
  • Once they are installed, any Android phone which has been rooted will be used in a recovery mode by connecting it with the PC.ย 
  • The process is not a complicated task and in this guide, we will show you how using Windows Update can help you achieve your goal.

If you are someone who wants to change the way your Android device looks, feels, or operates, chances are that sooner or later you will need to access your deviceโ€™s bootloader. 

You may want to do some customization and this tool will come in handy. However, to use it properly, you need to install the required driver files on your Windows PC.

A Fastboot driver is a small piece of tool that allows you to communicate with your Android phone so it can run commands on it and unlock it. 

These drivers are a mandatory requirement in order to interact with your smartphone or tablet right from your PC. 

When it comes to the custom Android development, and when things go south, Fastboot is the mode that you enter in order to perform a multitude of tasks, like flashing a stock ROM or recovery or even unlocking and relocking the deviceโ€™s bootloader.

If your phone can be connected to the computer via a USB cable, thereโ€™s a way in which you can get the Fastboot drivers installed. 

It also needs to be noted that in order to install these drivers your computer should meet all the Windows 11 system requirements with a 64-bit operating system.

What do I need in order to install Fastboot drivers?

Before attempting to install the Fastboot drivers, it is important that you’re aware of a few details of your setup.

The first thing you need to do is enable Developer mode on your Android phone if you havenโ€™t already as most phone manufacturers disable it by default.

This can be easily done by going to settings, scrolling down to about phone, and tapping it seven times. When you’ve done that, you should see a notification stating that you are now a developer.

Next, you will need to enable USB debugging as it is a way for your Android device to communicate with the Android SDK (Software Developer Kit) over a USB connection. 

It allows your phone to receive commands, files, and the like from the PC and allows the PC to pull crucial information like log files from the Android device.

To enable Developer mode and USB debugging on your phone, follow the steps below:

  1. Navigate to Settings on your phone.
  2. Select About phone.
  3. Select Software information and tap on Build number seven times to enable Developer mode.
  4. Go back to Settings and open Developer options.
  5. Navigate to USB debugging and toggle on.

Sometimes, your OS may be unable to install drivers but worry not as our excellent guide on how to install your Android device drivers can help you resolve the issue.

How do I install Fastboot drivers on Windows 11?

1. Use Windows Update

  1. Press the Windows + I keys simultaneously to open the Start Menu.
  2. Enter Check for updates on the search bar and click to open.
  3. Select Advanced options.
  4. Select Optional updates.
  5. Click on Driver updates and select Download & install.

2. Use an APK

  1. Navigate to your browser on your PC and download Android SDK Platform Tools.
  2. Set up and install the APK.
  3. Check the Android SDK Tools and Android SDK Platform tools boxes.
  4. Select Accept License and click on Install.
  5. Wait for installation to finish until you see the message: Done loading packages at the bottom and your Fastboot drivers will be installed.

3. Use a third-party driver software

If you need to install Fastboot drivers automatically on Windows 11 OS, you should best consider a specialized driver software like PC HelpSoft Driver Updater.

This automated tool will perform a complete scan on your system and detect missing drivers, plus install them in a few simple steps without requiring complicated actions.

With a very large cloud database, this software solution has all it takes to provide you with Fastboot drivers and update or fix other broken drivers from your PC without compromising your system.

โ‡’ Get PC HelpSoft Driver Updater

4. Use Google USB drivers

  1. Navigate to your browser and download the Google USB driver.
  2. Extract the zip files.
  3. Hit the Windows key, search for Device Manager, and select to open.
  4. Find your phone under the Portable devices, right-click and select Update driver.
  5. Select Browse my computer for driver software.
  6. In the driver window, select the Browse button, click on Include subfolders then select Next.
  7. Your PC should now be able to recognize your phone.

Are Fastboot drivers safe to use?

Fastboot is a special diagnostic and engineering protocol that you can boot your Android device into. It offers a variety of features and perks that allow you to perform a number of operations on your device, including installing custom ROMs or unrooted updates.

Given that it is extremely powerful, it is not uncommon to wonder whether it is safe to use on your phone. You may have some concerns about losing any important data or files on your phone.

If you know what you are doing, it is a very useful tool. However, the risk comes in when you have no idea about the operations you are performing. You may enter commands that erase your data or install firmware that is incompatible with your phone.

As a precaution, back up all your data and files on both your PC and phone before installing any Fastboot drivers. Have a look at our recommended backup software solutions and select one that works for you.

Should you encounter any problem installing ADB drivers, refer to our comprehensive guide for a quick fix.

We hope you were able to proceed without any hiccups and you got everything you needed when you came looking for a solution to install Fastboot drivers.

For any comments, queries and suggestions, feel free to share in the comments section below.

More about the topics: driver, Windows 11