How to See a List of All Installed Windows Drivers
Understanding Installed Drivers on Your System
For the average computer user, managing drivers isn't typically a major concern. However, particularly for gamers or when diagnosing system issues, knowing which drivers are installed can be incredibly helpful.
Manually navigating through the Device Manager to check each component can be a tedious process. Fortunately, there are more efficient ways to obtain this information.
The Role of Windows Update and Dedicated Drivers
In many cases, the drivers provided through Windows Update are sufficient for optimal system performance. The operating system automatically handles updates and compatibility.
However, users with high-performance PCs, especially those utilizing dedicated graphics cards, often benefit from installing the newest drivers directly from the manufacturer.
Why Knowing Your Driver Versions Matters
A quick listing of installed drivers allows you to easily determine the currently installed version numbers. This is particularly valuable when troubleshooting compatibility problems or seeking to optimize performance.
Having this information readily available streamlines the process of identifying outdated or problematic drivers.
Related: Discovering drivers for unidentified devices within the Device Manager is also a common task.
Identifying All Installed Windows Drivers
Fortunately, a pre-installed tool allows for the retrieval of a comprehensive list of all drivers currently installed on your system. The process is remarkably straightforward.
Simply launch the command prompt and enter the following command:
driverquery
This action will generate a listing detailing each driver alongside its corresponding installation date.
For a more detailed output, including the specific driver file information, the /V parameter can be utilized. Consider combining this with the more command to manage the display.
driverquery /V
This prevents the information from scrolling too quickly to be easily reviewed.
Additional Driverquery Options
The driverquery utility offers several other functionalities. These include the ability to export results in CSV format and to display the signature status of each driver.
To learn about these options and their usage, the help command can be employed:
- Type
driverquery /?in the command prompt. - This will display a complete list of available parameters and their descriptions.
Understanding these options allows for more targeted and efficient driver information retrieval.
Leveraging InstalledDriversList
For users who prefer a graphical interface over the command line, the InstalledDriversList utility from NirSoft offers a convenient solution. NirSoft consistently provides utilities free of unwanted software like crapware or spyware. Their tools have been highly regarded for many years, and this reputation remains well-deserved.
Exploring the Utility
After downloading and extracting the utility from its zip archive, simply execute the program to view a comprehensive list of installed drivers. Double-clicking any entry reveals further details.
Numerous additional columns display extensive information, including driver paths, versions, and installation dates.
Understanding Driver Status Indicators
Green icons signify that Windows is actively utilizing a particular driver. Conversely, a yellow icon indicates the driver is installed but currently inactive.
A red icon often points to a problem with the driver, providing a valuable aid in troubleshooting system issues.
