How to Install Motherboard Drivers on Your Computer

Motherboards run everything on your computer. So every hardware connected to your computer eventually transmits to the motherboard. Motherboards could be found on a system tray inside your computer. All the hardware must be connected to the motherboard for a computer to function.

However, you need to install motherboard drivers for your computer to function perfectly. Drivers are software that improves interactions between you and your computer. It controls essential functions like audio, graphics, the internet, and other elements you might need for your computer to function perfectly.

The correct drivers are essential for optimal motherboard performance, which translates to an efficient computer. On the other hand, installing the wrong driver could be detrimental to your computer. It could cause functions to misbehave or act abnormally, and I am sure nobody wants that.

This detailed guide will help you quickly install the best motherboard drivers for your computers.

What Drivers Should You Install?

Without drivers, you’ll only be left with hardware and a tub full of frustration. Many drivers exist to carry out a lot of functions on your computer. These functions could range from getting keys to control your volume to improving the graphics displayed on your computer screen.

You have probably heard of drivers if you are even a little conversant with computers. But it could be hard to place importance on their functions if you do not know what they do. Drivers are software your computer needs to successfully run the hardware you have installed. It helps successfully integrate the physical elements with what you experience on your screen or any other output device attached—much like what your brain does for your muscles.

Many drivers exist, so you need to know the important ones you might need to install. A few of these drivers are:

• LAN drivers: LAN drivers ensure that your computer connects to other computer networks. The absence of a LAN driver could mean the lack of an internet connection. Installing and updating your LAN driver would ensure efficient internet functionality.
• Graphics Driver: Also known as the VGA (virtual graphics array) is an important part of the motherboard as it helps substantially improve your computer’s graphics. A VGA that has not been updated could result in poor video and game displays graphics.
• Audio Driver: Most computers have audio ports that link personal audio gadgets like headphones and speakers to the computer. However, without the audio driver, relating your audio function to any external hardware would be impossible— they will not function.
• SATA Driver: This driver ensures that your storage devices are integrated and work smoothly on your computer. Whenever you neglect an update, please think about your saved data!
• The Chipset Driver: The chipset determines what should be on your computer and in what amount. It determines the amount of fast-speed components that can run on the motherboard at a specific time. The chipset driver ensures the chipset runs, so an updated chipset driver ensures your computer runs efficiently.

Installing  Motherboard Drivers on Your Computer

There are a lot of methods you could use to install drivers on your motherboard, the most popular being optical drives. However, most installations are carried out online as they are faster and easily accessible on current computers.

You could also use a USB drive to install a motherboard driver. Just so you have a lot of alternatives, these methods will be explained in due time.

However, before you install your drivers, you need to download them. To download, you need to:

1. Confirm your motherboard’s model.
2. Open your browser and type in your motherboard’s model.
3. Find out the producer’s/company’s website.
4. Click on the current operating system installed on your computer.
5. Identify the driver you want to or need to install.
6. Look for a dialogue box or an icon instructing you to download.
7. Click on the dialogue box. It should begin to download.
8. Downloaded files should be in your computer’s “downloads” folder. You can now install them!

After you have successfully downloaded these drivers, the next thing you need to do is install them. Nonetheless, it would be best to restart your computer after each driver has been installed to ensure that every driver is activated. Installations can be carried out in a variety of ways, a few of which are:

Installing with a CD

Most motherboards come with their drivers stored in a compact disk. It is the most old-fashioned installation form and requires a CD drive to facilitate the process. If your PC does not have a drive, you could quickly get an external compact disk drive.

You can connect this drive by plugging it into the USB port on your computer. You also must get a disk specific to the company that produced the motherboard you are installing the drivers on.

The installation process involves:

1. Inserting the compact disk into the computer’s DVD drive or an external drive.
2. If the driver sports an Autorun feature, the previous action should yield an interface.
3. However, if it doesn’t, click on the My computer folder, find the drive, and click on the install option.
4. It will display an interface, mark the concerned drives, then click Express install.
5. You could also install the drivers individually.

Be sure to restart your computer after every installation to ensure the driver functions.

Installing without a CD

Before installing drivers using this method, you should have downloaded the drivers from the motherboard manufacturer’s website. After you have done that:

1. Go to the “My computer” folder, then double click the “Downloads” folder.
2. Right-click on the .zip file you downloaded, then select the “extract file…” option.
3. You could also double-click the file.
4. After extraction, identify the setup file.
5. Click on it and follow the steps.

You could also install them with your USB. All you need to do is copy the downloaded file onto the USB drive from another computer. Insert the USB drive into the computer, install the drivers, and you are all set!

Conclusion

Motherboard drivers are essential for your computer. Important features like audio, graphics, and network connectivity would not function well if these drivers were not installed. Additionally, you must restart your computer after installing each of these drivers. You should also beware of installing the wrong drivers, especially from unknown websites.

Frequently Asked Questions