How to update Drivers using Command Prompt in Windows 11/10

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The Command Prompt is one utility that many of the power users dearest to use and have grown with it. If you did not know, but it is possible to run Windows Update from the command line. Similarly, it is likewise possible to update drivers using the Command Prompt.

Microsoft offers a built-in utility PnPUtil.exe that allows an administrator to add a commuter package, install or update and delete a driver package from the driver store. Yous can also notice out the listing of driver packages currently installed in the driver store. In this postal service, we volition show how you can upload drivers using the Command Prompt.

If you want to check you have it, all you demand to exercise is open the control prompt and type PNPUtil.exe and press the Enter cardinal. If there is no error, you are good to get.

Update Drivers using Command Prompt

This method will not download the driver parcel from the internet. You will have to download the parcel from the OEM website or copy it from USB or storage media, and copy it to the figurer.

In one case done, you can then use the driver with the utility to install or update the driver. You will have to provide the path to the INF file which holds information of the driver to be installed.

PnPUtil Syntax

pnputil  [/add-driver <...> | /delete-driver <...> | /export-commuter <...> | /enum-drivers | /disable-device <...> | /enable-device <...> | /restart-device <...> | /remove-device <...> | /scan-devices <...> | /enum-devices <...> | /enum-interfaces <...> | /?]

Here is the syntax, as stated in microsoft.com:

                pnputil /add-driver * <filename.inf |.inf> [/subdirs] [/install] [/reboot]                /subdirs - traverse sub directories for driver packages.  /install - install/update drivers on any matching devices.  /reboot - reboot system if needed to complete the functioning.

Examples of using the PnPUtil control

You can use the /install option to install a new driver or update an existing i.

Add driver packet

pnputil /install x:\driver.inf

Add multiple commuter packages

pnputil  /install c:\oem\*.inf

Add and install the driver package

pnputil  /install device.inf /install

That said, the utility can return data, which can suggest if a reboot is required. If yous do not get anything or a zero, all is well. Notwithstanding, if you get Error SUCCESS REBOOT REQUIRED (3010) then a system reboot is required. It happens when the reboot is not used during installation or update. In case a restart is needed, so you will receive Mistake SUCCESS REBOOT INITIATED (1641) which means the update was successful, and the system reboot is underway.

The utility tin also find or enumerates the driver packages that are currently in the driver shop. However, it will merely list driver packages that are not in-box packages are listed. An in-box commuter bundle is one that is included in the default installation of Windows or its service packs.

There is another control called Drvload, but it simply works in the Windows PE environment, and so from a consumer or admin perspective, you will have to use the PnPUtil to update or install a new commuter in Windows 11/10.

Anand Khanse is the Admin of TheWindowsClub.com, a ten-year Microsoft MVP (2006-16) & a Windows Insider MVP. Please read the entire post & the comments first, create a System Restore Indicate before making whatever changes to your organisation & be careful well-nigh whatever 3rd-political party offers while installing freeware.