Upgrading your PC to Windows 10 Pro is a smart move for better security, performance, and features. However, one common issue many users face after upgrading is hardware driver compatibility.
Whether it’s a missing audio driver, a malfunctioning printer, or your graphics card refusing to work properly, driver problems can cause significant disruptions. Fortunately, there are clear, effective ways to fix these issues.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to troubleshoot and resolve driver issues after a Windows 10 Pro upgrade.
Understanding Drivers and Why They Break After Upgrades
What Is a Driver?
A driver is a small piece of software that allows your operating system (like Windows) to communicate with hardware (like your mouse, printer, or graphics card). Without the correct driver, your hardware won’t work properly—or at all.
Why Do Drivers Fail After Upgrading to Windows 10 Pro?
- Incompatibility: Some older drivers aren’t designed for Windows 10.
- Corruption: The upgrade process may corrupt existing drivers.
- Missing Drivers: Windows might not automatically install all necessary drivers.
- Outdated Software: Legacy hardware may not have support for Windows 10.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Driver Problems in Windows 10 Pro
1. Identify Which Driver Is Causing the Issue
Start by figuring out which device isn’t working properly.
How to Check:
- Press Windows + X, then select Device Manager.
- Look for any devices with a yellow triangle or exclamation mark.
- Right-click the device > Properties to get more details.
2. Use Windows Update
Microsoft often pushes driver updates through Windows Update.
Steps:
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates.
- If any driver updates are available, install them and restart your PC.
3. Update Drivers Manually via Device Manager
If Windows Update doesn’t help, manually update the problematic driver.
Steps:
- Open Device Manager.
- Right-click the device > Update Driver.
- Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
- Let Windows search and install.
4. Download Drivers from the Manufacturer’s Website
For critical devices like your graphics card, sound card, or Wi-Fi adapter, it’s best to download drivers directly from the manufacturer.
Example:
- For NVIDIA: nvidia.com
- For Intel: intel.com
- For Realtek, AMD, Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc.
Search for your model and install the Windows 10 Pro-compatible drivers.
5. Use Compatibility Mode for Older Drivers
Some drivers may not be built for Windows 10 but can still work using compatibility mode.
Steps:
- Right-click the driver installer file > Properties.
- Go to the Compatibility tab.
- Check Run this program in compatibility mode for and choose Windows 7 or 8.
- Run the installer.
6. Roll Back to Previous Drivers
Sometimes the newest driver causes more problems than it solves.
To Roll Back:
- Open Device Manager.
- Right-click the device > Properties.
- Go to the Driver tab.
- Click Roll Back Driver (if available).
7. Use the Troubleshooter
Windows has built-in tools to fix driver-related issues.
Steps:
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
- Choose Additional troubleshooters.
- Select the category related to the issue (e.g., “Playing Audio,” “Printer”).
- Run the troubleshooter and follow the instructions.
8. Reinstall the Driver
If updating and troubleshooting fail, a clean reinstall may be the best approach.
Steps:
- Open Device Manager.
- Right-click the problematic device > Uninstall device.
- Check Delete the driver software for this device, then click Uninstall.
- Reboot your PC.
- Windows will attempt to reinstall a fresh driver, or you can install it manually.
9. Install Drivers in Safe Mode (For Persistent Issues)
Sometimes, regular mode won’t let you install a problematic driver.
Steps:
- Boot into Safe Mode:
- Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
- Go to Boot tab > check Safe boot > restart.
- Install or remove the driver.
- Once done, return to msconfig and uncheck Safe boot to return to normal.
10. Use Third-Party Driver Updater Tools (Optional)
There are third-party tools that scan and update all outdated drivers. While not necessary for most users, they can save time.
Examples:
- Driver Booster
- DriverPack Solution
- Snappy Driver Installer
⚠️ Always download such tools from official websites and use with caution.
11. Check BIOS and Chipset Drivers
Sometimes, motherboard or chipset-related issues cause driver conflicts.
Steps:
- Visit your PC or motherboard manufacturer’s website.
- Download the latest BIOS and chipset drivers for Windows 10 Pro.
Updating BIOS should be done carefully. Follow instructions from the manufacturer.
Preventing Future Driver Problems
- Create a System Restore Point before updating drivers manually.
- Keep Windows Updated.
- Back up your drivers using tools like Double Driver or DriverBackup!
- Avoid unnecessary driver updates unless you’re facing a problem.
- Don’t use beta drivers on production systems unless absolutely necessary.
Common Driver-Related Issues and Fixes
| Problem | Likely Driver | Fix |
| No sound | Audio driver (Realtek, etc.) | Update or reinstall via Device Manager |
| No internet | Network adapter driver | Download driver from OEM site |
| Flickering screen | Display driver (NVIDIA, AMD) | Roll back or update |
| Printer not detected | Printer driver | Use Windows Update or manufacturer site |
| Bluetooth missing | Bluetooth adapter driver | Enable from BIOS or update driver |
Final Thoughts
Upgrading to Windows 10 Pro brings better performance, security, and productivity tools. But like any system change, it may bring temporary driver issues. The good news is these problems are usually easy to diagnose and fix.
Use the methods in this guide—from Windows Update to compatibility mode—to identify and resolve driver issues efficiently. Keep your system drivers up to date, and you’ll enjoy a smooth and trouble-free computing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Will my old drivers still work after upgrading to Windows 10 Pro?
Not always. Some drivers may be outdated or incompatible, especially if your hardware is older than 5–6 years.
Q2. Is it safe to use third-party driver update software?
Generally, yes—but only use trusted, well-reviewed tools. Manual updates from the manufacturer are safer and more precise.
Q3. Can I revert to Windows 10 Home if I have issues with Pro?
Technically yes, but it requires a fresh installation. It’s better to resolve the driver issues directly.
Q4. How do I know which driver is outdated?
Use Device Manager or tools like Driver Booster to scan for outdated drivers.
Q5. Should I update all my drivers after upgrading?
No, only update drivers that are causing issues or are critical to system performance.
