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Fix a driver that will not install

We'll run as administrator, update manually in Device Manager, and try signature enforcement for unsigned drivers—or tell you when to call support.

Troubleshooting · Devices & software
15–30 min
What you'll need
  • Admin access to the PC
  • Driver from the device manufacturer
Step 1 of 5

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Steps

Goal: Run as administrator, update manually in Device Manager, and try signature enforcement for unsigned drivers.

  • Right-click the driver installer, Run as administrator.
  • Good: The driver installs. You are done.
  • Bad: Proceed to Update in Device Manager.

Run as admin

Goal: Install the driver with elevated privileges.

  • Right-click the driver installer, Run as administrator. Follow the prompts.
  • Good: The driver installs. You are done.
  • Bad: Proceed to Update in Device Manager.

Update in Device Manager

Goal: Install the driver manually.

  • Device Manager, find the device. Right-click, Update driver, Browse my computer for drivers. Point to the driver folder or select from the list. If you get an “unsigned” error, disable driver signature enforcement (Startup Settings, F7).
  • Good: The device works without a yellow warning. You are done.
  • Bad: Download the driver from the manufacturer. If still fails, call support.

When to get help

Contact the device manufacturer or IT if:

  • The driver still will not install after manual update and signature enforcement.
  • The device is work-managed.
  • You get a specific error.

Provide device name, Windows version, and error message.

Verification

  • The device appears in Device Manager without a yellow warning.
  • The device works as expected.
  • No driver errors in Device Manager.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Run as admin Right-click installer, Run as administrator.
  2. Device Manager Update driver, Browse my computer, point to driver folder.
  3. Uninstall and restart Uninstall device, restart; let Windows reinstall.
  4. Manufacturer driver Download from manufacturer; match model and Windows.
  5. Signature enforcement Disable for unsigned drivers (advanced).
  6. Call support Manufacturer or IT if all steps fail.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Device name and model
  • Windows version
  • Error message (if any)
  • Steps already tried

Did you run the installer as administrator?

Many drivers need admin rights.

Right-click the driver installer, Run as administrator. Installs: done. Fails: try updating in Device Manager—right-click device, Update driver, Browse my computer.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Run as administrator

Right-click the installer, Run as administrator. Retry the install.

Done

Update driver in Device Manager

Device Manager, right-click device, Update driver, Browse my computer. Point to driver folder or Let me pick. If "unsigned" error, disable driver signature enforcement (advanced).

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Driver installed

The device works. You are done.

Done

Call support

Contact the device manufacturer or IT. Provide device name, Windows version, and error message.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would a driver not install?
Wrong driver for the device or Windows version, unsigned driver blocked by Windows, installer needs admin rights, or incompatible driver. Run as administrator and get the driver from the manufacturer first.
Can I fix a driver that will not install myself?
Yes. Run installer as admin, update driver manually in Device Manager, disable driver signature enforcement for unsigned drivers. If the device has a yellow warning, try uninstall and restart to let Windows reinstall.
When should I call support for driver install?
If you have tried manual install and signature enforcement and the driver still fails, or the device is work-managed. Provide device name, Windows version, and error message.

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