What to do when a device isn't installed properly

When you connect a new device to your computer, Windows automatically tries to install it for you and will notify you if a driver for the device can't be found. There are several things you can try if this happens:

Make sure your computer is connected to the Internet and automatic updating is turned on

Your computer must be connected to the Internet for Windows to be able to search online for a device driver. To see if your computer is connected to the Internet, open your web browser and try accessing a website. If you're temporarily disconnected, such as when you're traveling with a laptop, wait until you're online again, and then try reinstalling your device.

Windows can't check for the latest drivers unless automatic updating is turned on. Most people turn on automatic updating the first time they use Windows, but if you're not sure you did, you should check to make sure it's turned on. Be sure to select the option to include recommended updates, or Windows will install important updates only. Important updates provide significant benefits, such as improved security and reliability, but recommended updates might include drivers for some of your devices. For more information, see Turn automatic updating on or off and Automatically get drivers and updates for your devices .

Manually check for drivers on Windows Update

If you didn't have automatic updating turned on, or you weren't connected to the Internet when you connected a new device to your computer, you should check to see if Windows can now find a driver for your device. Even if your computer is always connected to the Internet, you should still check Windows Updates for optional updates if some of your hardware isn't working properly. Optional updates often contain new driver updates. Windows Update does not install optional updates automatically, but it will notify you when it finds some and let you choose whether to install them.