How to Update Chipset Drivers in Windows 11? [2026]
Keeping your chipset drivers up to date is essential for maintaining the overall performance, stability, and compatibility of your Windows 11 PC. The chipset acts as the communication bridge between the processor, memory, storage devices, and other critical components on your motherboard. When the chipset driver is outdated or corrupted, you may experience performance drops, hardware recognition issues, USB problems, or even system crashes.
On systems running Windows 11, chipset drivers ensure that the motherboard works efficiently with the operating system. These drivers are usually provided by motherboard manufacturers or chipset makers such as Intel, AMD, or NVIDIA.
If you have recently upgraded your system, installed new hardware, or noticed unusual performance behavior, updating your chipset drivers can resolve many hidden issues.
In this guide, I will explain the safest and easiest ways to update chipset drivers in Windows 11.
How to Update Chipset Drivers in Windows 11?
To update chipset drivers in Windows 11, open Device Manager, locate System Devices, identify your chipset model, download the latest driver from your motherboard or chipset manufacturer’s official website, and install it by running the setup file or updating it manually through Device Manager. Restart your PC to apply changes.
There are three main methods to update chipset drivers in Windows 11:
- Updating via Device Manager
- Downloading directly from the manufacturer’s website
- Using Windows Update
Let’s know the whole process in easy steps!
1. Update Chipset Driver Using Official Website
The most reliable method is downloading the driver directly from your motherboard or chipset manufacturer’s official website. This ensures compatibility and provides the latest optimized version.
Let’s learn the steps in detail!
Step 1: Identify Your Chipset Model
Before downloading any driver, you must know your exact chipset model.
Press the Windows key and type Device Manager in the search bar. Open the Device Manager application.
In the Device Manager window, scroll down and expand the System Devices section. Here you will find entries related to your chipset. Look for names such as Intel Chipset, AMD SMBus, PCI Express Root Complex, or similar entries that indicate your chipset manufacturer.
To get more detailed information, right-click on one of the chipset-related entries and select Properties. Go to the Details tab. From the Property dropdown menu, select Hardware Ids. This will show detailed information about your chipset.
Alternatively, you can press Windows + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter. In the System Information window, check the BaseBoard Manufacturer and BaseBoard Product fields. This will tell you your motherboard model, which you can use to download the correct chipset driver.
Step 2: Visit the Official Manufacturer Website
Once you have identified your chipset or motherboard model, open your browser and visit the official website of your motherboard manufacturer or chipset provider.
If your system uses an Intel chipset, visit the official Intel website. If it uses an AMD chipset, visit the official AMD website. If you are unsure, your motherboard manufacturer’s support page will list compatible drivers for your specific model.
On the support page, enter your motherboard model in the search bar. Navigate to the Drivers or Support section. Select Windows 11 as your operating system to filter compatible drivers.
Locate the Chipset Driver in the list. Make sure you download the latest version available. Avoid downloading drivers from third-party websites, as they may contain outdated or unsafe files.
Click the Download button and save the file to a known location, such as the Downloads folder.
Step 3: Create a System Restore Point
Before installing any new driver, it is recommended to create a System Restore Point. This allows you to revert changes if something goes wrong.
Press the Windows key and type Create a restore point. Open the System Properties window.
Under the Protection Settings section, ensure that protection is turned on for your system drive. Click on Create. Enter a name such as Before Chipset Update and click Create again.
Wait for the restore point to be created successfully. Once completed, you can proceed safely with the installation.
Step 4: Install the Chipset Driver Automatically
Navigate to the folder where you downloaded the chipset driver.
If the file is in a compressed format such as ZIP, right-click it and select Extract All. Open the extracted folder.
Locate the setup file, usually named Setup.exe or Install.exe. Double-click the file to launch the installation wizard.
Follow the on-screen instructions. In most cases, you simply need to click Next and agree to the license terms. The installer will automatically detect your system configuration and install the necessary chipset components.
Once the installation completes, restart your computer to apply the changes.
2. Update Chipset Driver Using Device Manager
If the manufacturer provides driver files without an installer, you can update manually through Device Manager.
Open Device Manager again. Expand System Devices.
Right-click on the chipset-related entry and select Update driver.
Choose Browse my computer for drivers. Then click Browse and navigate to the folder where you extracted the driver files.
Click Next and allow Windows 11 to install the driver. Once completed, restart your PC.
This method is useful if you downloaded driver files in INF format instead of an executable installer.
3. Update Chipset Driver via Windows Update
Windows 11 can sometimes automatically detect and install chipset updates.
Open Settings by pressing Windows + I. Click on Windows Update. Then click Check for updates.
If a chipset-related update is available, it will appear under Optional updates. Click Advanced options and then Optional updates.
Select the chipset driver update and click Download and install.
After installation, restart your computer.
While this method is convenient, it may not always provide the latest driver version compared to the manufacturer’s website.
Verify the Driver Installation
After restarting your PC, verify that the chipset driver has been successfully updated.
Open Device Manager and navigate to System Devices.
Right-click the chipset-related entry and select Properties. Go to the Driver tab. Check the Driver Version and Driver Date.
Compare this information with the version listed on the manufacturer’s website. If they match, your chipset driver has been successfully updated.
FAQs
What happens if chipset drivers are outdated?
Outdated chipset drivers can cause hardware miscommunication, slow system performance, USB connection issues, and compatibility problems with new Windows 11 updates.
Is it necessary to update chipset drivers regularly?
You do not need to update chipset drivers frequently unless you are experiencing issues, upgrading hardware, or installing a major Windows update. However, keeping them updated ensures optimal system stability.
Can I update chipset drivers automatically?
Yes, Windows Update can install some chipset updates automatically. However, downloading from the official manufacturer’s website is usually more reliable and provides the latest version.
How do I know if my chipset driver is installed correctly?
Open Device Manager, check System Devices, and verify the driver version in the Driver tab. If there are no warning icons and the version matches the latest release, the installation was successful.
Are chipset drivers different from motherboard drivers?
Chipset drivers are a part of motherboard drivers. The motherboard driver package may include LAN, audio, SATA, and chipset drivers. The chipset driver specifically manages communication between core hardware components.
Is it safe to download chipset drivers from third-party websites?
It is not recommended. Always download drivers from the official website of your motherboard manufacturer or chipset provider to ensure safety and compatibility.