How to Download or Update Software and Drivers for Your HP or Compaq Computer

Keeping your HP or Compaq computer updated with the latest software and drivers is essential for optimal performance. This article will help ensure your system is running smoothly.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Utilizing Windows Update

1
Access Windows Update. Keep your Windows 11 or Windows 10 computer updated through Windows Update.
- In Windows, search for and open "Check for updates".
- If updates are available, they will commence automatically.
2
Install Optional Updates. The process for installing optional updates varies depending on your version of Windows.
- For Windows 11: Navigate to Advanced options > Optional updates. Select the desired updates and click Download and Install.
- For Windows 10: Choose "View all optional updates. Select updates and click Download and Install.
3
Restart your computer. After the updates install, restart your computer when prompted.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Updating specific drivers via Device Manager

1
In Windows, search for and open Device Manager. If a specific hardware component (such as the touchpad, video display, or keyboard) is not working correctly, or is missing functionality, update the component driver in Device Manager.
2
Locate the device. In the list of devices, expand the category containing the device you wish to update.
3
Update the driver.
- Right-click the device and select "Update driver".
- Choose "Search automatically for drivers" and follow the on-screen prompts.
4
Restart your computer to finalize installation.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Update the PC with HP Support Assistant.

1
Access HP Support Assistant. You can use HP Support Assistant to find and install updates, including BIOS updates, for your computer with Windows.
- In Windows, search for and open HP Support Assistant, or click the app icon in the taskbar.
- If the app is not installed on your computer, download the latest version from the HP Support Assistant website.
2
Check for updates. On the My Dashboard tab, find your computer, and then click "Updates".
- Wait for the HP Support Assistant to analyze your system.
3
Install updates. After the analysis completes, select the listed updates.
- Download and install the updates, and then follow any on-screen instructions.
4
Restart your computer. If prompted, restart the computer, and then close the tool.
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Finding driver updates on the HP Website.

1
Visit the HP Website. Go to the HP Customer Support- Software and Driver Downloads page.
- If a "Let's identify your product to get started" page opens, click "Laptop" or "Desktop".
2
Identify your model. Type the model name for your computer, or enter your serial number, then click "Submit".
- If a "Matching products" webpage opens, select your model number from the list.
3
Choose your operating system. The software results page for your computer displays with the default operating system selected. If you need to change the operating system, click "Change", select your version, and then click "Change".
- If the operating system you want is not on the list, HP does not have drivers for that operating system. Use a different method to download software and drivers.
4
Download drivers. From the list of available software and driver categories, click the category name, and then click "Download".
- Sometimes there is more than one download available for component, such as several DVD firmware updates. If this happens, identify the component install in your computer, and then download the appropriate file.
- To find the name of a component, search for and open "Device Manager". Find the component, and then expand the category. The category lists the component's original manufacturer name.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install the software or driver.
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