Fixing driver issues when Windows doesn't reinstall the driver automatically

Sometimes when you uninstall a driver in Windows using Device Manager, it doesn’t reinstall automatically. This can cause issues with devices like your keyboard, trackpad, network adapter, or display. Follow the steps in this article to get your driver reinstalled.

Applicable to: Fort Collins, Pueblo, Spur, System
Affiliation: Students, Faculty, Staff, Guests

Prerequisites

Make sure the computer is connected to the internet
User must have administrative access to their Windows machine
Close all apps before starting
Restart your computer if you haven’t already

Instructions:

1. Try a manual hardware scan

Right-click the Start menu and select Device Manager
Click the Action menu at the top
Select Scan for hardware changes

If the driver was removed, this may reinstall it automatically.

2. Check for Windows Updates

Click the Start menu and open Settings
Select Windows Update
Click Check for updates
If you see Optional updates, click that link and install any Driver updates

3. Download the driver manually

If Windows didn’t find a driver:

Open a web browser
Go to your device manufacturer’s OFFICIAL website (like Dell, HP, Lenovo, Intel, or NVIDIA)
Search for your model number
Download and install the latest driver for Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit)

4. Use the “Add legacy hardware” tool (advanced option)

If the driver still doesn’t install:

Open Device Manager
Click Action at the top and select Add legacy hardware
Click Next
Select Install the hardware that I manually select from a list (Advanced)
Follow the steps to install your device manually

5. Run the Windows troubleshooter

Click the Start menu, type Command Prompt, then right-click and choose Run as administrator
Type the following command and press Enter:
```
msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic
```
Follow the on-screen steps to detect and fix issues

6. Still not working?

If you’re still having trouble:

Contact your campus IT support team

CSU Fort Collins/Spur
- Phone: (970) 491-7276
- Email: help@colostate.edu
- Walk-up: Morgan Library
CSU Pueblo
- Phone: (719) 549-2002
- Email: helpdesk@csupueblo.edu
- Walk-up: Library and Academic Resource Center

Be ready to share:

Your device make and model
The name of the device or driver that’s missing
What steps you’ve already tried

7. IT Support Escalation guidance

If the driver still does not reinstall:

Open a ticket with the endpoint management team or desktop support group.

Include:

Device model and serial number
OS version
Specific driver missing
Steps already taken
Whether the hardware is physically recognized in BIOS (if applicable)

Outcome
After completing these steps, your missing driver should be reinstalled and working again. If not, campus IT can help you directly.