Need to update all drivers in Windows 11 using CMD? Discover 4 effective methods to update graphics, network, audio, and printer drivers automatically using Command Prompt, PnPUtil, DISM, and Windows Update.
If you’ve been dealing with sluggish performance, random crashes, or hardware that simply isn’t working the way it should, outdated drivers are often the culprit. The good news? You don’t have to click through endless menus to fix this. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to update all drivers in Windows 11 using CMD and PowerShell — step by step — so you can get your system running at its best.
Whether you’re an everyday user looking for a quick automated fix or a more advanced user who wants precise control over your driver installs, there’s a method here that will work for you.
What Happens When You Update Drivers in Windows 11?
Before jumping into commands, it helps to understand what’s actually going on. Device drivers are small programs that let Windows communicate with your hardware — your graphics card, Wi-Fi adapter, USB ports, audio devices, and more. When these drivers are outdated, you might notice:
- Devices not working correctly or not being recognized
- Poor graphics performance or display issues
- Wi-Fi drops and network instability
- System crashes or Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors
- Slow boot times and general sluggishness
Updating your drivers refreshes these communication pathways. It brings in fixes, security patches, and performance improvements that manufacturers have released since your current driver was installed.
Quick note: Windows 11 does not have a single native CMD command that updates every driver simultaneously. Instead, you can combine a small set of built-in and module-based tools — each targeting a different driver source — to achieve the same result. This guide covers the four best methods for doing exactly that.
Before You Update Drivers Using CMD
A little preparation goes a long way. Taking these steps before you start will protect you if something unexpected happens.
Create a System Restore Point
Always create a System Restore Point before making driver changes. If a new driver causes problems, you can roll back to this snapshot without losing your files.
- Press Windows + S and search for Create a restore point
- Click System Properties, then select Create
- Name the restore point (e.g., “Before Driver Update”) and click Create
Back Up Important Files
While driver updates rarely cause data loss, it’s smart practice to back up your important files to an external drive or cloud service like OneDrive or Google Drive before making any system-level changes.
Open Command Prompt or PowerShell as Administrator
All the commands in this guide require administrator privileges. Here’s how to open CMD or PowerShell with the right permissions:
- Right-click the Start button
- Select Terminal (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin)
- Click Yes if User Account Control (UAC) prompts you
You’re now ready to start updating drivers.
Method 1: Update All Drivers Automatically in Windows 11 Using PowerShell (Windows Update Method)
This is the most reliable and beginner-friendly method for updating drivers automatically. It uses PowerShell along with the PSWindowsUpdate module to trigger Windows Update and pull in all available driver updates that Microsoft has approved and tested.
Why This Is the Best Automatic Method
Windows Update sources drivers that have gone through Microsoft’s Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) — meaning they’re tested, stable, and signed for security. This isn’t always the absolute latest version from the manufacturer, but it’s the safest option for most users.
Step 1: Open PowerShell as Administrator
Right-click Start → select Terminal (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
Step 2: Install the PSWindowsUpdate Module
The PSWindowsUpdate module is a community-supported PowerShell module that provides easy access to the Windows Update API. Install it by running:
Install-Module -Name PSWindowsUpdate -Force -SkipPublisherCheckPress Y when prompted to confirm any additional providers. This module supports Windows 11 and all modern Windows versions.
Step 3: Import the Module
Import-Module PSWindowsUpdateStep 4: Set the Execution Policy
If PowerShell blocks scripts by default, run this to allow them:
Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned -ForceStep 5: Check for Available Driver Updates
Get-WindowsUpdateThis will display a list of all available updates, including their KB article IDs, sizes, and descriptions. Review the list to see what driver updates are available for your system.
Step 6: Install All Available Updates Automatically
Install-WindowsUpdate -AcceptAll -AutoReboot- -AcceptAll automatically confirms all update prompts without requiring manual input
- -AutoReboot will restart your PC if required to complete the installation
Pro tip: If you want to check update history afterward and confirm what was installed, run:
Get-WUHistory -MaxResults 20 | Select-Object Date, KB, Title, Result
Step 7: Verify the Updates Were Applied
After your PC restarts, open PowerShell again and run:
Get-WUHistory -MaxResults 20This will show you the last 20 updates that were applied, including any driver packages.
Method 2: Update Multiple Drivers Using PnPUtil Command
PnPUtil (Plug and Play Utility) is a built-in Windows command-line tool for managing drivers directly from the Windows Driver Store — the protected folder at C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore where Windows keeps copies of every trusted driver on your system.
What Is PnPUtil?
PnPUtil stages drivers into the Driver Store with WHCP verification, which means the driver remains available for reinstallation even if the device is removed and re-added later. This makes it the right choice for managed environments, enterprise deployments, and situations where you want reliable, repeatable installs.
When Should You Use This Method?
Use PnPUtil when:
- You’ve downloaded driver packages from a manufacturer’s website (e.g., Intel, AMD, Realtek)
- You want to install multiple drivers from a folder in one go
- You’re preparing a system for deployment and need to install drivers offline
- Windows Update doesn’t have the specific driver version you need
Step 1: Download Driver Packages From the Manufacturer
Visit the relevant manufacturer’s website and download the driver packages you need. For example:
- Graphics drivers: nvidia.com/drivers or amd.com/support
- Intel chipset/Wi-Fi: intel.com/content/www/us/en/download-center/home.html
- Audio/network: Your motherboard manufacturer’s support page (ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, etc.)
Make sure you download drivers in .INF format or extract the installer package to get to the .inf files inside.
Step 2: Store All Drivers in One Folder
Create a dedicated folder to keep things organized. For example: C:\DriversUpdate
Move all your downloaded and extracted driver packages into this folder, including any subfolders.
Step 3: Install All Driver Packages at Once
Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:
pnputil /add-driver "C:\DriversUpdate\*.inf" /subdirs /installHere’s what each part does:
/add-driver— adds the driver package to the Windows Driver Store"C:\DriversUpdate\*.inf"— targets all.inffiles in your folder/subdirs— includes all subdirectories in the scan/install— installs each compatible driver on the appropriate hardware immediately
Important: PnPUtil will only install a driver if it detects matching hardware. It won’t force-install drivers on incompatible devices, which keeps your system safe.
Step 4: Reboot if Required
Some drivers require a system restart to finish installation. After the command completes, restart your PC to ensure all changes take effect.
Benefits and Limitations of PnPUtil
Benefits:
- Works entirely offline — no internet required
- Installs multiple drivers in a single command
- Reliable for enterprise and scripted deployments
- Only installs drivers on compatible hardware
Limitations:
- Doesn’t search the internet for drivers automatically
- May not fully install software-heavy packages like NVIDIA GeForce Experience or AMD Software Adrenalin Edition (those require their full installers)
- Requires you to manually download driver packages beforehand
Method 3: Update Drivers Using DISM Commands
DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) is another powerful Windows command-line tool. While it’s best known for servicing Windows installation images, it can also be used to add drivers — particularly useful in IT and enterprise environments.
What Is DISM?
DISM is a built-in Windows utility that lets you manage Windows images, features, and packages from the command line. It’s particularly effective when you need to add drivers to an offline Windows installation or a mounted deployment image.
When DISM Is Useful
For everyday driver updates on a running Windows 11 system, PnPUtil is the better choice. However, DISM becomes essential when:
- You’re preparing Windows deployment images for multiple machines
- You’re working in a recovery environment
- You need to inject drivers into an offline Windows installation before first boot
- You’re setting up enterprise or IT admin workflows
Install a Driver Package Using DISM (Offline Image)
If you have a Windows image mounted at C:\Mount and drivers stored in C:\Drivers, run:
dism /Image:C:\Mount /Add-Driver /Driver:C:\Drivers /Recurse/Image:— points to the offline mounted Windows image/Add-Driver— specifies that you’re adding a driver/Driver:— path to the driver folder/Recurse— scans all subdirectories for.inffiles
Verify Driver Installation
After running DISM, you can verify what’s been added:
dism /Image:C:\Mount /Get-DriversThis will list all the drivers that have been staged into the image.
Common DISM Errors and Fixes
| Error | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Error 87 | Incorrect command syntax | Double-check your flags and paths |
| Error 2 | File or folder not found | Verify the driver and image paths exist |
| Access Denied | Not running as Administrator | Reopen CMD with admin rights |
| Error 14098 | Component store corrupted | Run sfc /scannow first, then retry |
Note: For a live, running Windows 11 installation, use PnPUtil (Method 2) rather than DISM. DISM’s driver management shines in deployment and pre-boot scenarios.
Method 4: Update Drivers Through Device Manager Launched From CMD
If you prefer a visual interface but still want to start from the command line, you can launch Device Manager directly from CMD and use it to search for and install updated drivers automatically.
Open Device Manager Using Command Prompt
Open Command Prompt as Administrator and type:
devmgmt.mscPress Enter and Device Manager will open instantly.
Find Devices With Outdated Drivers
In Device Manager, look for devices marked with a yellow exclamation mark (!) — these indicate missing or problematic drivers. You can also manually check any device by right-clicking it and choosing Properties → Driver to see the current driver version and date.
Search Automatically for Updated Drivers
- Right-click any device you want to update
- Select Update driver
- Choose Search automatically for drivers
Windows will check both the local Driver Store and Windows Update for a newer version. If one is found, it’ll be downloaded and installed automatically.
When Device Manager Works Better Than CMD
Device Manager is a great option when:
- You want to update one specific device (e.g., your graphics card, Wi-Fi adapter, or audio driver)
- You’re not comfortable with command-line syntax
- You want to quickly check whether a device has a driver problem before deciding whether a full update run is needed
- You need to roll back a driver to a previous version after an update causes issues
Pro tip: You can also open Device Manager quickly using the keyboard shortcut Windows + X and selecting it from the menu — no CMD needed for this one.
How to Check All Installed Drivers Using CMD
Before or after updating, it’s helpful to know exactly what drivers are installed on your system. Here are the best commands for auditing your driver landscape.
View All Installed Drivers
Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:
driverqueryThis displays a table of every installed driver, including the module name, display name, driver type, and link date.
Get Detailed Driver Information
For more detailed output including driver paths and initialization status, run:
driverquery /vExport Your Driver List to a File
If you want to save a snapshot of your drivers before updating (highly recommended), export the list to a text file:
driverquery /fo csv > C:\DriversBefore.txtYou can run this again after updating and compare the two files to confirm what changed:
driverquery /fo csv > C:\DriversAfter.txtCheck Drivers via PnPUtil
To see all drivers currently staged in the Windows Driver Store, run:
pnputil /enum-driversThis gives you provider name, class, version, and driver date — useful for identifying outdated packages.
How to Verify That All Drivers Are Up to Date
After running any of the methods above, here’s how to confirm everything was applied successfully.
Check Through Device Manager
Open Device Manager (devmgmt.msc in CMD) and scan through each device category. If you see no yellow exclamation marks and no red crosses, your drivers are generally in good shape.
Check Using the DriverQuery Command
Run driverquery /v and compare driver dates against your export from before. Any driver with a newer date was recently updated.
Confirm Windows Update History
In PowerShell, run:
Get-WUHistory -MaxResults 30 | Select-Object Date, KB, Title, ResultThis shows recent updates with their installation dates and results. Look for entries with “Driver” in the title to confirm driver-specific updates were applied.
Troubleshooting Driver Update Problems in Windows 11
Even with the best methods, things don’t always go smoothly. Here are the most common issues you might run into and how to fix them.
CMD Shows No Driver Updates Available
If PowerShell shows no updates or PnPUtil returns nothing:
- Make sure you’re running as Administrator — this is the most common reason commands fail silently
- Check that your internet connection is active (for Windows Update methods)
- Verify that your
.inffiles are in the correct folder path (for PnPUtil) - Try running
Get-WindowsUpdatebeforeInstall-WindowsUpdateto confirm updates are detected
Driver Installation Failed
If a driver fails to install:
- Confirm the driver is compatible with your hardware and Windows 11 version
- Make sure Secure Boot settings aren’t blocking unsigned drivers
- Try downloading a fresh copy of the driver package — corrupted downloads are a frequent cause of install failures
- Run
sfc /scannowin CMD to check for and repair any corrupted Windows system files before retrying
Hardware Stops Working After a Driver Update
If a device stops working correctly after you update its driver, don’t panic.
Roll Back a Driver
- Open Device Manager (
devmgmt.msc) - Right-click the affected device and select Properties
- Go to the Driver tab
- Click Roll Back Driver
This reverts the device to its previous driver version. If the Roll Back option is greyed out, the previous driver was not saved — in that case, use System Restore or reinstall the driver manually.
Reinstall the Driver
If rolling back doesn’t help or isn’t available, try a full reinstall:
- In Device Manager, right-click the device → Uninstall device
- Check Delete the driver software for this device if you want a clean slate
- Restart your PC — Windows 11 will automatically reinstall the default driver on reboot
- If needed, manually install the latest version using PnPUtil or the manufacturer’s installer
Run a Hardware Scan After Changes
To force Windows to re-detect and re-enumerate all connected devices after driver changes, run in CMD:
pnputil /scan-devicesThis triggers a full Plug and Play scan — useful if a device isn’t showing up in Device Manager after a reinstall or update.
Can CMD Update All Drivers Automatically? (Honest Answer)
This is one of the most commonly asked questions, so let’s address it directly.
The Short Answer
No — Windows 11 does not have a single built-in Command Prompt command that scans, downloads, and installs every device driver automatically in one step. Claims of a one-line magic command that updates all drivers don’t hold up because the Windows driver servicing architecture intentionally separates driver sources for stability and security reasons.
What CMD Can Do
- Trigger Windows Update to install Microsoft-approved driver updates via PowerShell
- Install pre-downloaded driver packages from a local folder using PnPUtil
- Enumerate and audit installed drivers using driverquery and pnputil
- Scan for new devices and force re-enumeration with pnputil /scan-devices
- Back up and export current driver packages before making changes
What CMD Cannot Do
- Automatically search manufacturer websites for the latest drivers
- Download and install software-heavy packages like NVIDIA GeForce Experience or AMD Adrenalin (those need their full standalone installers)
- Replace specialized GPU driver removal tools like DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller) for clean graphics driver installs
Bottom line: For the most comprehensive coverage, combine Method 1 (PSWindowsUpdate for Windows-certified updates) with Method 2 (PnPUtil for manually downloaded vendor packages). Together, these two methods get you as close to a full driver update as the command line allows.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I update all drivers in Windows 11 using CMD? The most effective approach combines PSWindowsUpdate in PowerShell for Windows-certified driver updates and PnPUtil for manually downloaded driver packages. There’s no single native command that handles everything, but using both tools together covers the vast majority of your drivers.
Can Command Prompt update drivers automatically? Not entirely on its own. Using PowerShell with the PSWindowsUpdate module, you can automate Windows Update driver installs. PnPUtil handles batch installation from a local folder but requires you to download the driver packages first.
What is the PnPUtil command in Windows 11? PnPUtil is a built-in Windows command-line utility for managing the Driver Store — the protected system folder where Windows keeps all installed driver packages. You use it to add, install, enumerate, and remove driver packages directly from CMD.
How do I update drivers without Device Manager? Use Install-WindowsUpdate -AcceptAll -AutoReboot in PowerShell with the PSWindowsUpdate module, or use pnputil /add-driver "C:\DriverFolder\*.inf" /subdirs /install for locally downloaded packages.
Can PowerShell update drivers in Windows 11? Yes — with the PSWindowsUpdate module installed, PowerShell can check for and install all available driver updates distributed through Windows Update, including graphics, audio, network, chipset, and firmware updates.
How do I check if my drivers are up to date using CMD? Run driverquery for a quick overview, driverquery /v for detailed version information, or pnputil /enum-drivers to see all drivers staged in the Driver Store along with their version numbers and dates.
Does Windows 11 automatically update drivers? Yes, Windows 11 updates many drivers through Windows Update, but it doesn’t always fetch the absolute latest vendor versions. Critical updates come through automatically, but for the newest driver releases, you may still need to check manufacturer websites or use PnPUtil.
What is the best command-line tool for driver updates in Windows 11? For Windows-certified updates, PSWindowsUpdate in PowerShell is the most powerful option. For manually downloaded vendor drivers, PnPUtil is the built-in tool of choice. For auditing and verification, driverquery is your go-to.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your drivers up to date in Windows 11 is one of the most impactful things you can do for system stability, hardware performance, and security. While there’s no single magic command that handles everything, combining PSWindowsUpdate for Windows-certified updates with PnPUtil for manufacturer-specific packages gets you very close to a comprehensive, automated solution.
For most users, Method 1 (PSWindowsUpdate) is the safest and most practical starting point. If you need more specific control or have downloaded driver packages from a manufacturer’s site, Method 2 (PnPUtil) is the right next step. Methods 3 and 4 are there when you need them — DISM for deployment scenarios and Device Manager for quick visual checks and rollbacks.
Useful Official Resources for Updating Drivers in Windows
- PnPUtil Command Reference – Official Overview: Microsoft explains the full logic behind the
pnputilcommand, detailing how you can add, install, scan, and delete driver packages (.inf files) directly from your command line. - PSWindowsUpdate Module – PowerShell Automation: A comprehensive guide on using this PowerShell module to query Microsoft’s update servers. This is perfect for looking up and installing certified driver updates automatically without having to open the standard Windows Update settings.
- DISM Driver Servicing Command-Line Options – Advanced Management: Technical documentation outlining how to use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool. This is highly useful for injecting specific hardware drivers directly into your Windows image and fixing deep-rooted compatibility issues.
- WinGet (Windows Package Manager) – Software and Driver Utilities: An official explanation of how to use the
wingettool from your terminal. While it is widely used for standard apps, it is incredibly helpful for updating manufacturer-specific control panels, companion apps, and utility drivers (such as AMD or NVIDIA software) all at once. - Troubleshoot Windows Update Errors – Official Support Guide: Microsoft’s general troubleshooting documentation that helps you resolve connection and download conflicts. If your command-line driver updates stall out or fail to install, this guide provides the necessary steps to clear your update cache and restore functionality.
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