How to find computer software and drivers

Updated: 03/10/2024 by Computer Hope
Drivers CD

Below is a listing of different methods of locating and downloading drivers and software from the Internet.

Determine the hardware

Before searching for the drivers or software, make sure you know the manufacturer and model of the device. If you are looking for software or drivers for an internal hardware device on an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) computer, you can find them on the manufacturer's website. They may also be on a CD (Compact Disc) or DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) provided with the computer. You can find a listing of computer manufacturers here.

Download location

If the manufacturer of your hardware is still in business, often the drivers are listed on their web page. Computer Hope has taken the time to link to each of the manufacturer's driver pages on our drivers page. If your hardware device manufacturer went out of business, or the drivers you need are unavailable, many third-party companies specialize in out-of-date or obsolete drivers. You can find a listing of these sites on our driver links.

Driver updater

There are driver updaters that helps perform all of the steps above automatically. See our driver updater page for further information on these tools and links to each of the available driver updaters.