- 1). Check the version of Windows the driver installation CD (that came with the hardware) supports. This is labeled on the CD. If your version of Windows is not supported, navigate to the manufacturing site of the hardware, choose "Support," then "Downloads and Drivers" and select the hardware you need the driver for. If a driver is available for the version of Windows you have, click the "Download" link to download the driver. If not, you are unable to use the equipment on your Windows computer.
- 2). Install the driver. If you downloaded the file, double-click the driver icon or insert the driver installation CD if you required no download. Follow the prompts of the installation wizard when it appears, then select "Install" to install the driver.
- 3). Restart the computer. Often the driver does not take affect until the computer restarts.
- 4). Connect the hardware to the computer. Without the hardware connected, the computer is unable to detect the driver and equipment. Additionally, power on the hardware because the computer can't detect hardware not powered on.
- 5). Activate the hardware if required. Many devices, such as sound equipment, keyboards and mice, must be activated through the Control Panel in their own specific control settings (such as "Sound" or "Controllers").
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