How to update your HP laptop

Keeping your computer up to date is one of the easiest ways to keep your tech running smoothly and securely. However, the many steps and options can make the process feel overwhelming. 

Don’t worry—the experts at Asurion have your tech covered. From connecting your AirPods to your HP laptop to a quick restart, we’re here to help. Here’s how to tackle HP® laptop updates. 

Before you update your HP laptop

Before starting any updates on your HP laptop, make that process a little smoother with these steps. 

Back up your data Before starting any updates, back up all your important files to an external drive or cloud storage. Updates, while usually safe, can occasionally result in data loss, so having a backup secures your documents, photos, and other essential files.

Connect to a stable power source Updates can take a while, and a power loss during the process can lead to errors or incomplete installations. To avoid any issues, keep your laptop plugged into a reliable power source throughout the update.

Use a stable internet connection A strong and steady internet connection is crucial when downloading updates, especially if they are large files. A stable connection will prevent interruptions, so the update process runs smoothly from start to finish.

Updating the operating system through Windows Update

Keeping your HP laptop's operating system up to date is crucial for maintaining optimal performance, security, and access to the latest features. The easiest way to do this is by using the built-in Windows™ Update feature, which not only updates the OS but also keeps your HP drivers current.

How to update HP laptops using Windows 11

1. Open the Start menu > Settings.
2. Go to Windows Update > Check for updates. Windows will search for available updates for both the system and HP drivers. If an update is available, click Download and install.
3. Restart your HP laptop to complete the update.

How to update HP laptops using Windows 10

1. Open the Start menu > Settings.
2. Choose Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates. Windows will look for updates for both the system and HP drivers. If updates are available, click Download and install.
3. Restart your HP laptop to finalize the update.

Updating HP drivers manually

Your HP laptop uses drivers to allow communication between its hardware and operating system, and regular updates can prevent compatibility issues, fix bugs, and improve performance. Typically, your laptop will update both the driver and operating system during software updates. 

However, if necessary, you can uninstall, reinstall, and search for updates through the HP support website.

How to uninstall and reinstall drivers

If the software update doesn't find a new driver after updating your operating system, you can try uninstalling and reinstalling it:

1. Type “device manager” in the search box on the taskbar, then select Device Manager.
2. Right-click the name of the driver, and select Uninstall.
3. Restart your laptop. Windows will reinstall the driver during startup.

How to update drivers on the HP site

If you prefer a manual approach to keeping your HP laptop drivers up to date, the HP support website is a great resource. Here, you can find the latest drivers specific to your device, which can help resolve issues, improve performance, and make sure the hardware or software stays compatible with one another.  

To update drivers via the HP site

1. Go to the HP Support website.
2. Click Software and Drivers > Laptop. You can click Let HP detect your product, or you can manually enter your laptop's model number in the search bar.
3. Select your operating system, then download the latest drivers for your laptop using the on-screen instructions.
4. Restart your laptop to apply the changes.

Updating HP software with Support Assist

Aside from drivers, keeping your HP software up to date is equally important for maintaining your laptop’s performance and security. HP software updates may include performance enhancements, bug fixes, or new features that improve your laptop's functionality.

To update HP software:

1. Open the HP Support Assistant from the Start menu.
2. Type “HP support assistant” in the search box on the taskbar, then select it.
3. Under the My Dashboard tab, locate your computer and click Updates.
4. Select the available updates, click Download and Install, then follow any on-screen instructions.
5. If prompted, restart your computer and then close the tool.