Installation overview
CAUTION:This section of the reimaging
guide covers driver installation and driver updates and is designed for system
administrators. Do not attempt to install or update drivers on the computer if you are
not an administrator or if you are unsure of the procedures. Failure to follow
instructions may result in permanent data loss.
NOTE:The information that is provided in this guide is only applicable to computers shipped with the Windows 11 operating system.
NOTE:Dell Technologies recommends that you download and install the device drivers from the Dell
Drivers & Downloads website. Installing device drivers from a non-Dell website can cause system performance issues, corrupt operating system files, blue screen errors, unexpected shutdowns, or infect your computer with malicious software.
Device drivers must be updated when you reinstall the operating system using
either a CD, DVD, USB drive, or when you are facing networking, graphics, sound or other
hardware-related problems. Dell Technologies recommends that you install or update
device drivers if you have performed a factory reset of your Dell computer. This ensures
that you have the latest device drivers that are installed on your computer and that the
devices function optimally.
Installing or updating device drivers may lead to the following improvements:
- Increases in system performance
- Patched security risks
- Expanded compatibility
- Fixed device issues
- Support for new features
However, if your computer is operating normally and there are no driver issues or
updates being prompted by Windows, driver updates may be unnecessary. Updating drivers
unnecessarily may create problems.
Review the importance of each driver update on the Dell
Drivers & Downloads page before assessing the need to continue with an update.