How To Backup And Restore Device Drivers In Windows 11

Keeping a backup of your device drivers in Windows 11 is crucial, especially before reinstalling Windows, upgrading hardware, or troubleshooting driver-related issues. Restoring drivers from a backup can save time and prevent potential compatibility issues with newly downloaded drivers.

This guide will walk you through multiple methods to backup and restore drivers in Windows 11, ensuring your system remains functional and stable.

Why Backup Device Drivers?

Backing up device drivers in Windows 11 helps in the following scenarios:

✔️ Reinstalling Windows without losing essential drivers.
✔️ Preventing driver conflicts after updates.
✔️ Restoring missing drivers when a new update removes them.
✔️ Transferring drivers to another PC with similar hardware.

Method 1: Backup and Restore Drivers Using Command Prompt (DISM Tool)

Windows includes a built-in Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool that allows you to back up and restore drivers quickly.

Step 1: Backup Drivers Using Command Prompt

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
   • Press Win + S, type Command Prompt, and click Run as administrator.
2. Run the Backup Command
   • Type the following command and press Enter:powershellCopyEditdism /online /export-driver /destination:C:\DriverBackup
   • Replace C:\DriverBackup with your preferred backup location.
3. Wait for the Process to Complete
   • The system will copy all drivers to the specified location.
   • Once done, navigate to C:\DriverBackup to see the backed-up .inf driver files.

Step 2: Restore Drivers Using Device Manager

After reinstalling Windows or changing hardware, you can restore the drivers as follows:

1. Open Device Manager
   • Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
2. Select the Device to Restore
   • Find the device that requires a driver.
   • Right-click it and select Update driver.
3. Browse for Drivers
   • Select Browse my computer for drivers.
   • Click Browse and navigate to your backup folder (C:\DriverBackup).
4. Install the Driver
   • Click Next and follow the on-screen instructions.
   • Repeat for other missing drivers.

Method 2: Backup and Restore Drivers Using PowerShell

PowerShell is another built-in tool in Windows 11 that can help back up and restore drivers efficiently.

Step 1: Backup Drivers Using PowerShell

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator
   • Press Win + X and click Windows Terminal (Admin).
2. Run the Backup Command
   • Enter the following command:powershellCopyEditExport-WindowsDriver -Online -Destination C:\DriverBackup
   • Again, replace C:\DriverBackup with your preferred folder.
3. Wait for Backup Completion
   • This will save all drivers in the specified folder.

Step 2: Restore Drivers from Backup

To restore drivers using PowerShell, follow these steps:

1. Open Device Manager (Win + X → Device Manager).
2. Right-click a device and choose Update driver.
3. Select “Browse my computer for drivers” and point to the backup folder.
4. Install and repeat for other devices as necessary.

Method 3: Backup and Restore Drivers Using Windows File Explorer (Manual Method)

If you prefer a manual approach, you can copy driver files directly from the Windows driver store.

Step 1: Locate Driver Files for Backup

1. Press Win + R, type the following, and hit Enter:makefileCopyEditC:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository
2. Copy the entire FileRepository folder to an external drive or another location.

Step 2: Restore Drivers Manually

1. Go to Device Manager (Win + X → Device Manager).
2. Right-click a device → Update Driver.
3. Choose Browse my computer for drivers and select the FileRepository folder.
4. Click Next to install the drivers.

Method 4: Backup and Restore Drivers Using Third-Party Software

For those who want a more automated and user-friendly experience, third-party driver backup tools can simplify the process.

Popular Driver Backup Tools:

✅ DriverBackup! – Free, open-source driver backup and restore tool.
✅ Double Driver – Simple and lightweight driver backup tool.
✅ Driver Genius – A premium tool with automatic updates and backups.

Step 1: Backup Drivers Using DriverBackup!

1. Download and install DriverBackup! from a trusted source.
2. Open the software and click Backup Drivers.
3. Select all drivers or choose specific ones.
4. Click Start Backup and save them to an external drive.

Step 2: Restore Drivers Using DriverBackup!

1. Open DriverBackup! and select Restore.
2. Browse for the backup folder and choose the driver files.
3. Click Restore and restart your PC after installation.

How to Verify If Drivers Are Properly Restored?

After restoring drivers, follow these steps to ensure they are correctly installed:

✅ Check Device Manager (Win + X → Device Manager) and see if there are any missing or yellow-marked drivers.
✅ Test Hardware (e.g., speakers, Wi-Fi, USB devices) to confirm functionality.
✅ Run Windows Update (Win + I → Update & Security → Check for Updates) to get the latest driver versions.

Final Thoughts

Backing up and restoring drivers in Windows 11 is essential for maintaining system stability and avoiding compatibility issues. Whether you choose Command Prompt, PowerShell, File Explorer, or a third-party tool, having a driver backup ensures smooth operation after reinstalling Windows or upgrading hardware.

💾 Pro Tip: Store your driver backup on an external USB drive or cloud storage for easy access whenever needed.

Now you’re ready to secure your drivers and keep your Windows 11 PC running smoothly! 🚀