Driver Booster Not Working? Fixes for Failed Driver Updates

Most of the time Driver Booster scans, downloads and installs without a hitch. When it does not, the cause is usually one of a handful of familiar problems. This guide works through them in the order you are most likely to meet them.

Driver downloads fail or stall

If updates hang at the download stage:

• Check your connection. Open a website to confirm you are online. If you are on a network driver that just broke, see the network section below.
• Pause VPNs and strict firewalls. Some block downloads from unfamiliar servers. Driver Booster 14 also supports SOCKS5 proxies for restricted networks.
• Retry later. Temporary server load can slow downloads; trying again after a few minutes often works.

Driver installation fails

A driver can download correctly and still refuse to install. Common reasons:

• Missing admin rights. Run Driver Booster from an administrator account.
• A pending Windows update. Restart to finish any Windows Update installation, then try again.
• The device is in use. Close games, video calls and audio apps before updating graphics or audio drivers.
• Security software interference. Some antivirus tools briefly block driver installers. Do not disable protection entirely; check its quarantine or logs instead.

The scan finds nothing, or misses a device

If Driver Booster reports everything up to date but a device still misbehaves:

1. Make sure you are running the latest release; older builds may not recognise newer hardware. See our version guide.
2. Open Device Manager and look for devices with a yellow warning icon.
3. Check the PC or motherboard maker's support page, which may carry a customised driver.

A device stops working after an update

This is what backups are for. Roll back the specific driver from Driver Booster's restore feature, use Device Manager's Roll Back Driver button, or return to the restore point created before the update. Full steps are in our backup and restore guide.

No internet after a network driver update

If a Wi-Fi or Ethernet update leaves you offline:

• Restart the PC first; some network drivers need a reboot.
• Roll back the network driver through Device Manager or System Restore.
• Connect with an Ethernet cable if Wi-Fi is the problem, or vice versa.

According to IObit, Driver Booster PRO includes offline driver updating, which can help in exactly this situation.

Black screen or wrong resolution after a graphics update

Wait a minute; screens often flicker while a graphics driver installs. If the problem persists after restarting, boot into Safe Mode (hold Shift and choose Restart, then Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings) and roll the driver back from there.

Driver Booster itself will not open

• Restart the PC and try again.
• Reinstall the latest version from the download section; installing over the top usually keeps settings.
• Check that your security software has not quarantined any Driver Booster files.

When a driver is not the problem

Updated drivers fix a lot, but not everything. Overheating, failing drives, damaged cables, malware and corrupted Windows files cause similar symptoms. If problems remain after updating and rolling back, look beyond drivers. Our homepage lists the most common driver problems Driver Booster can help address.