Reference Guide

5
Installation overview
NOTE: Dell 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 shutdown, or infect your computer with
malicious software.
Device drivers must be updated when you reinstall the operating system using either
CD, DVD, USB key, or when you are facing networking, graphics, sound or other
hardware-related problems. Dell recommends that you install or update device drivers
if you have performed a factory reset of your Dell computer using the Dell Backup and
Recovery application or other factory-reset methods. This ensures that you have the
latest device drivers installed on your computer and that the devices function optimally.
Installing or updating device drivers may lead to the following improvements:
• Increase system performance
• Patch security risks
• Expand compatibility
• Fix device issues and support new features
However, if your computer is operating normally and there are no driver issues listed in
Windows Device Manager and Windows is not suggesting urgent or recommended
driver updates, driver updates are unnecessary. Updating drivers unnecessarily may
create new problems. Review the importance of each driver update on the Dell driver
downloads page before assessing the need to continue with an update.