How to fix error driver-update-failed in Windows 11

Solution Steps

1. 1 Press Windows key + X and select 'Device Manager'. Expand the category of the device that failed (e.g., 'Display adapters'). Right-click the device and select 'Uninstall device'. Check the box 'Delete the driver software for this device' and click Uninstall. This removes the current driver completely, preventing conflicts.
2. 2 After uninstalling, restart your PC. Windows will install a generic driver. Then, go to the manufacturer's website (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) and download the latest driver for your exact model. Run the installer as administrator (right-click and select 'Run as administrator'). Follow the on-screen instructions. This ensures you have a clean installation.
3. 3 If you're updating a GPU driver and the issue persists, download and run Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) in Safe Mode. To enter Safe Mode, press Windows key + I, go to 'System' > 'Recovery', and under 'Advanced startup', click 'Restart now'. After restart, choose 'Troubleshoot' > 'Advanced options' > 'Startup Settings' > 'Restart'. Press 4 to enter Safe Mode. Run DDU and select 'Clean and restart'. This completely removes all traces of the old driver.
4. 4 Press Windows key + R, type 'services.msc', and press Enter. Find 'Windows Update' service, right-click it, and select 'Restart'. This ensures Windows Update is running properly, as it can interfere with driver installations.
5. 5 If the driver update failed due to a Windows Update issue, run the Windows Update Troubleshooter: Press Windows key + I, go to 'System' > 'Troubleshoot' > 'Other troubleshooters', and click 'Run' next to 'Windows Update'. Follow the prompts. This can fix corrupted update components.