Page 800 - Windows 10 May 2019 Update The Missing Manual: The Book That Should Have Been in the Box

In books, magazines, and online chatter about Windows, you’ll frequently

find people talk about installing a new component. In many cases, they
aren’t talking about physically hooking it up to the PC—they’re talking
about installing its driver software.

But remember the insanely complete collection of drivers—especially for

USB gadgets—that comes with Windows. When you plug the thing into the
PC for the first time, Windows autodetects its presence, digs into its trunk
for the driver, and installs it automatically. A flurry of notifications appear.

If Windows can’t find the driver, then a dialog box appears, suggesting that
you insert whatever software-installation disc came with the gadget.

And now, the fine print:

Usually plugging the device in is all it takes. Sometimes, though,

you’re supposed to install the driver before connecting the gizmo
(check the manual).

Usually the device should be turned off before you plug it in.

Again, though, check the manual, because some devices are
supposed to be switched on during the installation.

In either case, your gear is now completely installed—both its hardware and
its software—and ready to use.

Troubleshooting Newly Installed Gear

If, when you connect a new component, Windows doesn’t display a
“successfully installed” message, that means it probably can’t “see” your

new device.

Before panicking, try restarting the PC. If you still have no luck, try the
Add Hardware Wizard described in the Note below. (And if even that
doesn’t work, contact the manufacturer.)