How to Recover Deleted Drivers on Windows 11?

Drivers in Windows 11 provide seamless communication between the operating system and hardware devices, ensuring devices function correctly and efficiently. However, sometimes you may encounter instances like sudden deletion of drivers on Windows 11, which also lead to hardware malfunctions, degraded system performance, and many other issues.

When you find that drivers are deleted on Windows 11 device, don’t lose hope. Recovering deleted drivers is important to restore the full functionality of your system. There are several Windows data recovery methods available online that you can try to restore those deleted drivers. Here, in this article, we will explore various methods to discuss how to recover deleted drivers on Windows 11, ensuring your driver becomes fully functional again.

Common Reasons for Driver Deletion on Windows 11

There are several reasons why drivers are usually deleted on Windows 11 PCs, some of them are as follows:

• Accidental Uninstallation: You may have unintentionally uninstalled drivers while cleaning up the system or performing some driver-related task on it.
• System Updates: Sometimes, Windows updates can lead to driver issues or even lead to their deletions.
• Malware and Viruses: Malicious software can corrupt or delete driver files.
• Hardware Changes: Replacing or removing hardware components can sometimes cause associated drivers to be deleted.
• Third-Party Software: Some third-party applications might interfere with driver files, causing their corruption or even deletion.

Quick Methods to Recover Deleted Drivers

Now that you are familiar with the reasons for the deletion of drivers on Windows 11 PCs, here are some commonly used Windows data recovery methods that you can try to recover those missing drivers:

Method 01: Use Device Manager to Recover Deleted Drivers

Windows in-built Device Manager is an effective tool that allows you to easily manage all hardware and drivers. To recover your deleted drivers on Windows 11, you need to:

• Press the Windows + X keys on your Windows PC and select Device Manager from the menu.
• Now, from the Device Manager window, open the device category to select your device and double-click on it. Navigate to the Properties window.
• Under the Driver tab, press the Roll Back Driver Then your deleted driver will be recovered to the previously installed version.

Method 02: Use System Restore

Another Windows built-in alternative that you can try to recover deleted drivers is System Restore, which reverts your device to a previous state. This option also works best when you are not satisfied with your current system settings and need to restore your device to the best working condition. All you have to do is:

• Press the Windows + S key and type “Create a restore point” in the search box. Select the matching result to launch the System Properties window.
• Click the System Restore button and select a restore point from a date when the drivers were properly functioning, then press the Next button in the pop-up window.

• Go through on-screen instructions and select the correct system restore point, choose the Next button to continue.

• After confirming the desired restored point, press the Finish button to conclude the process.

Method 03: Manually Download Drivers

You can even download the deleted drivers on Windows 11 PC directly from the manufacturer’s website. Just visit the official website of your lost driver and install them from there. Here are the detailed steps on how to recover deleted drivers on Windows 11 by downloading them manually:

• Firstly, use Device Manager to find the hardware component for which the drivers are missing.
• Launch any web browser and go to the website of the hardware manufacturer (e.g., NVIDIA for graphics cards, Intel for processors).
• Locate the appropriate driver for your hardware and operating system, download and install them on your device.

Method 04: Recover Deleted Drivers Using Windows Data Recovery Tool

Instances may occur when the above-mentioned Windows data recovery methods fail to recover deleted drivers on Windows 11. In such cases, you can use Windows data recovery software like Stellar Data Recovery Standard for easy and quick recovery of missing drivers. This all-in-one recovery software can easily restore your lost or missing data from any storage device, including hard drives, digital cameras, memory cards, etc.

Key Features of Stellar Data Recovery Standard Tool:

• The software supports the recovery of multiple file types, such as photos, videos, documents, and more.
• Supports recovery of files deleted due to accidental deletion, sudden power outages, physical damage to the device, virus or malware attacks, etc.
• 100% safe and secure tool, offering recovery of deleted data in three simple steps.
• Compatible with Windows 11/10/8/7/XP and lower versions. MacOS version also available.

To recover deleted data on Windows 11 devices using the Stellar Data Recovery Standard tool, you need to:

Step 1: Firstly, download and install the Stellar Data Recovery Standard software on your Windows 11 PC. Launch the software and from the homepage, select the type of data you need to restore and click Next.

Step 2: Now, select the storage location where your deleted file was earlier stored and click Scan.

Step 3: After the scanning process, preview the recoverable files and choose the files you need to restore. Click the Recover button to save recovered data at the desired location on your device.

That’s it! Once you are done with the above steps, check if you can access the recovered data from that location.

Preventive Tips to Avoid Driver Deletion on Windows 11

Here are some important tips that you can consider to avoid issues like driver deletion on Windows 11 PCs:

• Regular Backups: Create regular system backups, including driver backups, to ensure you can restore them if they are deleted.
• Keep Drivers Updated: Regularly check for driver updates through Windows Update or the hardware manufacturer’s website.
• Use Reliable Antivirus Software: Protect your system from malware and viruses that can corrupt or delete driver files.
• Create System Restore Points: Before making significant system changes or updates, create a restore point to revert to in case of issues.
• Avoid Unnecessary Software: Be cautious when installing third-party software that might interfere with system files and drivers.

Wrapping Up

If you find missing drivers on your Windows 11 system, it can lead to hardware malfunctions and degraded system performance. By following the aforementioned methods, you can recover deleted drivers and restore your system’s functionality. Whether using built-in tools like Device Manager and System Restore or using third-party Windows data recovery software like Stellar Data Recovery Standard, there are multiple ways to recover deleted drivers on Windows 11. Taking preventive measures such as regular backups, keeping drivers updated, and using reliable antivirus software can help avoid driver deletion issues in the future.