How can I get drivers for my windows pc?

Question

Hello there,

I have acer aspire v5-471p laptop. It currently runs windows 10 64-bit. I wanted to format the laptop and reinstall windows but for that I needed the drivers of the laptop in case something goes wrong but when I searched acer website for drivers it said that it couldn't find the laptop and that the serial number of the laptop is invalid which isn't the case though. When I researched I found out that it isn't available in India but I was reluctant of using drivers on third party website.

I reached out to ask you all to please solve the issue and provide necessary drivers.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi Divy,

Most Windows 10 drivers work in Windows 11. Before upgrading to Windows 11, please do the following:

1] Run the PC Health Check app to see if the system is compatible with the upgrade:

https://aka.ms/GetPCHealthCheckApp

Run the PC Health Check app, and click "Check now."

Click "See all results."

Post a screenshot.

2] Backup the driver store packages to a folder. To do so, run the following commands from an admin Command Prompt:

md C:\DrvStore
PnpUtil /export-driver * C:\DrvStore

Post the output here.

3] Backup the OS partition using an image-based backup software like Hasleo, AOMEI Backupper, EaseUS, or a similar tool.

Answer 2

For an Acer Aspire V5-471P running Windows 10, drivers should be obtained either via Windows Update or directly from Acer (the device manufacturer). If Acer’s site is not accepting the serial number or does not list the device for your region, use the following approaches that do not rely on third‑party driver sites:

1. Use Windows Update to get drivers

Windows 10 can automatically install many hardware drivers:

1. Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Select Check for updates and install all available updates.
3. If a View optional updates link appears, select it, then:
   • Go to Driver updates.
   • Select all driver updates.
   • Select Download and install.
4. Restart the device after all updates finish.

This will install many recommended and optional drivers that Windows provides for your hardware.

2. Enable getting drivers for other Microsoft products

To maximize what Windows Update can deliver:

1. Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Advanced options.
2. Turn Receive updates for other Microsoft products when you update Windows On.
3. Go back and run Check for updates again and install everything offered.
4. Install or update individual drivers via Device Manager (using manufacturer packages)

If specific devices (audio, network, chipset, etc.) are missing or not working after reinstalling Windows, and Acer’s global site provides a driver package (even if not region‑specific), download it from Acer and then install it manually:

1. Download the correct Windows 10 64‑bit drivers from Acer’s official support site on any PC.
2. If the download is a .ZIP, unzip it and note the folder location.
3. On the laptop, right‑click Start and select Device Manager.
4. Expand the category for the device (for example, Sound, video and game controllers for audio, Network adapters for Wi‑Fi/LAN).
5. Right‑click the device and select Update driver.
6. Select Browse my computer for drivers.
7. Select Browse…, point to the folder where the driver files were extracted, and select OK.
8. Select Next to install if Windows finds a newer compatible driver.

If Windows reports “The best drivers for your device are already installed,” the installed driver is at least as new as the one being offered.

4. If Windows cannot find a driver

If Windows Update and Device Manager cannot find a working driver for a specific device:

1. Confirm that the driver being used is from Acer’s official support site for the Aspire V5‑471P (or the closest matching model) and for Windows 10 64‑bit.
2. If the driver is not self‑installing, use Device Manager’s Update driver > Browse my computer for drivers and point to the folder containing the .inf files.
3. If the device still does not work, contact Acer support directly and request:
   • Correct Windows 10 64‑bit drivers for Aspire V5‑471P.
   • Assistance with the serial number not being recognized on the support page.
4. Back up drivers before formatting (optional)

Before reinstalling Windows, drivers can be backed up by downloading the latest versions from Acer’s official site and storing them on a USB drive. After reinstalling Windows, use Device Manager’s Browse my computer for drivers to install from that USB if needed.

Avoid third‑party driver sites; drivers should come from Windows Update or the hardware manufacturer only.

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References:

• Automatically get recommended and updated hardware drivers
• Update drivers through Device Manager in Windows
• Update a driver for hardware that isn't working properly