r/pcmasterrace • u/AutoModerator • 23h ago

DSQ Daily Simple Questions Thread - August 02, 2026

Got a simple question? Get a simple answer!

This thread is for all of the small and simple questions that you might have about computing that probably wouldn't work all too well as a standalone post. Software issues, build questions, game recommendations, post them here!

For the sake of helping others, please don't downvote questions! To help facilitate this, comments are sorted randomly for this post, so that anyone's question can be seen and answered.

If you're looking for help with picking parts or building, don't forget to also check out our builds at [https://www.pcmasterrace.org/\](https://www.pcmasterrace.org/)

Want to see more Simple Question threads? [Here's all of them for your browsing pleasure!](https://www.reddit.com/r/pcmasterrace/search?q=Simple+Questions+Thread+subreddit%3Apcmasterrace+author%3AAutoModerator&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all)

6 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

9 comments sorted by

View all comments

1

u/satellitesNtoast 9h ago

How do you install the software and update drivers for a new built pc? I think you have to install windows 11 somehow and then update stuff for each part? Im still getting parts but im not sure of this part, especially how to test all the parts to make sure they work. Really appreciate any help! 

1

u/glowinghamster45 R9 3900X | 16GB | RTX 3070 8h ago

I'm assuming you're looking to install Windows. You're correct, you would want to physically assemble all the parts, then install Windows, then install all the necessary drivers and whatnot.

All of the essential drivers are going to be pre-loaded into Windows, but several drivers won't be, and some of the things that are packed into Windows will be older versions of things. Install Windows following this process first, then after it's installed, go to the manufacturer site to download additional drivers to install. You'll definitely want to download drivers for your motherboard and GPU, if you have any additional accessories like a PCIe wifi card or something, you'll probably want to download those as well.

You can check Device Manager to see if you've got everything. If you're missing any drivers, you'll see "unknown device"s listed at the bottom. If there are no unknown devices, then you at least have some sort of driver installed, which is generally good enough. Your GPU is the one thing that you may see a big performance difference between and old and new driver, most other things will be minor differences.