Where Drivers Are Stored in Windows 10

In Windows 10, drivers are crucial for enabling communication between hardware and software. Knowing where drivers are stored can be helpful for troubleshooting, backing them up, or removing outdated versions.

Main Location for Windows 10 Drivers

Most drivers in Windows 10 are stored in the C:\Windows\System32\drivers folder. This directory holds essential system files used for device operations, such as drivers for keyboards, mice, network adapters, and other peripherals.

DriverStore Directory

Besides the System32\drivers folder, Windows 10 also maintains drivers in the C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore directory. This folder contains pre-loaded driver versions that Windows can access when installing new hardware. Inside the DriverStore is the FileRepository folder, where Windows stores copies of drivers to quickly access them without needing to download from the Internet.

Other Driver Storage Locations

• C:\Windows\INF folder: This location stores driver configuration files that provide Windows with information for installing each device’s driver. The .inf files help Windows correctly install and set up hardware drivers.
• Custom and third-party folders: Drivers downloaded manually from a manufacturer’s website can be saved to any chosen directory before installation, like the desktop or downloads folder. However, once installed, they are moved to Windows' system directories.

How to Access Drivers

To view installed drivers, you can use the Device Manager (devmgmt.msc), which displays a list of all devices and their associated drivers. For some devices, you can also view the driver version and update it as needed.

Backing Up Windows 10 Drivers

To create a backup of your Windows 10 drivers, you can use the DISM utility (dism /online /export-driver /destination:C:\BackupDrivers), which copies all current drivers to a specified location. This can be helpful when reinstalling the system or restoring drivers on a different PC.