How To Backup / Restore All Computer Drivers in Windows

Backing up and restoring all Windows drivers is an essential step before reinstalling or upgrading your system. Using built-in tools like DISM, PowerShell, or PnPUtil, you can safely export drivers and re-import them later. This guide explains the process step by step.

Create Backup Folder

• Open File Explorer.
• Create a new folder (e.g., D:\Drivers-Backup) to store backups.
• Ensure you have enough free space.
• Consider storing exported drivers on a USB drive for safety.

Open Windows Terminal (Admin)

You can use Windows Terminal (Admin), Command Prompt (Admin), or PowerShell (Admin).

Backup Using DISM (Recommended)

• Type: dism /online /export-driver /destination:"D:\Drivers-Backup"
• Press Enter and wait until all drivers are exported.
• Drivers will be saved in the backup folder.
• Change the folder path as needed.

Backup Using PowerShell

• Type: Export-WindowsDriver -Online -Destination "D:\Drivers-Backup"
• Press Enter and wait until all drivers are exported.
• Drivers will be saved in the backup folder.
• Change the folder path as needed.

Backup Using PnPUtil

To export all drivers:

• Type: pnputil /export-driver * "D:\Drivers-Backup"
• Wait until all drivers are exported.
• Drivers will be saved in the backup folder.

To export a specific driver:

• Run: pnputil /enum-drivers and note the driver number.
• Then run: pnputil /export-driver oem#.inf "D:\Drivers-Backup"
• Replace # with the actual driver number.

Restore Drivers via Device Manager

• Right-click the Start icon and open Device Manager.
• Click Action → Add drivers.
• Browse to your backup folder and check Include subfolders.
• Windows reinstalls all drivers, then restart your computer.

To restore a specific driver:

• Right-click the device (usually marked with a yellow triangle).
• Select Update driver → Browse my computer for drivers.
• Browse to your backup folder and check Include subfolders.
• Windows reinstalls the driver, then restart your computer.

Restore Using PnPUtil

To restore all drivers:

• Type: pnputil /add-driver "D:\Drivers-Backup\*.inf" /subdirs /install
• Press Enter and wait until all drivers are restored.
• Restart your computer.

To restore a specific driver:

• Type: pnputil /add-driver "D:\Drivers-Backup\path-to-folder\*.inf" /install
• Adjust the folder path as needed.
• Restart your computer.

Note

Always store drivers on an external drive or USB drive to avoid losing them during a clean Windows installation.

By backing up your drivers before reinstalling Windows, you ensure a smooth recovery process and avoid compatibility issues. This simple precaution saves time and keeps your system running efficiently.