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Copy Windows Drivers From One Machine to Another [Windows 10/11]

Geeksdigit Team

May 25, 2026

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Device drivers are essential software components that allow Windows to communicate with hardware such as graphics cards, network adapters, printers, sound devices, storage controllers, Bluetooth modules, webcams, and other peripherals. When reinstalling Windows, upgrading to a new computer, troubleshooting hardware issues, or preparing deployment images, you may need to copy drivers from one machine to another instead of downloading them again from manufacturer websites.

Windows 10 and Windows 11 include built-in tools that make driver backup and restoration easier than many users realize. You can export installed drivers using Command Prompt, PowerShell, DISM, Device Manager, and third-party backup utilities. Once exported, the drivers can be copied to another PC and installed manually when needed. This is particularly useful when working with older hardware whose drivers are difficult to locate online or when setting up multiple computers with similar hardware configurations.

Before copying drivers between machines, it is important to ensure the hardware is compatible. Drivers designed for one device may not function correctly on different hardware. Ideally, both systems should use similar components, and the drivers should match the Windows version and architecture (64-bit or 32-bit).

This guide explains several reliable methods to copy Windows drivers from one computer to another in Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Why Copy Drivers Between Computers?

Backing up and transferring drivers can be useful in many situations:

• Reinstalling Windows without downloading drivers again.
• Migrating to a replacement computer with similar hardware.
• Creating an offline driver repository.
• Installing drivers on computers without internet access.
• Preserving older drivers that may no longer be available online.
• Deploying multiple systems with identical hardware configurations.
• Troubleshooting devices after a fresh Windows installation.

Having a local driver backup can significantly reduce setup time after reinstalling Windows.

Method 1: Export Drivers Using DISM Command

DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) is Microsoft’s recommended tool for exporting installed drivers.

Steps on the Source Computer

• Open the Start menu.
• Search for Command Prompt.
• Select Run as administrator.
• Create a backup folder:

mkdir C:\DriverBackup

• Export installed drivers:

dism /online /export-driver /destination:C:\DriverBackup

• Press Enter.
• Wait for the export process to finish.

Windows copies all third-party drivers into the backup folder.

Transfer the Backup

• Copy the DriverBackup folder to:
  • USB flash drive
  • External hard drive
  • Network share
  • Cloud storage

Install Drivers on the Destination Computer

• Connect the storage device.
• Copy the backup folder locally.
• Open Device Manager.
• Right-click the device requiring a driver.
• Select Update driver.
• Choose Browse my computer for drivers.
• Select the backup folder.
• Enable Include subfolders.
• Click Next.

Windows searches the folder and installs compatible drivers automatically.

Method 2: Export Drivers Using PowerShell

PowerShell provides another built-in method for exporting drivers.

Steps

• Right-click Start.
• Open Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Terminal (Admin).
• Create a backup folder:

New-Item -ItemType Directory -Path C:\DriverBackup

• Export drivers:

Export-WindowsDriver -Online -Destination C:\DriverBackup

• Wait for completion.

The backup folder now contains exported driver packages that can be transferred to another machine.

This method produces results similar to the DISM export process.

Method 3: Copy Drivers From the DriverStore Folder

Windows stores driver packages inside the DriverStore repository.

Steps

• Open File Explorer.
• Navigate to:

C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository

• Locate the driver folders you want to copy.
• Copy the folders to external storage.
• Transfer them to the destination computer.

Install the Driver

• Open Device Manager.
• Right-click the target device.
• Select Update driver.
• Choose Browse my computer for drivers.
• Point Windows to the copied folder.
• Click Next.

Windows attempts to install the matching driver.

Because DriverStore contains many folders, this method is usually best for advanced users who know exactly which driver they need.

Method 4: Backup Drivers Using Device Manager

If you only need a specific driver, Device Manager can help identify and reinstall it.

On the Source Computer

• Press Windows + X.
• Open Device Manager.
• Expand the hardware category.
• Right-click the device.
• Select Properties.
• Open the Driver tab.
• Note the driver details and provider.

You can then locate the corresponding files within the DriverStore and copy them manually.

On the Destination Computer

• Open Device Manager.
• Right-click the device.
• Select Update driver.
• Browse to the copied files.
• Complete installation.

This method is useful when only one or two drivers are needed.

Method 5: Use PnPUtil to Export Drivers

PnPUtil is another built-in Windows utility for driver management.

Export Drivers

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
• View installed drivers:

pnputil /enum-drivers

• Export all drivers:

pnputil /export-driver * C:\DriverBackup

• Wait for the export process to finish.

Windows copies the drivers to the specified folder.

Import Drivers on Another Computer

Run:

pnputil /add-driver "C:\DriverBackup\*.inf" /subdirs /install

Windows scans all driver files and installs compatible packages.

This is one of the most efficient methods for large driver backups.

Method 6: Use Driver Backup Software

Several third-party tools can simplify driver backup and restoration.

Popular examples include:

• Double Driver
• DriverBackup!
• DriverMax
• Driver Genius

General Process

• Install the backup utility.
• Scan installed drivers.
• Select drivers to export.
• Save the backup to external storage.
• Transfer the backup to the new computer.
• Restore drivers using the same utility.

These tools often provide a more user-friendly interface than command-line methods.

Method 7: Copy Printer Drivers Between Computers

Printer drivers can also be exported separately.

Steps

• Open Control Panel.
• Navigate to Devices and Printers.
• Locate the printer.
• Open Printer Properties.
• Review driver information.
• Export or download the matching driver package.
• Transfer it to the second machine.

Many printer manufacturers additionally provide standalone installation packages that can be copied directly.

Method 8: Create a Complete Driver Repository

For users who frequently reinstall Windows, maintaining a central driver repository can be very useful.

Steps

• Export drivers using DISM or PowerShell.
• Organize drivers into folders:

Graphics
Audio
Network
Bluetooth
Chipset
Storage
Printer
USB

• Store the repository on:
  • External SSD
  • NAS device
  • USB drive
  • Cloud storage

Having a permanent driver archive simplifies future installations and repairs.

Method 9: Install Drivers Through Device Manager After Transfer

After moving driver files, Device Manager provides the easiest installation method.

Steps

• Press Windows + X.
• Open Device Manager.
• Right-click the hardware device.
• Select Update driver.
• Choose Browse my computer for drivers.
• Select the transferred driver folder.
• Enable Include subfolders.
• Click Next.

Windows automatically searches compatible driver files and completes installation if a suitable package is found.

Method 10: Use Windows Driver Packages on Similar Hardware Systems

Driver transfers work best when the computers use identical or very similar hardware.

Examples include:

• Same laptop model.
• Same motherboard chipset.
• Same graphics card.
• Same network adapter.
• Same printer model.

Best Practice

Before copying drivers:

• Compare hardware specifications.
• Confirm Windows version compatibility.
• Verify 64-bit or 32-bit architecture.
• Check manufacturer recommendations.

Installing incompatible drivers can cause device failures or system instability.

How to Check Installed Drivers Before Exporting

Using Device Manager

• Open Device Manager.
• Expand device categories.
• Review installed hardware.

Using Command Prompt

driverquery

Using PowerShell

Get-WindowsDriver -Online

These commands help identify which drivers are available for backup.

Common Problems When Copying Drivers

Driver Will Not Install

Possible causes:

• Hardware mismatch.
• Unsupported Windows version.
• Wrong architecture.
• Missing dependencies.

Verify compatibility before installation.

Device Still Shows a Yellow Warning Icon

Try:

• Updating through Device Manager.
• Installing the latest manufacturer driver.
• Restarting the computer.

Missing INF File

Windows requires INF files to install drivers manually.

Ensure the exported driver folder includes:

• INF files
• SYS files
• CAT files

Driver Signature Errors

Some older drivers may not meet current Windows security requirements.

Download an updated version from the hardware manufacturer whenever possible.

Driver Installs But Device Does Not Work

The driver may be incompatible with the hardware revision.

Use a manufacturer-supplied driver designed specifically for the device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I copy all drivers from one Windows PC to another?

Yes. Tools such as DISM, PowerShell, and PnPUtil can export installed third-party drivers and transfer them to another computer.

What is the easiest way to back up drivers?

Using the DISM export command is one of the simplest and most reliable methods:

dism /online /export-driver /destination:C:\DriverBackup

Will copied drivers work on different hardware?

Not always. Drivers are designed for specific devices. Compatibility depends on whether the destination computer uses the same hardware.

Does Windows include a driver backup tool?

Yes. DISM, PnPUtil, PowerShell, and Device Manager all provide built-in driver management capabilities.

Should I copy drivers or download fresh versions?

Downloading the latest drivers from the hardware manufacturer is usually the preferred option. Driver backups are most useful when internet access is unavailable or the original drivers are difficult to locate.

Final Thoughts

Copying Windows drivers from one machine to another can save considerable time when reinstalling Windows, deploying multiple computers, or preserving hard-to-find hardware drivers. Windows 10 and Windows 11 include several powerful built-in tools such as DISM, PowerShell, PnPUtil, and Device Manager that make driver export and restoration straightforward. For most users, exporting drivers with DISM and installing them through Device Manager provides the easiest and most reliable workflow.

Before transferring drivers, always verify hardware compatibility and ensure that both systems use the appropriate Windows version and architecture. While manufacturer-provided drivers remain the best choice whenever available, maintaining a backup of working drivers can be invaluable when setting up a new system, recovering from a reinstall, or troubleshooting hardware issues. By following the methods in this guide, you can safely back up, transfer, and restore Windows drivers between Windows 10 and Windows 11 computers with minimal effort.