Backup Windows 11 Drivers

Backing up drivers in Windows 11 is a critical task for system administrators and users alike. Whether you’re preparing for a clean OS install, troubleshooting hardware issues, or safeguarding against corrupted updates, having a driver backup ensures quick recovery. PowerShell, a powerful scripting tool, simplifies this process with minimal effort. In this guide, we’ll walk you through backing up drivers in Windows 11 using PowerShell, complete with commands, best practices, and troubleshooting tips.

Why Backup Drivers in Windows?

1. System Recovery: Quickly restore drivers after OS reinstalls or crashes.
2. Avoid Compatibility Issues: Preserve stable driver versions to prevent conflicts.
3. Time-Saving: Skip manual downloads from manufacturer websites.

1. Open PowerShell with Administrative Privileges

• Press Windows + S, type “PowerShell,” and select Run as Administrator.

2. Identify Installed Drivers

Before backing up, list installed drivers to verify the process:

Get-WindowsDriver -Online -All

This command displays all drivers currently installed on your system.  

### **3. Export Drivers to a Backup Folder**  
Create a dedicated folder for driver backups (e.g., `D:\drivers`) and run:  

Export-WindowsDriver -Online -Destination "YOUR_FOLDER_LOCATION"

For exmple in my case I use the below command;
Export-WindowsDriver -Online -Destination "D:\drivers\"
Where 'My Drivers' is the name of the folder I created on D Drive.

- **Explanation:**  
  - `-Online`: Targets the current running OS.  
  - `-Destination`: Specifies the backup folder path.  

### **4. Verify the Backup**  
Navigate to the destination folder to ensure all drivers (`.inf` files and associated files) are saved.  

Common Issues & Solutions

• Permission Errors: Ensure PowerShell is run as Administrator.
• Missing Folders: Manually create the destination folder before exporting.
• Corrupted Backups: Re-download problematic drivers from OEM websites.

Pro Tips for Driver Management

• Automate Backups: Schedule regular backups via Task Scheduler using PowerShell scripts.
• Store Offline: Save backups to external drives or cloud storage.
• Update Drivers: Use Windows Update or tools like pnputil to keep drivers current.

Conclusion
To backup drivers in Microsoft Windows 11 using PowerShell is a quick and easy process that enhances system resilience. By leveraging built-in powershell prompt like Export-WindowsDriver, users can efficiently safeguard their drivers and minimize downtime during system crashed or related issues. Bookmark this guide to ensure your Windows 11 system stays prepared for any driver-related challenges.