How To Install New Drivers In Windows 8

Device Drivers are nifty little software that let the Windows operating system communicate with hardware that are plugged in to the computer. Some hardware come with the drivers built-in so the Windows operating system can install them straight from the hardware instead of going online. The Microsoft operating system itself stores few generic drivers that enable you to plug-and-play devices.

In most circumstances, Windows 8 automatically recognizes the new device when it’s plugged in. Sometimes, it needs to download Windows 8 drivers online when connected with a new device. At times, Windows 8 even needs to fetch some automated instructions although it has the device drivers needed to interact with the hardware.

Window 8 drivers have to be downloaded when you plug-in a device that is either too old or too new to be remembered by the system. That is when you see the same old “needing a new driver” message that you are so used to seeing in older versions of Windows operating system!

In such cases, you have to find and install the much needed Windows 8 drivers before you can interact with the device. Most new devices come built-in with the drivers needed to run or come bundled with an installation program that will place a GUI to interact with the device as well as drivers to function properly.

Here’s what you have to do to locate and install the latest driver suitable for the device.

Go to the manufacturer’s website and download the latest driver

• Search the box in which the device came in to check for the manufacturer’s website. If you can’t locate it, a simple online search of the manufacturer’s name would do. 
• Once you open the website, check for the device drivers in the Support or Downloads page. If you are lucky, the website would give away the driver once you furnish the device details. 
• If you can’t find a Windows 8 compatible driver, try downloading the Windows 7 driver instead. In most cases, they work equally well.

Run the installation Program Furnished by the Driver

• Some installation programs have device drivers bundled with them and simple installing of the program will install the suitable driver as well. 

Through the Device Manager

• Right-click on the bottom left corner of the screen and select Device Manager. 
• A list of every device that is attached to your computer will appear on your screen. You can identify the faulty one with the yellow exclamation mark on it. 
• Select the device and then click on Action to view the drop-down menu bar. Choose the Add Legacy hardware from this menu and follow the instructions and prompts by the Add Hardware Wizard. 

If you need further assistance or have any queries, feel free to contact our Technical Support desk.

MakerBot Collaborates With Microsoft

Brooklyn-based 3D printer manufacturers MakerBot have been enjoying a hell of a month, and things still seem to be looking up. Initially Amazons 3D printer store added MakerBot’s creation the Replicator 2, which was a huge success, so much so that it prompted the top Israeli firm Stratasys to acquire the Brooklyn company for a whopping $403 million. If this wasn’t enough to boost their almost meteoric rise, reports now suggest that MakerBot will be teaming up with software giant Microsoft, to develop a 3D printing driver for their new updated Windows 8.1 OS. These Windows 8 drivers are sure to boost the sales of both Windows 8 and 3D printers around the world, as more and more people from the scientific and industrial sectors find the 3D printer more useful for research and business.

At the Build developer’s conference held in San Francisco on Wednesday, Microsoft made a public announcement regarding their association with MakerBot and future plans. Even though the Windows 8.1 public release date has not been announced officially, the company did display a working version of the OS with built-in support for 3D printing.

Shanen Boettcher, general manager of Microsoft’s Startup Business Group commented, "Our goal is to make the experience of 3D printing as easy as creating and printing a document using Microsoft Word." In a press statement he also added, "We're thrilled incredible companies like MakerBot are implementing Windows 8.1 support to make 3D printing a reality for the masses."

MakerBot’s top priority is to integrate the use of a 3D printer into the lives of the average customer who can use it for a wide scope of applications. People in industrial design to architects to robotic engineers can use a 3D printer to increase productivity and creativity. Although the cost of the Replicator 2 is a staggering $2100, which makes the expense prohibitive, the company is pushing forward to make 3D printers more accessible by collaborating with top technology partners. Soon if everything goes smoothly 3D printers might become just another useful peripheral devices.

MakerBot is pushing the creation of the MakerBot 3D Ecosystem that makes designing and printing in 3D easier and more accessible. Bre Pettis, CEO of MakerBot said, “We want to empower more people to create and make things, and working with Microsoft helps our mission.” Along with the creation of Windows 8 drivers for 3D printing, both Microsoft and MakerBot also plan to become retail partners. You could get your hands on the replicator 2 on Microsoft’s Online store, and some places even keep the printer in stock and offer demonstrations on using the 3D printer with ease.