What is best method to update drivers?

[bornconfuzd]

I'd like to know the best method for updating drivers such as Lan, Audio, USB etc.  Should I,
1. Just double click the new driver & install over the old one
2. Uninstall the old driver first & just double click to install the new driver
3. Use Device Manager to navigate to the new one and install the new one
4. Or something else?

My current system is;
Gigabyte Z170X-UD5 Rev 1 Motherboard (F6d Bios)
Intel Core i7 6700K Skylake CPU
G.SKILL Ripjaws V Series 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR4 2400 (PC4 19200) Memory
Intel 730 Series 2.5" 480GB SSD

[shadowsports]

Firmware, updates and drivers.  I usually go to the hardware manufacturers website.  Sometimes however, its best to use drivers from the MB manufactures website.  This often ensures compatibility with various hardware revisions.  A manufacturer will usually test and sometimes modify drivers before certifying them for use with hardware. 

The steps you mentioned will work.  However, I would recommend uninstalling video drivers before updating those drivers specifically when you are using a dedicated graphics card.  If on-board, (CPU based) this is not necessary.   

In most cases, the shipping drivers with a board will work just fine.  There is no need to update just for the sake of updating or having the latest drivers.  If your system is working fine, use it, enjoy it and let it work for you. Your OS will usually give you what you need as well, but this doesn't always guarantee compatibility. 

[bornconfuzd]

Shadowsports, thank you for replying.  I did not, however, find your answer helpful at all.  I wasn't asking IF I should update drivers, I was asking what the best/most accepted/official methodology is.

I always use only drivers from the manufacturer, I don't allow Windows to install drivers for anything except Microsoft products, and I don't use any kind of "Driver Update Software".

To say that "The steps I mentioned will work" really doesn't narrow it down. 

I don't find it any kind of reflection on you if you don't know because I've done a LOT of searching and cannot find the question addressed through Google, anywhere!

What I'm trying to get at with all this is to ask if you, or anyone, knows what the official, or most accepted method is for updating Gigabyte motherboard drivers.

I apologize if this comes of as harsh, I don't mean for it to be, I just really would like an answer.

[shadowsports]

BornConfuzd,
There is no definitive answer because it's a matter of personal preference.  Maybe we should let someone else give you their recommendation. 

[cjapeterborough]

Well I am sure the official answer would be use the drivers that are available on the Gigabyte site for your motherboard.
I myself tend to look on the station drivers site for the latest available....as for uninstalling I prefer to update from the extracted files via the device manager as it is then easy to roll back if there are any issues.

But as the previous answer its one of personal preference.........

[bornconfuzd]

@cjapeterborough, So that's 2 votes for "Personal Preference".  Is there not an official, at least suggested, method out of Gigabyte? 

As to your method of using Device Manager, I too like that method, but worry about conflicts when using any method that installs a new driver over an old one.  Does this not concern you, or am I mistaken about possible conflicts.

And again, I too install ONLY drivers from Gigabyte for my Gigabyte motherboard, and the same for any other drivers, only from the manufacturer.  I don't even allow Windows to install any hardware drivers.

Thanks for replying!