How to update Mac drivers and how to uninstall them

Knowing how to update drivers on MacBook and how to remove them is essential for keeping your hardware and software running smoothly. Think of drivers as little translators for your Mac. They help your hardware (like your keyboard, mouse, printer, or speakers) "talk" to macOS so everything works properly. Without drivers, your Mac wouldn't know how to use these devices.

Unlike Windows, macOS doesn't have a dedicated driver update utility: most Mac drivers update with macOS in System Settings > General > Software Update, and drivers for printers, MIDI keyboards, and other peripherals come from the manufacturer's website.

Types of Mac drivers

There are three main types of Mac drivers: built-in macOS drivers, external device drivers, and software-related drivers.

Here's what each of them is responsible for:

📌 Built-in macOS drivers — these update automatically with system updates (e.g., Wi-Fi, sound, graphics)

📌 External device drivers — some peripherals, like printers or MIDI keyboards, require manufacturer-specific drivers

📌 Software-related drivers — certain apps install extra drivers to improve performance (e.g., audio software, gaming gear)

Even if your Mac seems to be working fine, outdated drivers could lead to slower performance, occasional crashes, or even security risks. Keeping them updated is a small step that makes a big difference in long-term stability.

Most of the time, macOS handles drivers in the background, but if a device isn't working correctly, manually updating your drivers may be the solution.

How to find installed drivers on Mac

The easiest way to find and locate your drivers on a Mac is to check System Report.

Here's a quick reminder on how to access it:

1. Click the Apple menu > System Settings > General > About.

2. Click System Report (this opens the old "System Information" tool).

3. In the left sidebar, look under Hardware for specific categories like USB, Graphics/Displays, Audio, or Network.

4. Select a category to see detailed driver and hardware info.

This is useful when troubleshooting issues — if a device isn't working, checking this list can help determine whether a missing or outdated driver is to blame.

How to update USB drivers on Mac

Since macOS updates most drivers automatically, your first step should always be updating your macOS; if that doesn't fix the issue, you may need to manually update drivers for external devices.

1. Update your macOS

To update macOS, all you need to do is go to System Settings. Once the update is installed, all drivers that come bundled with the operating system will also be updated.

1. Click the Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update.

2. Click Update Now or Upgrade Now if one is available.

Even if you're not experiencing issues, regularly updating macOS ensures you have the latest drivers for built-in components like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and graphics.

If you're having trouble updating your Mac, check out this guide on what to do if you can't update macOS.

2. Manually update specialized USB devices

Some external hardware — like printers, MIDI controllers, and gaming accessories — may require manual driver updates, and the quickest way to install those is to download them from the developers' websites. Here's how to check and update such drivers:

• Plug in the device — many USB devices work automatically.

• Check the manufacturer's website — look for the latest driver that is compatible with macOS.

• Download and install the driver — follow the installation instructions.

• Restart your Mac — this ensures the new driver is applied.

For example, brands like Wacom, Focusrite, and Canon frequently update their drivers to stay compatible with new macOS releases.

If your device still isn't working after an update to Mac drivers, try unplugging it and reconnecting it, testing it on another Mac, or checking if additional software is required.

Keep apps and software updated for the best performance

Updating your Mac drivers is important, but keeping your apps and software up to date is just as crucial. Many apps — especially those related to hardware, like audio editing software or graphics programs — rely on the latest updates to function correctly.

While you can update apps manually through the App Store or by checking individual developer websites, there's an easier way to manage updates in one place.

If you want to update multiple apps at once without hunting them down one by one, use the Applications feature from CleanMyMac.

1. Get your free CleanMyMac trial.

2. Open the app and click Applications > Scan.

3. Click Manage My Applications and select Updater from the sidebar.

4. Select the apps that need updating.

5. Click Update — and that's it!

This ensures that all your software stays optimized for the latest macOS and drivers, helping avoid compatibility issues. If you've ever struggled with an app suddenly not working after a macOS update, an outdated version is often the culprit!

CleanMyMac can do a lot to keep your Mac in top shape: not only does it allow to update apps or uninstall them completely, but it also has tools for cleaning out junk and removing malware. 

Try CleanMyMac for free — all features are free for 7 days.

If you use Microsoft apps like Word or Excel, you can also run Microsoft AutoUpdate for Mac to keep them up to date automatically.

Why you need to update drivers on Mac

Keeping drivers up-to-date is one of the ways to maintain your MacBook. But let's start with the basics: What are drivers? Drivers on our MacBooks act as the bridge between your hardware and operating system, making sure everything works as it should. When they're maintained and updated, here's what you can expect:

• Improved performance. New drivers optimize hardware usage, making your Mac faster and more efficient.

• Fixed bugs. Manufacturers release updates to resolve known glitches.

• Enhanced security. Outdated drivers can be susceptible to threats or vulnerabilities that put your Mac at risk.

• Hardware compatibility. Newer macOS versions may not support older drivers, leading to malfunctions.

• Software stability. Some apps, like video editors and gaming accessories, won't function correctly if they're no longer compatible with your macOS.

How to uninstall drivers on Mac

Sometimes, you no longer need a driver, and so it is a good idea to get rid of it altogether. There are a few ways to do it, but you will have to know the driver's name to delete it.

Here are all the ways to uninstall drivers on MacBook: 

• The manufacturer's own uninstaller: most vendors that ship Mac drivers — printers, audio interfaces, tablets — provide one, either as a separate app or inside the driver's parent application. That is the supported way to remove their software, and it takes the helper components with it.
• CleanMyMac: Use the Applications feature once again. This time, check the Uninstaller feature. Besides, run a Performance scan and check Login and Background Items — driver software often installs helper components such as launch agents that keep running after the app itself is gone.
• System extensions and kernel extensions: these are not files you delete by hand. On current macOS, the folder that used to hold kernel extensions sits on the read-only system volume, so it cannot be edited. Remove the app that installed the extension, or turn the extension off in System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions.

Why uninstall drivers on Mac

Basically, the benefits are similar to those of keeping drivers up to date. Except for that, you can free up some space and fix device issues caused by conflicting drivers. In some instances, macOS won't allow you to install the latest version of a driver without uninstalling the older one first. 

Well, we've covered how to update Mac drivers and how to uninstall them. As you can tell, keeping them up to date is essential for performance, security, and hardware compatibility. And the same goes for removing unnecessary drivers from your device forever. By following our easy tips, your Mac will run efficiently, with fewer crashes, better device compatibility, and improved overall stability.