Windows 7 already includes many of the drivers you need

Windows 7 has upgraded and added new features to their operating system and they have removed virtually all of the bugs that disgruntled users complained about for so long. While many Windows customers are eager to switch over to the new and improved system, some are worried that they will have to go through the tedious process of installing a large number of new drivers in order for their new program to work. Have no fear, cautious techies! Windows 7 has orchestrated their upgrade so that the new program includes many of the drivers you will need for smooth daily operations.

Vista

For computer owners that have been operating a Windows Vista program, the switch to Windows 7 should be simple. This is because the old Vista drivers should work just fine on the new program, without the need to download anything new at all. However, if you want to maximize the full potential of the new program, Windows 7 drivers are available for download that can help to "tweak" your OS into stellar performance levels.

• Video Drivers
  Although the drivers you need to operate Windows 7 should be present already on your computer if you are switching over from Vista, video quality is one area where driver "tweaks" can greatly enhance performance.
  Look for Windows 7 WDDM 1.1 drivers to enhance desktop video memory
  
  
• When it comes to chipset drivers and SATA drivers, however, the current WDM drivers that you are running with Vista will do just fine, with no upgrades needed at all.
  
  
• Sound
  If you were using a Realtek HD audio driver with your Windows Vista OS, you may find that your Audio-out jack for your headphones no longer works. This is because the old drivers do not work with all features of the new system.
  Download driver R2.22 driver to update your Realtek audio
  
  
• Printers and Monitors
  All of your hardware devices should work just fine if you are switching over to Windows 7 from Vista. However, some hardware manufacturers are gearing their newest products so that they take full advantage of the Windows 7 improvements, which means that they themselves are integrating new Windows 7 drivers into their installation software. If you happen to purchase new hardware that includes Windows 7 drivers, no real inconvenience should be felt, as you will just install the new drivers as part of your overall software installation process.
  
  
• Special Features
  Windows 7 is more technologically advanced software than its predecessor, which means that new drivers naturally had to be created for brand new features. If, for instance, you want to utilize the multi-touch screen feature of Windows 7, you will need to install the accompanying new driver.
  
  

Windows XP Users

Essentially, Windows 7 has done a very good job of programming the new operating system so that Vista users should have virtually no problems with running almost all internal and external systems right out of the gate.

If you are running an older version of Windows XP, you may need to install Windows Vista (installing the necessary drivers) and then upgrade to Windows 7, so that all of your operating functions work properly. While this may be an inconvenience, it is the simplest way to avoid glitches in the system when you switch over from and old XP OS to the new and improved Windows 7.