Where Are Windows Drivers Stored?
Windows System32 drivers folder plus the DriverStore FileRepository staging area for installs.
Last updated
Running drivers live as .sys files under System32, then drivers. The install packages stage separately in DriverStore, then FileRepository, which is why that folder dwarfs the live one.
Never hand delete from either. Use Device Manager uninstall or the driver store cleanup tools; wrong deletions boot loop machines.
Where Windows stores this, by platform
C:\Windows\System32\drivers
Live .sys files. Staged packages: C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository. Both need admin and TrustedInstaller rights.
Frequently asked questions
Can I delete old DriverStore folders to save space?
Only through Disk Cleanup (Device driver packages) or the driver store explorer tool. Manual deletes break rollback and reinstall.
Where do downloaded driver installers go?
Wherever the vendor exe ran from, usually Downloads. The staged copy lands in FileRepository only after installation.
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