If your StarTech device (such as a USB docking station, Ethernet adapter, or USB to VGA converter) is not functioning correctly, an outdated or missing driver is usually the culprit. Keeping your StarTech drivers up to date ensures stable connectivity and optimal hardware performance.
The methods below apply to Windows 11, Windows 10 (and legacy Windows 8/7).
Quick guide: How to update StarTech drivers
- Update the driver through Device Manager
- Update StarTech driver automatically (Recommended for beginners)
- Download and install manually from the StarTech Support site
What driver does my StarTech device need?
StarTech does not provide one universal driver for all of its devices. Depending on the product, a StarTech USB video adapter or docking station may use technologies such as DisplayLink or Trigger. The correct driver therefore depends on your specific Product ID and Windows version.
Method 1: Update the driver through Device Manager
Windows also provides a built-in way to update hardware drivers through Device Manager.
This method is worth trying if you want Windows to automatically search for a compatible driver. However, Windows may not always find the newest driver available from the device manufacturer. If you want to install the latest driver, jump to the next option.
1) On your keyboard, press the Windows logo key
and R at the same time to invoke the Run box.
2) Type devmgmt.msc and click OK.
3) In Device Manager, expand the category that contains your StarTech device.
Depending on the type of device, it may appear under categories such as Display adapters, Network adapters, Universal Serial Bus controllers, or another hardware category.
4) Right-click the StarTech device and select Update driver.
5) Choose Search automatically for updated driver software. Windows will search for a compatible driver and install it if one is available. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
After the installation finishes, restart your computer if prompted. Then test the StarTech device to see if it works normally.
Method 2: Update StarTech driver automatically
Manually finding the exact driver for specific StarTech hardware can be time-consuming, especially if you aren’t sure about your PC’s exact specs. If you don’t have the time or patience to install the device drivers, you can do it automatically with Driver Easy.
Driver Easy will automatically recognize your system and find the correct drivers for it. You don’t need to know your exact StarTech product ID and Windows version; you don’t need to risk downloading and installing the wrong driver; and you don’t need to worry about making a mistake when installing.
1) Download and install Driver Easy.
2) Run Driver Easy and click the Scan Now button. Driver Easy will then scan your computer and detect any problem drivers.
3) Click the Activate & Update button next to the flagged device to automatically download the correct version of that driver. Or click Update All to automatically download and install the correct version of all the drivers that are missing or out of date on your system.
This will prompt you to start the 7-day free trial or upgrade to Driver Easy Pro. The Pro version includes high-speed driver updates, backup and rollback, making it easy to improve your PC’s stability and hardware compatibility. Besides, you can get full technical support. If you’re not sure whether Driver Easy Pro is right for you, you can try the free trial to explore all the premium features.
4) Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
Method 3: Download and install manually from the StarTech site
If you prefer a hands-on approach, you can manually download the official driver packages directly from the StarTech Support Center.
To do this, you will need your StarTech Product ID. Look for the Product ID on the device itself, usually near the StarTech.com logo or serial number. You may also find it on the original packaging, often next to PART # or above the UPC code.
1) Go to the official StarTech Driver Download center.
2) Enter the product ID.
3) It will go to the support page of the matching product. Select the Drivers & Downloads tab, and download the correct driver package for your Windows version.
4) Once downloaded, right-click the ZIP file and select Extract All.
5) Choose a destination and click Extract.
6) Once done, open the extracted folder and select the folder for your Windows version. Then double-click the exe. file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver.
What if the StarTech device is still not working?
If updating the driver doesn’t solve the problem, here are some steps you can try:
- Reconnect the device: Unplug the StarTech device and connect it again.
- Try another USB port: A faulty or unstable USB port can cause connection problems.
- Check the cable: If your StarTech device uses a detachable cable, try another compatible cable.
- Install Windows updates: Make sure your Windows installation is reasonably up to date.
- Check device compatibility: Verify that your specific StarTech model supports your version of Windows.
- Check related drivers: Some StarTech devices depend on other system drivers, such as USB, chipset, graphics, or network drivers.
- Check StarTech’s product page: Look for model-specific installation instructions, FAQs, firmware, or known compatibility limitations.
For example, StarTech notes that some USB video adapters require a compatible primary graphics driver and may have additional operating-system requirements.
That’s it. Hope this article helps in resolving your StarTech driver issues and updating your StarTech drivers in Windows. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to drop a comment below.