Before reinstalling Windows, export your third-party driver packages with a built-in Windows tool and save the folder somewhere the reinstall will not erase. Use either PowerShell’s Export-WindowsDriver or PnPUtil’s /export-driver command. This preserves driver packages, not your personal files, applications, or a complete recovery image.
Choose an export method
Both commands create a folder of driver packages. Run the one that matches the shell you prefer in an administrator session.
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| Method | Command | What it exports |
|---|---|---|
| PowerShell | Export-WindowsDriver -Online -Destination D:Drivers |
Third-party drivers from the running Windows image, exported to the destination folder. Microsoft Learn: Export-WindowsDriver |
| Command Prompt | pnputil /export-driver * D:Drivers |
All driver packages in the driver store; the asterisk selects all packages. Microsoft Learn: PnPUtil command syntax |
D:Drivers is only an example path. Substitute a destination folder that exists or can be created on a suitable drive. Microsoft documents the PowerShell command for exporting third-party drivers from the running OS and the PnPUtil wildcard syntax for exporting all driver-store packages.
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Export the packages and protect the folder
- Open PowerShell or Command Prompt with administrator privileges.
- Run one of the export commands above, changing the destination path if needed.
- Check that the destination folder exists and contains exported files.
- Copy or save that folder somewhere that will not be erased or formatted during the reinstall. Microsoft lists an external hard drive, USB flash drive, and cloud storage as possible backup destinations. Microsoft Support: Back up and restore with Windows
A folder on the Windows installation drive is not a safe sole copy if that drive will be wiped. A USB flash drive is optional; external storage or a cloud location can serve the same purpose.
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Know what the export includes
The commands export driver packages, not a complete system backup. They do not preserve documents, photos, installed applications, Windows itself, or necessarily the full setup utility and companion software supplied by a device vendor. Windows driver servicing works with INF-style packages; Windows Installer packages and other package types such as .exe are not supported by those servicing commands. Microsoft Learn: Add and remove drivers to an offline Windows image
Back up personal files separately before reinstalling. Microsoft warns that recovery actions can cause data loss and advises backing up important files first. Microsoft Support: Recovery options in Windows
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Check for manufacturer recovery media
If the PC manufacturer provides recovery media for your exact model, check its availability before proceeding. Manufacturer recovery media typically includes hardware-specific drivers and factory applications that generic Microsoft installation media might not contain. Microsoft Support: Create installation media for Windows
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Let Windows Update install drivers for most hardware first. If a device still lacks a driver or needs an update, get a package compatible with the installed Windows version from the PC or device manufacturer’s official website. Microsoft Support: Automatically get recommended and updated hardware drivers
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For IT deployment or offline-image work, exported third-party INF packages can be added to an offline Windows image with DISM’s Add-Driver command. This is a deployment workflow, not a required step for a typical home reinstall. Microsoft Learn: Add and remove drivers to an offline Windows image
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