Driver Install: Pnputil random slow performance

Question

I work for a company that uses Dell OptiPlex model workstations. When we install our own custom Windows install, the drivers for the latest version are not present, so I have been forced to install the drivers manually until they update the core image. I have been trying to do this via pnputil with the cab folder of drivers for the specific model, but I'm having random results.

Some systems I run the script to install via pnputil it flies right through the install of the drivers with no issues, but randomly i get ones that as soon as single driver in that list is unable to install.. it will slow down and sit there for the next hour randomly failing to install the rest of the drivers after that specific driver. The ones that fail to install, if I restart the workstation usually when I run it again the drivers install perfectly and very fast without failures anymore.

I have tried to restart the machine prior to the install of drivers, but it seems to make no difference.

Just looking for advise on how to tackle this performance issue with using pnputil to install the driver package.

Answer 1

Hello there,

If you are experiencing slow performance when using the Pnputil command to install drivers in Windows, there are a few potential causes and solutions to consider:

System resources: Installing drivers can be a resource-intensive process, especially if multiple drivers are being installed simultaneously or if the drivers are large in size. Make sure that your computer has enough available system resources (CPU, RAM, and disk space) to handle the driver installation process smoothly. Close any unnecessary applications or processes that may be consuming system resources.

Driver file size: If the driver files you are installing are particularly large, it may take longer for the Pnputil command to process them. Check the size of the driver files and ensure that they are not excessively large. If possible, try using smaller or more optimized versions of the drivers.

Disk performance: Slow disk performance can impact the installation speed of drivers. If your disk is fragmented or experiencing other performance issues, it can slow down the installation process. Consider running a disk optimization tool or checking your disk for errors using the built-in Windows tools such as Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmenter.

Driver compatibility: Ensure that the drivers you are installing are compatible with your hardware and the version of Windows you are using. Incompatible or outdated drivers can sometimes cause slow performance during installation. Verify that you have the correct drivers for your specific hardware and download the latest versions from the manufacturer's website.

Antivirus or security software: Sometimes, antivirus or security software can interfere with driver installations, leading to slow performance. Temporarily disable your antivirus or security software while performing the driver installation process. Remember to re-enable it after the installation is complete.

I used AI provided by ChatGPT to formulate part of this response. I have verified that the information is accurate before sharing it with you.

Hope this resolves your Query !!

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