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There is this feature in Windows 7: Search automatically for updated driver software. I have used it in hope that Windows will automatically find ADB drivers for Android-based phone. Unfortunately, everything I get is Windows was unable to install your ADB.

From what I remember this feature has never worked for me, even in times of Windows XP.

To make it a real question (and not only a complain):

  • How to make Windows to automatically download a driver? (e.g. Is there something that needs to be turned on somewhere in Control Panel?)
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  • 1
    One second. What's ADB?
    – pratnala
    Feb 16, 2013 at 14:19
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    ADB is "Android Debug Bridge" - this is helpful when you are developing applications for Android phones.
    – smbear
    Feb 16, 2013 at 14:22
  • Aren't ADB drivers a part of the SDK?
    – pratnala
    Feb 17, 2013 at 11:54

2 Answers 2

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Yes, it works – as long as the manufacturer has submitted the drivers to Windows Update.

If the manufacturer hasn't done so (for example, they almost never submit drivers for debug/reflash interfaces), then it's not like Windows can just download the first result from Google...


To see a complete list of what's available through Windows Update, visit the Microsoft Update Catalog site in IE, install the ActiveX control and search for ADB drivers:

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  • I'll accept this as an answer. Maybe you know if there is a list of devices that have drivers published on Windows Update?
    – smbear
    Feb 16, 2013 at 14:27
  • I'm not sure if there is a full list (although there used to be). Look for "WHQL certified devices". Feb 16, 2013 at 14:29
  • In fact, I think debug/reflash drivers cannot be on Windows Update because they wouldn't be allowed by WHQL. Feb 16, 2013 at 14:35
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    @smbear: "Maybe you know if there is a list of devices that have drivers published on Windows Update?" - See updated answer above.
    – Karan
    Feb 16, 2013 at 14:56
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If you go to start, "Devices and Printers" there could be a yellow bar at the top that asks you to enable automatic driver downloads.

However, ADB drivers for Android phones are mostly not found when doing automatic driver downloads. I had some printers, keyboards and mice where Windows found drivers by automatic download. For your ADB drivers, take a look at the manufacturers website, XDA-developers or search Google for "devicename ADB driver".

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  • Installing the driver is not a problem. I only hoped that this can be done automatically by Windows - to save some mouse clicks. :) And it ended with a question here - no clicks were saved. ;)
    – smbear
    Feb 16, 2013 at 14:25
  • I understand you. I had several Android devices, no ADB drivers were found automatically for any of those.
    – chrki
    Feb 16, 2013 at 14:27

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