device driver

noun
UK /dɪˈvaɪs ˈdraɪvə/
US /dɪˈvaɪs ˈdraɪvər/

A device driver is a small helper program that lets a computer talk to a piece of hardware.

I installed a new device driver so my printer would work.

SYNONYMS

driverhardware driversoftware drivercontroller program

RELATED WORDS

operating systemhardwarefirmwareperipheralkernel

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A file that contains the instructions a computer needs to operate a specific device.

The device driver file was missing, so the mouse did not move.

3. A layer of software that translates commands between the system and a device.

The device driver translates the print job into signals the printer understands.

4. A program that must be updated when a new operating system is installed.

After the upgrade, she downloaded an updated device driver for her webcam.