USB devices require software called "drivers" in order to work. Drivers are extension files that are installed in the Extensions folder in the System Folder on your hard disk. Drivers let your computer check the USB device when it's connected to make sure it has enough power and is receiving data quickly enough.

Your computer comes with USB software already installed, so you can use many third-party USB devices as soon as they are connected to your computer.

You may want to install the USB software provided by the manufacturer of a device if

•	a USB device doesn't work
•	you prefer to use the software provided by the manufacturer of the device
•	the manufacturer recommends that you use their software (for example, if they've updated the driver for a USB device)

To install the driver software, follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Related topic

Using USB devices with your computer