What updating your tablet driver does

Open Tablet Driver is the software that lets your drawing tablet or pen display talk to your computer. When you update it, you get bug fixes (things that were broken), support for new tablets, better pressure sensitivity, and faster response when you move your pen. Updates also patch security issues that could let someone else access your device.

You do not need to update every time a new version comes out — your tablet will keep working. But if you are having lag, pressure problems, or your tablet stopped working after a Windows or Mac update, updating the driver is usually the first thing to try.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Tablet Driver updates come from GitHub, not from your tablet manufacturer or your operating system.
  • You uninstall the old version first, then read and install the new one — you cannot layer them on top of each other.
  • The process takes about five minutes and requires you to restart your computer afterward.
  • If your tablet stops working after an update, you can go back to the previous version by downloading it from the same GitHub page.

Finding the current version on GitHub

Open Tablet Driver lives on GitHub, which is where the developers post new versions. Go to github.com/OpenTabletDriver/OpenTabletDriver in your web browser. On the right side of the page, look for a section labeled "Releases" — this is where all the versions live.

Click on the latest release at the top of the list. This takes you to a page with the newest version and a list of what changed. Scroll down to the bottom where you see "Assets" — this is the read section. You will see files with names like OpenTabletDriver.exe (Windows) or OpenTabletDriver.pkg (Mac). read the one that matches your operating system.

Uninstalling the old version on Windows

Before you install the new version, you need to remove the old one completely. Open the Windows Start menu and type "Add or remove programs" — click the first result. Scroll down until you find OpenTabletDriver in the list. Click it once to select it, then click the "Uninstall" button that appears.

A window will pop up asking if you are sure. Click "Yes" or "Uninstall" to confirm. Windows will remove the old driver files. This usually takes less than a minute. When it finishes, you can close this window.

Uninstalling the old version on Mac

On Mac, open Finder and click "Applications" in the sidebar. Look for the OpenTabletDriver folder or app. Right-click it and select "Move to Trash". If you see a prompt asking for your password, type it in — Mac requires permission to remove software.

Empty the Trash by right-clicking the Trash icon in your dock and selecting "Empty Trash". This removes the old driver completely from your computer.

Installing the new version

On Windows: Find the file you downloaded (usually in your Downloads folder). Double-click the OpenTabletDriver.exe file. A setup window will open. Click "Next" or "Install" through each screen — you do not need to change any settings unless you have a specific reason to. When the installer finishes, click "Finish".

On Mac: Find the OpenTabletDriver.pkg file you downloaded and double-click it. A window will open asking you to confirm the installation. Click "Continue" and then "Install". You may be asked for your password — type it in. When the installation finishes, click "Close".

Restarting your computer and testing

After the installation finishes, restart your computer. This lets the new driver load properly and connect to your tablet. Plug your tablet in after the restart if it is not already connected.

Open any drawing program (like Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, or Krita) and test your tablet. Move your pen across the screen and check that the cursor follows smoothly. Press down with different amounts of pressure and make sure the line thickness changes. If everything works, the update was successful.

What to do if something goes wrong

If your tablet does not work after updating, or if the new version has a bug that affects you, you can read an older version from the same GitHub page. Go back to github.com/OpenTabletDriver/OpenTabletDriver, click "Releases", and scroll down past the latest version. You will see older releases listed — click on one from a few versions back and read it the same way you downloaded the new one.

Uninstall the current version using the same steps as before, then install the older version. This is safe to do — you can move forward and backward between versions without damaging your computer or tablet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I lose my tablet settings when I update?

No. Open Tablet Driver stores your settings separately from the driver software itself. When you uninstall and reinstall, your pressure curves, button assignments, and other customizations stay in place. If they do not, you can restore them by opening the Open Tablet Driver process after the update.

How often should I update?

You do not need to update every release. Check the GitHub page once a month or when you notice a problem with your tablet. If the release notes mention a fix for something you are experiencing, that is a good time to update. Otherwise, your current version will keep working fine.

Can I update while my tablet is plugged in?

Yes, but unplug it before you restart your computer. This prevents the old driver from trying to communicate with the tablet while the new one is loading. Plug it back in after the restart.

What if the read file is corrupted or will not open?

Delete the file and read it again from GitHub. Sometimes downloads fail partway through. If it still will not open after a second read, try a different web browser — occasionally one browser has trouble downloading certain file types.

Do I need to update if my tablet is working fine?

No. If your tablet works the way you want it to, there is no reason to update. Updates are there if you need them — a working tablet does not need fixing.