After installing new hardware and drivers, which troubleshooting step should be taken first if the device fails to work?

The first step to take when new hardware and drivers are installed and the device fails to work is to run diagnostic software. This is critical because diagnostic tools can help identify issues with hardware functioning, driver compatibility, and other system errors that may not be apparent. They can provide detailed error messages or logs that can help pinpoint the problem quickly, which is especially useful after recent changes to the system like new hardware or drivers.

Running diagnostics can help to confirm whether the hardware is recognized by the system and whether the drivers are functioning properly. It can also detect any conflicts between the new hardware and existing components that may be causing the issue. Once diagnostics are run, you have specific information to work with, which can lead to more targeted troubleshooting.

While restarting the computer can sometimes resolve temporary issues and checking connections is essential during initial physical setup, these steps are more general. Updating the operating system is also important for ensuring compatibility, but it usually follows initial diagnostics. Therefore, running diagnostic software is a more strategic first step in the troubleshooting process when new hardware fails to work after installation.