Updating standalone smartcard reader drivers

When connected to a machine, most smartcard readers (including Omnikey) are assigned a widely compatible driver labelled Microsoft USB CCID Smartcard Reader (WUDF). This means the manufacturer driver is not installed.

This is also not the correct driver to use for standalone smartcard readers, so it's vital to install the manufacturer reader driver.

Organisations should deploy estate-wide smartcard reader driver updates. This will ensure that the manufacturer drivers are automatically assigned to new and existing standalone smartcard readers. If there's a variety of card readers in use, we recommend you deploy a combination of driver updates.

Identify and check standalone smartcard readers

Isolate standalone smartcard readers by disconnecting the USB cables of any connected smartcard printers. This is because some smartcard Printer in-built readers also use the ‘Microsoft Usbccid Smartcard Reader (WUDF) driver’ to support series 9 smartcard printing.

Launch Device Manager > Smartcard Readers and identify any readers with the follow generic labels:

• Microsoft Usbccid Smartcard Reader (WUDF)
• Microsoft Usbccid Smartcard Reader (3021)

Look at the physical device and identify the manufacturer and model. These could either be the NHS-supported Omnikey readers, or from a different manufacturer, like a Dell keyboard reader or laptop in-built reader.

You'll need to download and install the manufacturer drivers to replace the generic ones.

Download and install manufacturer drivers

If you have not already done so, download and install the correct drivers or driver combinations for any NHS-supported smartcard readers you use.

If you are using readers other than NHS-supported ones, search the manufacturer’s website for the reader name/model (for example Dell keyboard reader KB813), or identify the hardware ID and search the Microsoft Update Catalog.

Important note: smartcard printer USB cables should be disconnected before following these steps, to ensure the printer in-built smartcard readers are not accidently updated.

Follow these steps:

1. Control Panel > Device Manager > Smartcard Readers.
2. Double click on Microsoft Usbccid Smartcard Reader (WUDF).
3. Details tab.
4. Property downdown > Select Hardware ID.
5. Right click on the second line and select copy.

6. Go to the Microsoft Update Catalog.
7. Enter the device hardware ID.
8. Click search.
9. Click download on the most up-to-date result.

Automatically updating smartcard reader drivers

Most drivers are available as an .msi installer or a set of standalone files accompanied with an .inf file for the purposes of estate-wide deployments. To automatically update the drivers, run the installer or right click on the .inf file and select ‘install’. The driver update can be verified by checking Device Manager. You will notice the label of the smartcard reader will no longer read ‘Microsoft Usbccid Smartcard Reader (WUDF)’.

Troubleshooting guidance

IT teams should read our troubleshooting guidance. It is regularly updated as new issues are found and solved, and new software is made available.

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