Driver Updater: how to keep your drivers updated

Current drivers make a significant contribution to the stability and security of your computer. For this reason, manufacturers and developers continually release new versions in which they adapt the code to new versions of the operating system, fix bugs or close critical security gaps. However, if your PC’s driver software is no longer up to date, you may experience crashes or errors. However, very few users have the time to check their installed software at regular intervals to ensure that it is up to date. A driver updater can take care of this task for you. In this article we will introduce and demonstrate various programs, what they do.

Windows also has its own update manager. Why do I need an additional one, then?

The Windows Update Manager runs almost unnoticed in the background and checks Microsoft servers once a day for updates for Windows, Microsoft-provided drivers and Office. However, all other applications and programs (including device drivers) are completely excluded.

Are there any significant differences between driver updates or can you just use any one?

Update managers are usually offered as a separate program, but there are also open source applications or part of a complete tool package. Please note that some programs contain update processes that remain permanently active in memory and regularly check the Internet for updates.

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Will a driver update actually improve my PC’s performance?

Yes and no. The new firmware can help you optimize the speed of your SSD and extend its life. Graphics cards and motherboards benefit from a driver update and thus show a noticeable increase in performance. This is not the case with all other hardware components.

1. The most popular driver updates compared

Danger: Before installing new drivers you should To be safe, always create a backup of your operating system or at least one Create restore point. This allows you to have your own Restore your computer to its original statein case one of the drivers causes problems.

1.1. IObit Driver Booster Free – Multifunctional tool with large database

IOBit Free Driver Booster is a free update manager for all versions of Windows from XP. After installation, the program checks the current state of your system and then show Outdated and current drivers on two clear cards A. Behind every discovery there is a Direct update button. Next to it you will find a selection menu that you can use detailed information (e.g. version number) to the software found display or the If necessary, also uninstall the drivers Candies.

Free Driver Booster supports more than 2.5 million drivers and also offers some other practical functions like the «Game ready driver» (with a database of special game drivers) or that Game acceleration featuresthat above all gamblers’ hearts beat faster should leave. AS one of the few programs of its kind Driver Booster Free also has a selection option with which Only WHQL certified drivers are displayed become. It should during installation problems still ariseYou can using the “Roll Back” function. very easy restore a previous version.

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Advanced features like automatic driver downloads or backup creation they are however Reserved for Pro version users. It currently costs just under 25 euros for an annual subscription.

1.2. Ashampoo Driver Updater – Clear and easy to use

The Ashampoo Driver Updater also starts a German manufacturer in the race. The tool from the Oldenburg software company stands out above all for its Clear and understandable user interface. Once launched, the updater immediately begins updating your system for outdated driver software to navigate and then list the findings in the “Overview” tab.. Click on an entry to view it further detailslike this one Version number or release date.

Ashampoo Driver Updater basically offers two fundamental functions: Update existing drivers e creates backups of it. This way it still is an available backupI would have to reinstall a driver once prove incompatible. Would you like one? Generally exclude drivers from updatingyou just have to do this just put it in the «Ignore» list..

According to the manufacturer, this includes Driver database over 400,000 driversthing compared to others Programs with several million entries However, it seems disappointing at first. However, this circumstance can be attributed to lack of compatibility with XP and Vista which were consciously avoided and through which a whole series of drivers are deleted. However, for current versions of Windows as many drivers in total available, as with other suppliers.

1.3. SUMo (“Software Update Monitor”) – Small but nice

The Software Update Monitor (SUMo for short) is a file rather small instrumentbut it still does a great job. It searches your computer for installed programs and it’s the same existing version numbers with those currently available. If a newer version already exists, it is there a corresponding message. Whether it is or not is completely irrelevant Freeware, shareware or paid version acts. You can also choose whether Consider beta versions when upgrading Want.

SUMo identifies the installed software using an online database. Become a new update or a new patch found, the tool immediately informs you so that you react accordingly quickly Candies. Those too Review of individual programs it is possible with the tool: simply drag the relevant one *.exe via drag & drop into the program window. This is for example for paid upgrades particularly practical.

Next to the Free and portable version SUMo is also available in one Paid option, which is not recommended: You can get one type for just under 15 euros a year automatic “self-update”. with references to the manufacturer’s home page or to one Search engine with a list of links.

Driver Easy is a very easy to use Driver update with a huge database containing more than 8 million entries. Unlike many other free update tools offers the advantage that the Available drivers are not just displayedbut also automatically updated can be. With it But that’s where the benefits end. Why for all other functions Unfortunately you have to pay and also Support is only available at an additional cost.

Die The Pro version currently costs 29.99 euros as an annual subscription and offers, among other things, functions for Creating backups and the restoration of previously installed drivers. You also have to use freeware download each driver individuallywhile in the paid version Install all found updates at once Candies. Uninstalling the driver software is also not possible with Driver Easy Free. It also establishes the paid version before each installation automatically create a restore point A. So you can at any time return to the original stateshould The update fails for some reason. And that too Download speed for driver files it is higher in the Pro version than in Driver Easy Free. Since The files are usually very small fortunately this circumstance does not apply not too important.

Driver Easy is Compatible with all versions of Windows from XP onwards AND in ten different languages (including German, English and French) available.

Good to know: Also try its «Driver Updater». the well-known antivirus manufacturer AVG on a tool that keeps your system up to date. THE Offer of available drivers it remains in the database with approximately 127,000 entries still significantly behind the competition