Shareware Driver Update Software
#1Driver Booster free version searches and updates drivers for Windows Operating System. For a free version, we find this driver updating software impressive as it picks up vital updates. Unlike the paid version which automatically updates all drivers, the free version can only indicate and you will have to make multiple clicks updating the drivers one-by-one.Key functions:. Scans for outdated drivers. Performs a silent installation of drivers. Manages a significant number of device drivers which include Samsung, Dell, Intel, Radeon as well as other giant companies. Cons:.
Does not automatically update all drivers at once as it requires the user to manually click on each and every indicated device. Lengthy installation (it took us 35 minutes actually), bloatware. Takes too much disk spaceTips. Always check the size, date of release, as well as the version number of the driver that needs to be updated to know the best time to perform an update.
Find any Windows software solution for free download. Categorized freeware, shareware, drivers and games downloads. Driver Updater scans the system for the missing and outdated drivers and provides with an easy way to download and install the latest driver versions. It sorts out all the driver-related issues and system errors resulting in a smoother PC performance.Driv.
Also, when installing, select custom installation to avoid unwanted apps and extensions like Yandex.Verdict. There is not much difference between the free and paid version of Driver Booster. If you have got time, then, it should not be a problem to manually update every single driver indicated.
After all, you only need to click and it will install the selected ones on your command. #2DriverMax free driver updater version is outstanding compared to other apps as it performs automated installations.
It also can be pre-set to execute scheduled scans. The features we found in this driver updating software were impressive for a free version.With that said, the major turnoff is in the limited number of drivers that the user is allowed to download per day or month. The limitation is so extreme such that only 2 drivers can be downloaded per day.Key functions:. Compatible to recent Windows versions. Automatically scans and detect device drivers that need update or issues fixed. Performs scheduled scans. Lists all drivers with issues and without issues.
Can back up your system drivers prior to installing updates. Cons:. No actual updates in free version, only scan. Restrict the user to only 10 driver downloads per month. Cannot perform a bulk download of driversTips. If you download 2 drivers per day for the next 5 days, you will not be able to execute any downloads for that particular month as you would have reached the maximum number of allocated monthly downloads.Verdict. A system runs on many drivers as it has a lot of devices to communicate for smooth operation. Although DriverMax has cool impressive features, the limitation is too extreme to keep your PC in good shape.However, with most of free driver updater software yet unable to keep users away from digging driver links, DriverMax does it all with a single click.
The limitations inflicted can be pushed to the side if you perform a full system update before installing DriverMax. This will allow you to spread incoming updates over a long period. Cons:. No bulk download.
Fails to detect some of the drivers. Does not ensure whether drivers are obtained from OEM sources. Require the user to manually install driversTips. Use the company’s website FAQs as well as knowledge base forums to troubleshoot or gain insights about this particular driver updater tool.Verdict. Driver Easy should not be a miss if you are looking for a performing free driver updater software.
Although, in our test it missed a significant number of drivers, the essential ones were detected. A good free tool to conduct dirty work bt scanning for broken, outdated, and missing drivers. #4Avast Driver Updater v.2.4.0 is a small simple software to update drivers on a Windows PC. It is light, operates fast and smoothly, finds missing, corrupt or drivers that require an update. All you have to do is to press a big green Start Scan button and get results in a matter of seconds, literally. All the features one would need in a driver updater tool are implemented in it, the only issue with Avast Driver Updater is that it’s only partially free – you can scan for free, but to install updates you have to pay $49,99 for one-year subscription.Key functions:.
Shareware Software Programs
Scans PCs for erroneous and outdated drivers. Checks for drivers updates in the background automatically.
Creates restore points upon each update. Targets audio, video, graphics, printers, keyboards.
Cons:. Only trial version available for free. Does not display driver source when prompting to update it.
Pop-up messages appearing when switching tabsTips. Use this Avast tool to scan for updates or errors, if you need a quick check-up of your device. When using a paid version, check or uncheck a box in Options to set a “reboot PC upon updates” feature. Also, take your time with other settings, which could be handy.Verdict. Driver Updater is a nice little addition to the diverse Avast family of security and utility software. Our tests showed that is works faster when comparing to other tools, although we did not test update times available in subscription only, to be frank.
#5Snappy Driver Installer is an impressive freeware tool for updating multiple drivers at a go. The software detects devices that are in critical conditions in terms of outdated, broken or missing drivers. It then downloads the essential files needed for updates and gives the user access to set up the updates.Key functions:. Can install drivers online as well as offline. Does not need installation as it can be used in an external hard drive.
Displays system information. Filter feature to help the user find the best matching drivers to install. Downloads in driver packs. Compatible with Windows XP and above. Cons:. Cannot be pre-set to run scheduled scans.
Driver packs to download are too huge. Lack of settingsTips. First, check whether your PC operates on 64 or 34 bit Windows version to download the correct.exe Snappy Driver Installer file.Verdict. Snappy Driver Installer gave an ambivalent impression. It has a lot of expert features, however, an average PC user will find it hard to manoeuvre the app. Lack of scheduled scans also makes it hard to turn a blind eye to the shortfalls of the software.
All in all, the offline use and bulk download of drivers makes it a worthy mention. #6Somewhat weird driver updater tool compared to other in the field, though with a library of 25 million device drivers DriverIdentifier could fit for all computer users. The app displays a precise message comparing present drivers installed in your computer vs. The proposed updates.
After you click Scan, it will display results and drivers to download in a separate web page.Key functions:. Compatible with both 32 and 64 bit Windows versions. Scans for drivers to update, then displays links where to get driver files and install them manually. The download page displays the driver’s ID and date of release.
Provides download links from OEM sources. Cons:. Requires user registration before downloading the setup file.
Cannot perform scheduled scans. Requires user to manually downloads updates from the proposed linksTips. To avoid installing the wrong update, make sure to check the presently installed device drivers details and compare them to the proposed update.Verdict. We find this software easy to use. Although it requires the user to go through the hustle of manually downloading driver updates, it satisfies that the majority of the links presented are OEM sources. This makes DriverIdentifier a little bit safer than most of the free driver updating software. #7FDS is a freeware driver update tool that scouts for outdated drivers in your computers. It has got an extensive database of over a million devices to scout.
It comes with features that one would not expect to find in a free version. User interface was self-explanatory and friendly for use even by computer noobs.Key functions:. Performs bulk downloads of drivers. Can perform a pre-set scheduled scan on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Indicates the file size of the drivers to download.
A migration tool for OS (enables to obtain device drivers meant for a different Windows version). Possible to roll back installation using the backup and restore feature. Cons:. Fails to detects a lot of outdated drivers. Initiates installation of unrelated programs amid an installation.
Requires closing of all other programs to perform updatesTips. Pay attention during installation to turn down any installation of unrelated programs.Verdict. The ability to download drivers for different OS – but only if it was not for its shortcoming when it comes to detecting outdated drivers. Another issue we find as a turnoff is the program’s attempt to try and install unrelated issues in a sneaky manner. Cons:. You have to sign up and pay to unlock full functionality. Takes time to begin downloading drivers.
Limited to only 1 driver per day downloadTips. Since Driver Doctor lets you download one driver per day, it is best to use it as a backup driver updating tool just in case the computer cannot automatically update drivers due to some problem by storing it in a flash drive.Verdict. Driver Doctor gave us mixed feelings but the major turn off were ads and just 1 driver per day download restriction. Otherwise, it is a great software for updating drivers which have got an extra portable version that does not require an installation. #9TweakBit offers a batch of software to speed up and fix computers, that is easy to use as it gets. One of the most beneficial tools, along with other products like PS Suite, PC Booster, Repair Kit, File Recovery, is TweakBit Driver Updater.
It acts to detect missing or outdated drivers, as well as to getting the newest driver versions.Their database with 200 000 drivers ensures efficiency. So once a user runs this program, it immediately diagnoses a device/system and offers all updates. Besides main Overview dashboard in the menu, we get other options such as Diagnostics for scan details, Support, Back up, Restore and, of course, Settings.Key functions:. Scans missing/outdated drivers. Offers easy way to update to latest versions. Directsoft 6 serial.
Ensures system stability / Performs diagnostics. Provides file recovery tool. Repairs driver-related errors. Cons:. Antiviruses perceive the installation file as a virus/threat so one has to turn off the protection.
Driver Talent
No actual free version, no trial. Register an account to unlock full featuresTips. There is a refund option – within first 30 days users may apply for it if not happy with the product. If you don’t wish to pay, use TweakBit to perform the scan and then update select drivers manually.Verdict.
A decent driver updater tool, with nice usability, simplicity, one-click action or one-by-one updates, restore points and all that. However, one has to activate a paid account to get full functionality, which is a grain of salt. On the other hand, many users report that TweakBit Works just like CCleaner or any other similar tool, which is definitely a positive feedback.
#10 Smart Driver CareA great and hassle free driver update utility, Smart Driver Care will take care of all your driver update woes. It’s highly interactive and futuristic looking interface is one of the first things you’ll notice. It’s smart scanning algorithms are not only efficient, but also make the process much quicker.
Once the outdated drivers are detected, all it requires is your confirmation to download and update your system drivers and bring new life to your computer. Trial version allows you to check all the features, except the automatic updates. Features will not work once trial period expires. However, it can still create backups and restore old drivers.Verdict. Smart Driver Care is certainly much more than just a driver update tool for Windows.
It does what it says efficiently and without making things complicated. Moreover, with the other add on utilities, this definitely holds it’s own amongst the best driver updater tools for your Windows PC. Safely downloads and updates PC drivers for all Windows OS back to XP. Note that scanning begins automatically each time a program starts, and even right after installation.
This is to save precious time, as well scanning hardware and updating drivers in the correct order, so that a user doesn’t have to do it manually. DriverDoc delivers the largest driver database of any products – 16 million and counting. Plus, it claims to reduce the risk of downloading malware drivers by deep-scanning driver source websites. Driver GeniusDriverDocEasy DriverOmniTweakCarambisDrivers found662846Scanning time0.5 min2 min0.5 min1 min1 minMenu languages72111115Drivers database160,00016,000,00015,000,030,000Usability (0-10)88975Installer file size14 MB11 MB1 MB3 MB1 MBPro version$23$40$70$10$8FAQ Why is it important to update drivers?In a world full of cyber criminals, keeping the computer drivers updated is essential as it may reduce chances of cyber-attacks.
Keeping your drivers up to date will also help boost your PC performance as well as take advantage of new features upon release. A PC full of outdated drivers will likely be destabilized and slow, therefore, making it difficult to run the latest programs as well as have an amazing gaming experience. What does a driver update do?A proper driver update could ensure overall PC stability, no errors with connected hardware, enhance gaming experience, improve data security, increase graphic card performance. Basically, a driver update is getting the newest possible version of specific computer drivers, or finding and installing new drivers required for certain apps or hardware.
How often should you update drivers?Drivers are like a user-manual, by keeping them up to date all the time, hardware software will function smoothly and at their best capability. Logically, it would make more sense for one to update their drivers whenever a chance arises. Good thing is that driver update software can scan and indicate drivers that need an update. Thus, you do not need to go through a painful period of searching for an update in each of your PC devices. What is a driver updater?Driver updater / driver update software / driver update tool – is a dspecial software that moitors, finds, updates and installs drivers on a user PC.
Top examples of such tools are reviewed in detail above in this current article. Also, you may find out more about. Is it safe to use a driver updater?Since has access to vital computer programs, the safety of certain a driver updater can be measured by the vendor reputation. Also, to be safe, it is good to check whether or not the driver finder gives information about where they get their drivers. In most cases, reputable driver update software gives full details or guarantee that the drivers are obtained from Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) sources.
What is the best driver updater for free?Start from the top of this article to explore apps like Driver Booster, DriverMax, Driver Easy, Avast Driver Updater, Snappy, Device Doctor, TweakBit and more. Learn all the pros and cons, see how they perform in action and choose accordingly. What drivers do I need to update?Keyboard drivers, webcam drivers, modem drivers, motherboard drivers, video/audio/graphics drivers, network drivers, USB drivers, mouse drivers, printer/scanner drivers are particularly important. That is not the full list though. Do I have to update drivers on Windows 10?Driver updates for Windows 10 happen by default and in the background via Windows Update, when activated.
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You can also manually update or install driver too, of course. How do you update drivers in Windows 7?Please, refer to this guide:. How to know if drivers are up to date?Go to Control Panel - Hardware and Sound - Device Drivers. Select a device you want to check, then - Action - Update Driver Software. Then it will be scanned and display whether a new driver version is available.
How to choose the best driver update tool?Pricing, functionality, efficiency, speed, driver database, stability and security, vendor reputation, design/UX, specific features might come into play. Selection depends on user’s preferences.
How to update drivers on Mac?Find the Apple icon in the top left corner, click it, then select “Software Update”. Available updates, if any, will be listed and ready for a downloade. When installing drivers manually, please make sure to download the Mac version.
How to update drivers on iPad?According to Apple support, you have to click and hold the Start button, then go to Device Manager. Locate a connected device (iPhone in this case), right-click it and select Update driver. Then select “Search automatically for updated driver software” option.
How to install/update drivers on Ubuntu?Navigate to Software Settings - Additional Drivers tab. Install the drivers and restart a computer. How to install hardware drivers on Linux?Most of hardware drivers are integrated into Linux already. Unlike with Windows, you do not need to find manufacturer drivers, Linux system should automatically detect hardware and apply proper drivers. However, if one needs to do this, it depends on distribution, e.g. In Ubuntu-based distributions there is an Additional Drivers tab in Settings.