Device Doctor - Free Driver Update Scanner
Maintaining Optimal System Performance with Device Doctor
Ensuring your system operates with maximum efficiency requires regularly installing the newest device drivers. However, the vast majority of driver update utilities available are not offered at no cost.
Fortunately, Device Doctor provides a completely free solution for managing and updating your drivers.
The Importance of Driver Updates
Keeping your drivers current is crucial for system stability and performance. Outdated drivers can lead to conflicts, errors, and reduced functionality.
While many programs claim to simplify this process, a truly free and effective option is often difficult to find.
Device Doctor: A Free Alternative
Device Doctor distinguishes itself by being entirely free to use, offering a valuable service without any hidden fees or subscriptions.
This makes it an accessible solution for all users seeking to maintain their system’s driver integrity.
Further Considerations
It's also worth exploring whether a driver cleaner is necessary when performing driver updates. This can help remove old or corrupted files.
Understanding the interplay between driver updates and cleaning utilities can further optimize your system’s health.
Important Update Regarding Device Doctor
We've received reports from several users indicating that the software is no longer entirely free and may attempt to install unwanted programs. Consequently, we are retracting our previous recommendation.
Device Doctor is available in two formats: a standard installable version and a portable executable designed for use on portable drives. Let's proceed with a detailed examination...
Utilizing Device Doctor
This software boasts exceptional simplicity. The interface consists of a single screen. After initiating the scan by clicking the "Begin Scan" button, a list of drivers requiring updates will be displayed.
You can then select "Download update" for each driver to begin the download process.
The download page prompts you to download the driver installer and complete the installation manually. While not as streamlined as solutions offered by other providers, this approach provides you with complete control over your drivers. And, it's offered at no cost.
Given the vast number of devices and drivers for PCs, Device Doctor may occasionally identify an incorrect driver or an outdated version. Should this occur, please utilize the reporting link on the driver download page to submit feedback.
As Device Doctor is a relatively new software, user feedback is invaluable for refinement and improvement.
Caution: Before Driver Installation!
Prior to installing any new driver, it is crucial to create a System Restore point. This allows for a quick rollback in the event of a failure. We strongly advise this precautionary step!
Refer to these guides for detailed instructions:
- Creating a Restore Point for Windows 7 or Vista
- Utilizing System Restore in Windows XP
With that completed, you may continue.
Installing the Drivers
In some instances, Device Doctor provides a readily installable executable file. Simply run the wizard to complete the installation.
However, other drivers are distributed as zip files requiring manual installation.
We previously detailed driver installation in Part 4 of our computer building series, but a more comprehensive guide may be beneficial in the future.
To install drivers manually, right-click the device in Device Manager, select "Update Driver Software," and then choose "Browse my computer for driver software" on the initial wizard screen.
The remaining steps are straightforward: navigate to the extracted driver folder and proceed through the wizard.
Performance Evaluation
During testing, Device Doctor performed admirably on our Windows XP system, identifying nine drivers needing updates, all of which were verified as correct. The scan completed in just a few seconds, and the portable version requires no installation, preventing system clutter.
However, results were less consistent on our Windows 7 x64 test systems, with a few incorrect driver suggestions, such as a PS/2 keyboard driver intended for XP.
Given the software's beta status, minor inaccuracies are understandable, and we anticipate improved driver detection in future releases. Selecting the correct drivers is vital for optimal Windows performance.
The developers of Device Doctor have assured us that they are continually adding new Windows 7 drivers, addressing this issue over time.
Which Drivers to Update?
It's not necessary to update every driver on your system constantly. We recommend prioritizing these:
- Network Card Drivers – Regular updates enhance support and reliability, particularly for wireless connections.
- Video Card Drivers – Updated video card drivers are crucial for gamers and can improve overall system speed.
- Chipset Drivers – Proper SATA and motherboard drivers can significantly impact system performance and stability.
- Sound Card Drivers – Maintaining updated sound card drivers is also recommended.
Checking Installed Driver Versions
To determine the version of a currently installed driver, you can open Device Manager, locate the device, and select "Properties" from the right-click menu.
Alternatively, you can utilize Windows Update to search for driver updates, although it often lags behind manufacturer releases and may not offer the latest functionality.
The "Driver" tab displays the manufacturer, date, and version. Note that Microsoft provides drivers for some devices, but switching to the manufacturer's driver, which is typically updated more frequently, is often preferable.
About Device Doctor
The developers of Device Doctor confirmed that the software remains completely free. To cover operational costs, they display advertisements on the driver download page and accept donations.
They actively encourage user feedback to improve the software and provide a valuable, free service. You can report incorrect drivers on the download page or share suggestions on their forum. Increased reporting will lead to more accurate detection in the future.