Driver Updating Utilities: Why You Should Never Download Them
The Risks of Driver Updating Utilities
It is strongly advised to avoid downloading driver-updating utilities. Similar to programs marketed for PC cleaning, these tools frequently attempt to extract payment for services that are ultimately unnecessary.
This practice often involves employing scare tactics, warning users of potential blue screens and other system malfunctions.
Why These Tools Are Problematic
Even in scenarios where a driver-updating tool functions flawlessly and the developing company appears reputable, its use remains unwarranted – and certainly not worth any financial investment.
Consider steering clear of such applications altogether. Your system is best maintained through other methods.
Alternative Approaches to Driver Management
- Windows Update: Regularly check for driver updates through Windows Update.
- Manufacturer Websites: Download drivers directly from the websites of your hardware manufacturers.
- Device Manager: Utilize the Device Manager in Windows to manually update drivers.
These alternatives provide a safer and more reliable approach to keeping your system's drivers current, without the risks associated with third-party utilities.
An Examination of DriverUpdate.net
Related: PC Cleaning Apps are a Scam: Here's Why (and How to Speed Up Your PC)
Recently, advertisements for a Driver Update Utility originating from driverupdate.net have become increasingly prevalent. This heightened visibility is often indicative of potentially undesirable software – similar advertising patterns are observed with PC cleaners, registry optimizers, and game boosters, many of which offer little genuine benefit and primarily aim to generate revenue while introducing unwanted programs to your system.
To spare you the risk, we undertook the installation of this software ourselves. It's a process we strongly advise against replicating. Initially, DriverUpdate performs a scan of your computer’s drivers at no cost, subsequently offering a paid subscription of $30 for a year of automated driver updates. This is the stated promise, however.
The program’s initial presentation includes a claim of being associated with a "Microsoft Gold Certified Partner." It’s crucial to understand that this designation does not equate to an official endorsement from Microsoft. Furthermore, the installation process attempts to install additional, unwanted software.
Following installation, DriverUpdate conducted a system scan, reporting 14 outdated drivers on our test machine, with several labeled as “ancient.” This assessment occurred on a freshly installed Windows 8.1 system, only a few months old, and utilizing the most current drivers available from the manufacturer at the time of installation. The claim of drivers dating back to 2006 is demonstrably false.
Should you attempt to update your drivers through the utility, a warning is presented stating that existing drivers “can cause problems, system slowdowns and bluescreen errors.” While technically accurate, such issues are relatively uncommon. Conversely, updated drivers can also introduce instability, performance degradation, or blue-screen errors due to newly introduced bugs. The risks are balanced.
The tool then requests a $30 annual fee to "Fix current device driver problems," "Benefit from new driver features," and "Prevent future system problems." The likelihood of drivers offering genuinely new features is minimal, and the assertion that current drivers pose a threat of “future system problems” is largely unfounded.
This entire strategy is geared towards persuading users to pay the $30 subscription fee. The "Microsoft Gold Certified Partner" logo is strategically employed to create a false impression of legitimacy.
Tech Support Scams and System Instability
Related: An Account of Interactions with “Tech Support” Scammers at HTG
Reports surfaced on Download.com indicating that users who remit a $30 payment may subsequently receive a call from customer support. During this call, they are informed that a scan during a driver update revealed issues with their computer. Further "repairs" are then offered for several hundred dollars more.
This tactic essentially mirrors the conventional tech support phone scam, but specifically targets individuals who have already demonstrated a willingness to purchase software of dubious value. Additional user accounts detail instances where charges exceeding the initial $30 subscription cost were levied, due to the inclusion of unexpected "add-ons."
Numerous individuals have also reported experiencing system crashes and blue-screen errors following the installation of updated drivers through this application – a predictable outcome. One reviewer suggested exploring alternative solutions, however, no driver-updating utility is necessary.
- It is advisable to avoid all such programs.
These utilities are generally more detrimental than helpful.
Driver Support and Associated Software
Numerous driver update programs have demonstrated problematic behavior. One such utility incorrectly identified a virtual machine environment as a Dell-branded personal computer.
Instances have also been observed where driver updaters prompted users to install drivers for peripheral devices, such as printers, that were not physically connected to the system.
Examining Driver Support
We evaluated another driver-updating application, known as "Driver Support," which operates on a subscription basis, costing $30 annually for driver updates.
The software's assessment was particularly noteworthy; it reported that our test system exhibited a "Low Driver Health" status.
To rectify this perceived issue, the program recommended updating the driver for the "HID-compliant mouse."
This is a fundamental hardware component, and updates to this standard mouse driver are generally unnecessary as it is natively supported by the Windows operating system.
- Important Note: Basic system drivers like those for HID-compliant devices should rarely, if ever, require user-initiated updates.
Such recommendations highlight the potential for these utilities to suggest changes that are not beneficial or required for optimal system performance.
The Myth of Constant Driver Updates
A common misconception exists regarding the necessity of frequent driver updates. In reality, consistently updating all your drivers isn't typically required. The primary exception to this rule lies with gamers who utilize NVIDIA or AMD graphics cards, for whom regular graphics driver updates are beneficial.
Fortunately, both NVIDIA and AMD provide integrated, automated driver update features directly within their graphics driver software, simplifying this process.
Occasional driver updates are delivered through Windows Update, ensuring critical issues are addressed during your routine system updates. Furthermore, Windows automatically acquires the appropriate drivers when new hardware is connected to your computer.
Why Third-Party Driver Updaters Are Unnecessary
Dedicated hardware driver-updating utilities are largely redundant, even assuming they function as advertised. Their purported benefits are minimal given the existing update mechanisms.
This type of software shares similarities with other questionable PC maintenance tools, such as PC cleaners and registry cleaners. It often relies on instilling fear in users to promote its services.
The core strategy is to create a sense of urgency or concern, prompting users to purchase their often-unnecessary services. This tactic is frequently employed by dubious software advertised online.
- Driver updates are primarily important for gamers using dedicated graphics cards.
- Windows Update handles many critical driver updates automatically.
- Third-party driver updaters often offer little to no real value.
Related Information
For those seeking to optimize their gaming experience, information on updating graphics drivers for peak performance can be found elsewhere. However, remember that blanket driver updates aren't generally needed.