To maintain the normal operation of the computer, it is necessary to update drivers from time to time, but searching for and installing them manually is boring and time consuming. And why? After all, this work is easy to automate. Today we will consider the ten best programs for updating drivers on PCs and laptops of all brands and models.
Intel Driver Update Utility Installer is a proprietary utility for finding and updating drivers for any Intel products (processors, system logic, network devices, drives, server components, and more). Compatible with Windows XP, 7 and newer editions of this system.
The hardware of the PC on which it is installed is automatically recognized by the utility. Checking for new versions of drivers on the Intel website is done by clicking the "Search" button, downloading and installing - at the request of the user.
In addition, the Intel Driver Update Utility Installer allows you to find and download drivers for any other Intel devices of your choice from the list (option "Search manually").
The developers warn that the application installs only typical drivers that do not take into account the features of a particular brand of computer. Therefore, before launching it, it is worth visiting the website of the manufacturer of your PC or laptop and checking if there is anything suitable there.
AMD Driver Autodetect
AMD Driver Autodetect is a similar proprietary tool from AMD. Designed to keep drivers of video cards of this brand up to date (except for AMD FirePro).
After installation, the utility will monitor the relevance of video drivers and ensure their timely updates. It automatically detects the model of the video card installed on the PC, as well as the bit depth and version of the operating system. When launched, it checks to see if there is a fresh driver on the AMD website. If there is, it informs about it and offers to download it. To start the installation, the user just needs to confirm his consent by clicking on the "Install" button.
AMD Driver Autodetect is also available exclusively for Windows.
NVIDIA Update
NVIDIA Update is a proprietary Windows utility for installing drivers for NVIDIA devices. Like AMD Driver Autodetect, it independently recognizes hardware models and checks for the latest driver on the manufacturer's website. The decision to install is up to the user.
Driver Pack Solution
DriverPack Solution is a lifesaver for service engineers, system administrators and those who earn extra money by providing services for installing Windows and programs. The application is a huge collection of drivers for devices of various brands and models, as well as a module for installing them.
DriverPack Solution is released in two versions - online and offline.
- The online distribution is designed to be used on a PC that has an Internet connection. Its difference is a small file size (285 Kb). After starting, the program scans Windows for installed drivers and the relevance of their versions, after which it connects to the database (on its own server) and performs automatic updates.
- The offline distribution (size 10.2 Gb) is intended for installing drivers on a machine that is not connected to the Internet. In addition to the installer, it comes with a database of 960,000 drivers for Windows 7, XP, Vista, 8 (8.1) and 10, both for 32 bit and 64 bit. After launch, the scanning module recognizes device types and installs drivers from its own offline database.
The online version of DriverPack Solution is convenient for permanent home use. In addition to keeping drivers up to date, it allows the user to automatically install and update individual applications, remove software junk, view a list of equipment, information about the operating system and computer security.
The offline version is an emergency solution. Its task is not to select the best, but simply the right driver to start the device. And then update it online.
DriverPack Solution and the proprietary utilities listed above are completely free.
Driver Genius
Driver Genius is a universal driver management tool. The latest edition of the program is the sixteenth, optimized for Windows 8 and 10, but can also run on older systems.
In addition to updating the versions of installed drivers, Driver Genius can:
- Create backup copies of drivers and save them as archives - regular and self-extracting, as well as in the form of an installer (exe). To restore from a backup, you do not need to use Driver Genius.
- Remove unused and failed drivers.
- Display information about computer hardware.
The backup feature is a real treasure for those who frequently reinstall Windows. However, the program itself is by no means a gift: the cost of one license is $29.95. You can use it for free only for 30 days.
Snappy Driver Installer
Snappy Driver Installer is an application created by one of the developers of DriverPack Solution and has a lot in common with the latter. Also available in two versions: SDI Lite and SDI Full.
- The SDI Lite variant is a module for recognizing devices and searching for suitable drivers on the Internet. Its size is 3.6 Mb. It does not have its own base.
- The SDI Full option is an installation module plus a base (31.6 Gb). Designed to install drivers regardless of Internet access.
Features of Snappy Driver Installer:
- Works without installation (only portable version, can be run from a flash drive or DVD).
- Completely free - no premium features or ads.
- With an improved selection algorithm, which is based on the principle of "do no harm".
- It has a high scanning speed.
- Creates a system restore point before installing the driver.
- Allows you to change themes according to the user's choice.
- Multilingual (there is a version in Russian, Ukrainian and other national languages).
- Adapted for Windows 10.
driver booster
iObit Driver Booster is an application loved by gamers. Available in editions Free - free, and Pro - paid. The subscription price for the latter is 590 rubles per year.
Driver Booster has one single function - scanning the system for outdated drivers and installing updates in one click. And not simple updates, but (according to the developers) tuned games to improve performance.
is a free and very simple utility for installing and updating PC drivers based on Windows 7, 8 and 10. Its database includes only original, signed drivers from the official websites of equipment manufacturers.
The application is designed for users with no experience. Support for the Russian language, a minimum of settings and one-button control practically exclude the possibility of confusing or breaking something. And if the new driver is not suitable, DriverHub will remove it from the system and return the old one to its place.
All features of DriverHub:
- Search for missing, update outdated drivers and additional software. Automatic installation.
- Simple and expert mode of operation. In expert mode, the user can select a driver from several available ones, in simple mode, the program itself selects the optimal version.
- Daily replenishment of the database of drivers.
- Storage of download history.
- Recovery - roll back drivers to previous versions.
- Display basic information about the computer.
- Launching Windows system utilities from its interface.
DriverMax Free
DriverMax is a free, uncomplicated, English-language utility, the main purpose of which is the same driver update. Unlike other free applications, it has another useful option - creating a system rollback point and backing up installed drivers of the user's choice. As well as restoring from a backup.
After installing DriverMax, it persistently reminds you that it would be nice to register on the site and buy a paid license with advanced features, one of which is fully automatic operation. Annual usage starts at $10.39.
Driver Magician
Driver Magician is the last hero of today's review. I had 2 versions in the recent past, one of which was free. Today there is only a paid one with a 13-day trial period. The cost of the license is $29.95.
There is no Russian language in Driver Magician, but it is not difficult to use it. The set of features is about the same as in Driver Genius:
- Scanning and updating.
- Creating backup copies of drivers with the ability to restore both with and without using the program (the backup is saved as a zip archive or installer application).
- Uninstalling the driver.
- Backing up and restoring individual user folders - Internet Explorer Favorites, Desktop and Documents, as well as the system registry (one file).
- Identification of devices unknown to the system.
In the trial period, the program is fully functional. Compatible with any version of Windows.
That, perhaps, is all. Choose what you like best and enjoy.
On a PC or laptop. The article covered mainly manual installation methods, since everyone should know this. Including inexperienced users (everyone was once a beginner).
However, it is not necessary to install them manually. After all, today there are special programs for installing and updating drivers that will do everything for you. A couple of mouse clicks, 15-30 minutes of time - and everything will be configured on your computer or laptop: Internet, sound, video card.
Automatic driver update programs are suitable for all computers and laptops - Acer, Asus, Samsung, Lenovo, HP, etc. There are no exceptions here. They also work on all operating systems - Windows XP, 7, 8, 10.
But there is one caveat: over time, online installers are gradually updated. And maybe newer versions won't support Windows 7 or XP. Therefore, before installing the driver manager, read the system requirements (in particular, the item "Supported operating systems").
The first excellent program (in Russian) -. There are several versions of this utility, including a free one. Its capabilities are more than enough for ordinary users.
Advantages of the Driver Booster program:
- quick scanning of a PC (or laptop);
- displaying the priority of updating devices (shows which it is desirable to update immediately);
- installation is carried out in the background: you press one button and you can go about your business.
Also, this free driver manager automatically creates a system restore point. And if some kind of failure occurs, you can easily roll back to the previous working version.
Another free driver search program is . Considered one of the best. Users are offered 2 installers to choose from - online and offline. And you can choose any (based on the situation).
For example, if you need a free program to install drivers without the Internet, then you need to download an offline installer. It is an ISO file larger than 11 GB (it can be opened via Daemon Tools). Perhaps this is quite a lot, but you will have a program with all the drivers on hand. And it will last at least a year. You just need to write it to a USB flash drive and you can use it if necessary.
If you do not want to download such a large file, and there is Internet on the laptop, then you can use the online installer. It weighs about 300 Kb.
Using this utility is quite simple. Run Driver Pack Solution (any version), wait for it to scan the system and issue a report. Remove the checkmarks from unnecessary items and click "Update". In 15-20 minutes everything will be ready.
Driver Pack Solution also installs additional software: browsers, archivers, etc. If this is unnecessary, do not forget to uncheck the appropriate boxes.
Try . However, this utility also works on Windows 7, 8 and 10.
One of its main advantages is that it is able to find drivers for unknown devices that Windows cannot recognize in any way. This option has repeatedly rescued owners of PCs and laptops.
Its other advantages:
- quick scan - about 2 minutes;
- automatic search and update of drivers;
- simple interface in Russian;
- The installer takes only 21 MB.
3DP Net
Another program is 3DP Net. Recommended for use if there are problems with network controllers. That is, if after reinstalling the OS they are defined as an unknown device, try this installer.
3DP Net takes up very little space, so you can also download it from your phone. Yes, and this program works to install drivers without the Internet. And most importantly: it supports many network cards. Even if you have a rare model installed, the utility will still install a universal driver, and the Internet will appear.
Main feature: she knows how to make backups, i.e. keep all previously installed Windows drivers.
This feature is very useful when reinstalling the operating system. Save your drivers with Driver Checker, install new Windows, and then restore all data from this program. And you don't even have to look for anything.
Main advantage: it scans the system very quickly. Literally in 10-20 seconds! The only negative is that this driver manager is in English (although it is quite easy to use).
After scanning Windows, this utility displays a visual report of what exactly needs to be updated. The drivers are installed one by one.
There are 2 versions of the installer - Free and PRO. The features of the free program are more than enough, so you can install it if necessary.
Best suited for those who do not trust the various installers and want to control the entire process themselves. He copes with this task perfectly.
The utility will scan the system, after which it will give you links from where you can download the drivers yourself. As a result, you don’t have to look for them on the manufacturer’s website: just click “Download” and install.
By the way, if you need a program to update video card drivers, it's best to use the native utility. For Nvidia models, this is GeForce Experience (installed automatically when a new driver is installed), and for Radeon models, AMD Gaming Evolved. In this case, it is recommended to update the drivers for the video card through them (without using third-party installers).
Not all users are well versed in the PC. When they need to install software for computer hardware, they have a question: “Is there a utility for installing Windows 7 drivers?”.
Software for installing drivers
Many such utilities and programs have been developed. Consider the TOP 5 best tools for installing firewood on a PC.
Driver Genius
Driver Genius is an excellent online driver installation application for Windows 7. It has several useful features:
- Create a backup copy of installed drivers.
- Search and removal of non-working, faulty firewood.
- View information about the hardware installed on your computer.
The only negative of the program is its cost, equal to $29.95.
This application was created by one of the developers of DriverPack Solution. It contains a huge software base. There are two versions of Snappy Driver Installer:
- Lite. The application downloads the necessary firewood from the Internet.
- full. The program already contains an extensive software base. Such a distribution kit weighs about 40 GB.
The app is free and supports many languages.
Auslogix Driver Updater is another good solution for automatically installing drivers on Windows 7. It has a nice interface and a good system scanner. The only negative is that the program is paid, and it is impossible to update drivers without buying a license.
The last app in my review is the Mohican Driver. Among its functions it is worth noting:
- Identification of equipment, search and installation of software.
- Create software backup.
- Removing firewood.
- Detection of unknown devices.
You can use Driver Magician for free for 13 days, then you need to buy a license.
Conclusion
If you do not want to manually search for software, use the programs for automatically installing drivers for Windows 7 from this TOP.
Drivers, as programs that control computer hardware and some virtual devices, are one of the most important components of the entire system. And for the correct operation of all equipment, they must be installed and updated in a timely manner. What program for searching for drivers and installing them into the system is best suited for such procedures? Let's analyze this issue and dwell on the tools offered by Windows systems, as well as on third-party most popular software products.
Installing drivers using Windows
At the stage of system installation or in the event of some failures in the operation of devices, they can use the system's own tools. The built-in program for finding and installing Windows drivers works on the basis of its own database, which can be stored on a computer hard drive or an installation distribution kit on optical or USB media.
Access to this system tool can be obtained from the "Device Manager", which is called through the "Control Panel" or the devmgmt.msc command in the "Run" console. Here it is enough to select the desired device, and then use either the context menu or the property bar, where the driver update is selected. But for some non-standard devices, using this database is not possible, because the system installs the most suitable driver from its point of view, and not the one that might be required. In addition, this tool does not automatically update drivers (only at the request of the user).
Rating of programs for finding and installing drivers
Thus, for partial or complete automation of the driver update process, you need to use third-party programs, the most popular of which are the following:
- Driver Pack Solution.
- driver booster.
- SlimDrivers.
- Driver Scanner.
- Driver Genius Pro, etc.
DriverPack Solution
It is considered that this utility is the best program for finding and installing drivers. First, it is absolutely free. Secondly, its database of information on any of the known types of devices is the most complete. Thirdly, the application updates drivers exclusively through a search on the official resources of equipment manufacturers on the Internet.
However, if there is no connection, but if there is a disk with the distribution kit, which, in addition to the installation files, includes the same driver database, you can use this tool. Scanning occurs automatically, after which it is proposed to install or update the drivers of the corresponding equipment. If the driver will be installed using the system tools, at the stage of choosing the location from which the installation will be performed, you will need to specify the appropriate media.
Program for automatic search and installation of drivers Windows Driver Booster
In second place is the Driver Booster utility. This program for searching for drivers and installing them automatically is somewhat reminiscent of the previous package, but, unlike it, it does not have its own database of drivers, but works exclusively via the Internet.
You can install both the free Free version and the paid Pro version, which has extended driver support. But it needs a license, which costs about 400 rubles and is valid for a year. However, in practice, the regular version of Free is enough, which copes with its duties just as well. True, sometimes the user will observe the constant appearance of messages about updating the program itself, but there is nothing to worry about.
Slim Driver package
This program for searching for drivers and installing them on all computer devices is somewhat similar to previous utilities, but has a number of features.
One of the most convenient features is that the drivers can be backed up if necessary. In addition to everything, when scanning, the application not only determines the devices for which you need to install or update drivers, but also displays obsolete components that can be removed from the system so that their keys do not clog the registry, and the drivers themselves do not cause conflicts after updating. At the same time, the program removes outdated drivers on its own and completely automatically without user intervention.
Driver Scanner and Driver Genius Pro utilities
These two utilities are very similar to each other, but the first is free and is designed for the average user due to the almost complete automation of any process, and the second is released in a paid version and has several more features (although you can also use a very functional demo version for review).
Among their features, a serious system for creating driver backups can be noted, but Driver Genius Pro, a program for searching for drivers and installing them on a computer, has the ability to create a backup copy of a complete package of installed or updated drivers in the form of ordinary ZIP archives, self-extracting SFX archives, or even in the form of installers EXE format, which makes the recovery process faster and more reliable.
What to prefer?
What to choose from all that is offered on the software market today to automate the processes of searching, installing and updating drivers? I think the first two programs (DriverPack Solution and Driver Booster Free) are more suitable for the average user, since they are completely easy to use and are free. The remaining utilities are mostly designed specifically for creating backups after searching for drivers or integrating them into the system. It is worth noting here that the Driver Genius Pro utility is more designed for those who, due to their specifics, very often have to repair or configure computer equipment at a professional level. The SlimDrivers and Driver Scanner programs are “sharpened” for use by ordinary users who, in addition to automatically updating or installing drivers, also want to get a simple backup tool for possible subsequent recovery in case of system failures.
Each manufacturer releases updates for their software, and drivers are no exception. They are necessary for the stable operation of the computer itself, namely the operating system. You need to update them constantly, because outdated versions of drivers can also stop working or show an error in the process. Even if the PC is stable, it will be useful to check it for new versions.
So how do you update drivers? The most reliable and high-quality method is to go to the manufacturer's websites and download manually. However, this solution is one of the slowest. A free program for will become the best friend for those who are lazy and do not want to visit various pages in search of a new version of this or that.
How do programs work? Their principle of operation is to scan by ID numbers for each driver and search for it in their database. If a new version is released, the utility replaces it. There are many manufacturers in the list of programs, so they can find even the rarest software. Therefore, thanks to specialized software, updating drivers on a PC will not become a slow process.
Driver Pack Solution
The program does not have a paid version, which already attracts users. The direct purpose of the utility is to update drivers that work on the Windows operating system. Development ended in 2008. The chief engineer was the Russian author A. Kuzyakov. For many, DriverPack is the best software for updating drivers. This is due to the fact that it is able to update without an Internet connection. Thanks to its own database, which stores all available new versions of drivers, it works stably, and failures are extremely rare.
In addition to searching and replacing available programs, "DriverPack" is able to look for high-quality codecs and offer them to the user. This is a rather useful feature.
This driver updater (also available in Russian) is on the open source network. Because of this, so-called clones often appear, which are no different from the original. The only difference is that they have a couple of new options.
driver booster
This program has many disadvantages, but it does its job perfectly. When you first start the application, it automatically searches for the required update. When the list is complete, the utility shows what state the driver is in. What's more, when you highlight a particular piece of software, Driver will explain how installing a newer version will help speed up and improve your computer.
Unfortunately, this program for updating Windows drivers in a newer update (from 3.1) installs its own set of utilities without asking the user. These include applications such as browsers, as well as a couple of viruses. The latter practically do not pose a threat to the system, but damage the disk. The Driver interface encourages users to buy the paid version. If we consider this program in detail, we can say that it is made in such a way that a person acquires a license. It costs $10.
Device Doctor
The best free driver updater is Device Doctor. Unfortunately, it does not have a Russian version, but the interface is still very clear. This application can be safely added to the list of quality utilities that do their job with a bang. However, some points still require attention from developers.
What could be wrong with this program? The fact that after looking for non-updated drivers, it offers manual download links. It is not comfortable. Moreover, the application does not have a rollback function to the original state of the computer. In any case, in order to avoid unstable operation of the “OS” (everything can happen), you will have to do this and create a restore point for the previous state of the computer. It should be noted that Device is stable on all Windows: from XP to 10.
Driver Detective
Driver Detective is a convenient (albeit paid) and best driver updater. The app does its job very well. The advantage of the full version is the ability to automatically download updates.
In particular, it will become useful after reinstalling Windows. The application itself determines the version of the operating system, its bit depth. Driver optimizes and improves the performance of your computer by installing new versions of drivers. All that is required from the user is to click on the "install" button. The application will do the rest for the person.
According to people's reviews, we can say that on the latest versions of Windows, unfortunately, the program sometimes stops working. Maybe because it is still under development.
3DP Chip
In the ranking of "Best driver updater" this application is not the last. It can be used and fully trusted. Unlike many utilities, it does not "crash" into RAM, but only superficially installed. It does not require many resources to install drivers - only an Internet connection. 3DP will pay special attention to the video and sound card. After all, they are one of the most important components of the operating system.
During installation, the antivirus may “swear”, recognizing the application as a virus object. But do not attach great importance to this. Windows defenders sometimes decode the application code incorrectly, resulting in a false alarm. There is nothing to fear, because 3DP has been tested by many users.
Driver Reviver
And the last best driver updater is Driver Reviver. It will constantly scan in order to provide the user with fresh and working applications.
Sometimes some errors occur due to which an infected driver is downloaded to the computer. This software is able to recognize it and remove it if the user so desires. The interface is intuitive, there are no problems during operation.
Driver's reliability has been proven by many of the world's leading companies, who also recommend it. A lot of time can be spent looking for a special driver, for example, for a scanner or printer. The program will be able to find it in a matter of minutes and immediately download it to your PC.
