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Windows Driver Updates

Martin Brinkmann
Apr 12, 2009
Updated • Nov 26, 2017
Software, Windows software
|
10

One would think that there should be at least some free working tools for the Windows operating system that allow users to scan if drivers installed on the computer system are up to date or need updating.

A user searching for terms like Windows driver updates or driver updates will most likely be disappointed as the top spots are held by commercial products that sometimes promise a free scan but require registration and purchase before the drivers can be downloaded.

There is not really a lot of choice when it comes to free solutions which could be explained by the sheer volume of hardware devices and drivers which require a huge database that gets updated hundreds of times a day. Probably too much work for a group of individuals but excellent for a community project.

DriverMax

driver max

Anyway, some free programs to update Windows drivers exist. We have reviewed Driver Max in the past. The application has made some leaps version wise. It can not only be used to scan for Windows driver updates but also to identify unknown hardware or to perform device driver backups.

Update: DriverMax is available as a limited free version, and a commercial pro version. The free version is limited in regards to driver downloads, scan intervals, and more.

A click on the scan for driver updates button starts the scan of the local system and connected hardware devices.

The scan is fast and requires an Internet connection as information is pulled from the DriverMax servers. The application lists all detected hardware devices in the program interface, and whether updates are available for each of them.

Colors are used to highlight this as well in the interface, with red indicating that the driver is out of date, and green that it is up to date.

Driver Max lists the name of the hardware device, and the driver version. You can move the cursor over any device to select the information icon to display additional information including the old and new driver version, and release dates.

Updates can be ignored, or downloaded and installed from within the software program. It is suggested that you create a backup before you run any driver updates. You can use DriverMax for that, as it ships with that functionality, or use other backup means instead.

DriverMax is configured to check for driver updates every day. You can change that to week or month, and also change the time of day the checks are made. There is also an option to have the program download driver updates automatically if detected.

Another useful feature is the ability to ignore devices in the checks. If you notice false positives for instance, or don't want to update a particular device, then this is your best option to prevent new drivers from being downloaded and installed.

A similar program is 3DP Chip (read: Computer Driver Updates) which will only scan the most important components of a computer system.

Verdict

DriverMax is a handy program for Windows to check for driver updates and download them. The free version is somewhat limited, but scans are not really. This means that you can use the information even if downloads are not available at the time.

Summary
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Software Name
DriverMax
Operating System
Windows
Software Category
Administration
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Comments

  1. billy roy said on June 8, 2013 at 9:01 am
    Reply

    I use slim drivers,free version,and it has never let me down

  2. Paulus said on April 13, 2009 at 2:47 pm
    Reply

    What do you think about the freeware software from WinAudit v2.27?

  3. Tim said on April 13, 2009 at 1:33 pm
    Reply

    Over a few years of experimenting with a plethora or various hardware devices and their drivers I have wondered about the cause/effect with Windows’ character trait of becoming progressively slower to boot and run over time. Following a fresh Window’s installation this is the pattern that occurs every time.

    All sorts of tools abound that promise to clean and quicken the system but I have never found anything effective or which claims to scan for unused driver entrails which might be clogging my system’s arteries.

  4. ADRIAN'S BLOG said on April 12, 2009 at 3:18 pm
    Reply

    I think no effect after change drivers

  5. Transcontinental said on April 12, 2009 at 11:59 am
    Reply

    I’m not sure updating drivers changes much to anything. CPU and RAM remain the only true variables, IMO. An exception perhaps for the video drivers.
    Concerning DriverMax drivers availability, it is a true mess, and unless you know what you’re doing, think twice.

    1. Martin said on April 12, 2009 at 12:29 pm
      Reply

      I agree that you have to verify the findings. Sometimes driver updates boost performance, compatibility, stability and even add new features.

  6. sunkumarspace said on April 12, 2009 at 11:44 am
    Reply

    i think advance system care has one driver update tool which one is also very good and easy

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