A discussion about updating drivers

Just as an example, you would never use windows update to upgrade your Nvidia or AMD video card.

When it comes to laptops, always get the drivers from the manufacturer, if you feel adventurous, then by all means, try to update your drivers.

Never, ever use a driver program to update drivers, that is just lazy and usually cost money and doesn`t work, don`t waste your time with that.

doriandiaconu said:

But what about WUMT getting updates for drivers that were not present on the manufacturer website? (watchdog timer, PCI Bus, etc)

In order to release drivers, manufacturers send them to Microsoft to get WHQL certificate, so MS has them ready first on Microsoft Update Catalog. Some others are not offered by manufacturers, because installing them could damage hardware, so they let Windows to decide, especially those you mention related to voltage, frequency, power management, etc.

doriandiaconu said:

So, since WUMT and WU have the same database (as I suppose), how can the tool access drivers not given to Microsoft?

MS already has them, manufacturers do not, yet.

TrustMe said:

While we’re on the subject, could someone please explain to me what are all these Nvidia updates. I have an early 2012 Ailerware laptop and Nvidia is constantly wanting me to install driver updates. There can not be that many updates for a six year old laptop. I finally had Nvidia stop looking for updates. I never noticed any difference after I Installed them.

One more question, my laptop has Intel graphics and Nvidia graphics. Why does my laptop have two?

I have used WUMT in the past and noticed the same thing about it finding drivers WU does not.

The only time I use Snappy Driver Installer is when Windows doesn’t offer a driver or the OEM drivers don’t work. I was recently given a Dell desktop that originally came with XP. I first upgraded to Windows 7 and then to Windows 10. The only problem was getting sound to work. Snappy Driver Installer did the trick. I really like the program.

For anyone who may read this there are two versions of Snappy Driver Installer. The original author of the program sold it to a third party. I have read it contains adware and other things. The one I use is open source and a spin-off of the original. No ads, no limitations, it just works. If you want to try Snappy Driver Installer make sure to download the open source program.

A lot of GPU driver upgrades/updates are just fixes for certain games. If you don't play them those updates are useless.
Your laptop has two GPUs because one is in the processor and another one is a dedicated GPU, Thru drivers, OS and programs/games should seamlessly switch between them depending on the load. The one within processor is used for desktop and most 2D applications while dedicated one is used mostly for 3D and games. Dedicated ones need more power so it's switched off when not needed.

Hi All,

A while back in 2015 MS silently issued an update KB3073930 - last updated Nov 2017
That was supposed to enable the HIDE option for Driver updates
As i've not had a need to hide any updates i didnt install it
So i dont know if it works as advertised
Im sure someone will try it now and post the results


https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/...ling-in-window

Roy

EDIT
see also KB3183922, does the same