Updating Drivers


  1. Posts : 190
    Windows 10, 22H2 10.0.19045
       #1

    Updating Drivers


    Any thoughts on "Snappy Driver Installer Origin" for updating drivers that MS seems to install generic drivers for? I've never played with drivers in the past and just wondering if there's any benefit to using a third party program.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 5,443
    Windows 11 Home
       #2

    Drivers are no different from windows updates, they fix security issues and introduce new features. MS keeps drivers updated, but only in its own database, but they are available, if you know, what to look for, but in order to do so, you need to know the driver version and 3rd party software helps to find missing/outdated drivers. MS do not risk updating those, because they might break something. Many people have issues and they do not know it is because of bad drivers, like BSOD due to hardware acceleration or network failures. Like 10 uses Realtek LAN driver from 2015, but the version from 2021 is available and it helps to fix issues.

    https://www.catalog.update.microsoft...%20net%2010.47
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 190
    Windows 10, 22H2 10.0.19045
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Read through a good number of posts here and the overwhelming general consensus is to leave well enough alone. Done!
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 2,123
    Windows 11 Pro (latest update ... forever anal)
       #4

    SDI Origin is my "go to" driver update software ... but ONLY if and when absolutely needed !!!

    Driver updates for the sake of it (even though driver management software suggest/recommend/offer) is *NOT* recommended.

    If it ain't broke, it don't need fixin'
      My Computers


  5. Posts : 4,594
    Windows 10 Pro
       #5

    I agree, no reason for it.
      My Computers


  6. Posts : 5,899
    Win 11 Pro (x64) 22H2
       #6

    I actually disagree.

    I update my drivers anytime a new one is released since it lessons the chance of an issue popping up or fixes those that potentially pose a problem down the road. Been doing that since I got into building PC's in 1998.

    Those practicing the "if it ain't broke" philosophy are usually the ones scrambling for drivers and updates to fix an issue they've run into

    That said, I personally don't use third party programs to manage my drivers unless it is a vendor specific program, and only for laptops. Example Lenovo Vantage - which manages driver and BIOS updates for my Lenovo laptop.
      My Computers


  7. Posts : 5,443
    Windows 11 Home
       #7

    sygnus21 said:
    That said, I personally don't use third party programs to manage my drivers unless it is a vendor specific program, and only for laptops. Example Lenovo Vantage - which manages driver and BIOS updates for my Lenovo laptop.
    Unfortunately manufacturers are the first one to abandon their products, especially laptop ones, usually within 2-3 years. My laptop does not even officially support 10, so I had a hard time finding a working driver.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 5,899
    Win 11 Pro (x64) 22H2
       #8

    TairikuOkami said:
    Unfortunately manufacturers are the first one to abandon their products, especially laptop ones, usually within 2-3 years. My laptop does not even officially support 10, so I had a hard time finding a working driver.
    Yeah, I'm aware of that; however, do remember not all drivers are updated by Windows - soundcards for example. Also, while Windows does provide some base drivers not all get updated.

    At any rate there's always going to be some exception to a rule, but generally speaking, update drivers when available, and use the vendor specific drivers where available as they're generally more recent; remember Microsoft gets most drivers from the device manufacturer.

    This is a good short read - Should You Use the Hardware Drivers Windows Provides, or Download Your Manufacturer’s Drivers?, and one I've been preaching forever.
      My Computers


 

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