Windows 7 - Should I trust Intel's Driver Update utility or Windows Update?

Windows Update is not telling me I need or can update my Wireless networking, but Intel's Update Driver Utility says I should and is offering the update. How would you recommend I proceed?

G'day Rolo,

The difference between the two drivers is that the Windows one is digital signed/tested by Microsoft. I would say that unless the Intel one delivers more benefit than the Windows one, and everything works as expected, then there is no need to update.

You often see this with graphics card drivers too, for example.

Regards,
Golden

I'll wait then , thanks a bunch

p.s. Are you telling me that Windows Update will release signed Nvidia drivers from time to time? I never knew that cause I always get my drivers from Nvidia website.

In my opinion, it's best to get drivers from the manufacturer's website, not from windows update.

I was just offered a Windows update for an Intel driver a few days ago. It's the first time I've seen that but I do the driver updates directly from Intel. I usually check weekly. I checked and the update from MS was older than what I have. I didn't install it.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. I never update device drivers unless I have a problem. Very often the fixes are for some exotic feature that none of us is using and you always have the risk of creating new problems. Programming is an art, not a science.

Correct - they do. If you ever uninstall your Nvidia card and then, boot Windows, initially it will just use one of its own drivers, but eventually Windows Update will deliver an Nvidia driver that has been certified by Microsoft. Of course, it will be a few versions older than what is currently available directly from Nvidia.

I suscribe to Wolfgangs theory about if its not broken don't fix it - I notice very little difference between versions.

Regards,
Golden

I agree with all drivers except video, assuming the system is used for gaming. If so, then I'd always want the latest video card drivers loaded. Aside from that, in this example, if my wireless network connections were working as expected, I wouldn't bother trying a new driver.

I can also confirm that Windows Updates will offer the NVIDIA graphics driver, but it'll be an optional one.

If you decide you don't want it, just right-click it and choose Hide. You won't be offered it again.

Personally, I think with the graphics you're better to use NVIDIA's own drivers, but as my esteemed colleagues have already said, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Windows 7 is pretty good at taking care of business.

Windows graphics drivers are invariably next to useless.

I go to Nvidia for GFX drivers for this (GT555M 2gb) and the desktop (GeForce 5700 256mb), and intel for the 4500MHD drivers in the AS5735.

You take a serious performance hit in gaming using the Windows drivers. Windows has offered drivers for the
4500MHD, but they seriously degraded performance.

To sum up, always use drivers from the hardware manufacturers if possible.