Allow Win7x64 to get drivers?  

I was wondering....

I know that windows 7 will find drivers that i need for most things, but my question is letting Windows Update finding the optimal drivers better than downloading the latest from the manufacturer prior to installing windows? For instance, better functionality, less conflict, etc.

I know some drivers are hard to find, even at the manufacturers site, for some odd reason but i usually can manage it. I allow win7 to find drivers that i cannot. I hate how most manufacturers do not give you specific instructions on which order to install, or how to even use them. Only a description of what it applies to, which even then is vague at times. But most times i make do.

So, just to summarize.... Would you guys prefer downloading the latest drivers from the manufacturer... or allow win7 to do it? Where does windows get the drivers it finds, anyway? From the last time it checked with the manufacturer?

Also, How would pull the list of drivers a current computer is using and compile them to a disc? Or better yet, find a disc that has drivers for almost everything on disc (or 1 million lol). If i must make another thread on this let me know.

Sorry if this is a noobie question, but i dont care i will learn how not to be, eventually. LoL.

Hello exitPr0gram,

Speaking from the POV of a somewhat competant Windows user, I would NEVER allow Windows Update to update all my drivers automatically in bulk, IF I can find the original up to date manufacturer's drivers from their own websites or other legitimate sources (like Guru3D for graphics cards for example) first.

The only exception would be the default generic drivers that Windows installs on your system during a fresh installation of Windows for many system devices.. If those work properly and cause you no grief, you can just happily stick with them. Examples would be the CPU drivers, Certain Chipset drivers, and USB drivers...

Windows Update for drivers is a great concept in theory which allows users who are inexperienced or new users to procure their drivers from a single source and prevents a lot of unnecessary grief from installing drivers from suspicious sources that could carry other payloads like malware or viruses.

Also, How would pull the list of drivers a current computer is using and compile them to a disc? Or better yet, find a disc that has drivers for almost everything on disc (or 1 million lol). If i must make another thread on this let me know.

Here's a software that would that do for you.

BooZet Freeware | Double Driver - backup and restore installed drivers

Hope that helps!