When is the best time to do Windows Update in a fresh install?

Again our experiences must be different. Have helped thousands of users in Installation forum and only a tiny fraction were enthusiasts. Almost all are newbies who need detailed steps for the most basic operations, yet we are able to walk them through some of the most complicated partitioning and repair operations imaginable.

At the MVP Global Summit we were given a tour of WHQLabs on MS SeattleCampus and it was made clear that their aim is to include all the drivers needed for Win7 in the installer and via Updates, with few exceptions. They have spent close to a billion dollars on this. Was it all wasted?

Should we continue recommending XP methods from 10 years ago to load drivers from manufacturer after install? I just reinstalled for someone who did that and ended up with a stuttering mess -we would have to help people do nothing else if we recommended that.

We are the top Installation forum for Win7 in the world - with more traffic than all others combined including MS - because we embrace modern methods and improvements.

gregrocker said:

Should we continue recommending XP methods from 10 years ago to load drivers from manufacturer after install?

Sorry but I fail to see what the "XP methods from 10 years ago to load drivers from manufacturer after install" have to do with wanting to get drivers directly from the manufacturer, which tend to be newer, and/or recommended by Microsoft themselves, has to do with old XP methods? A driver install is a driver install. Or did I miss something?

As for issues with drivers, those happen - Whether through Windows Update, or directly from the manufacturer. Heck, even Windows 7 has issues so I can’t say that’s a valid argument. I can also make the argument that getting the drivers from the device manufacturer has cured many a problem.

The one advantage Windows update has is that it identifies your drivers for you - So if your video card needs a driver, it’ll show up in Windows Update. No need to hunt them down. As you say, this is great for a noob who doesn’t feel comfortable with messing with drivers – just click them in Windows Update and you should be good.

However if you want to use your device to its fullest potential, get them from the device manufacturer. Ex: Video card – Windows Update = drivers only – Manufacturer = latest drivers with advanced features. If you consider the advanced features bloatware….. Well…..

The fact that you feel the drivers included in Windows Update are sufficient enough is fine. Others feel differently. I'm not saying your way of thinking is wrong, but our way of thinking isn't wrong either, or XP old.

gregrocker said:

We are the top Installation forum for Win7 in the world - with more traffic than all others combined including MS - because we embrace modern methods and improvements.

And why we also advocate advanced methods. Again, this is also an enthusiast forum - Which is why we have, for example an overclocking forum, and a tutorial forum featuring various tweaks to Windows.
Anyway we can argue this till the cows come home; with both sides having valid points so…..

Peace