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Windows Update Sufficient for Driver Updates?
Does the Windows Update in 7 do an adequate job at updating drivers or is there really a practical use of any of the driver update software?
Thanks.
Jack
Windows Update Sufficient for Driver Updates?
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New #2
Windows Update can provide driver updates if set up to do so. Driver update software is generally a waste of time and money, since they invariably charge you for drivers which you can get for free from the hardware manufacturer's website. In addition, these are often a couple or so releases behind, so I recommend just downloading them directly from the manufacturer.
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New #3
Windows Updates will do a fairly good job :)
You will not be behind on driver updates and if you are, it is usually never that crucial.
Don't spend big bucks on software that will update drivers, that are free to download anyways.
Just make sure to have SP1 and check windows updates for optional updates and download only if you think you need it.
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New #4
Whether you rely on Windows Updates or third party software to update drivers, make sure you create a restore point (or better yet, a system image) in case the new driver causes issues.
Case in point: about a week ago Windows Update offered me a new Intel HD Graphics driver. I installed it and started experiencing error messages that Internet Explorer and/or Windows Explorer needed to close. I also got random BSODs for a Bad Pool Header.
Just because there's a new driver available doesn't mean it will make your computer perform better. When it comes to drivers I truly believe in the old saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."
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