Do I want to install nVidia drivers from Microsoft?

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  1. Posts : 127
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       #1

    Do I want to install nVidia drivers from Microsoft?


    Hi,

    Windows Update shows this (optional) driver published 3/24/14:

    nVidia - Graphics Adapter WDDM1.1, Graphics Adapter WDDM1.2, Graphics Adapter WDDM1.3 - NVIDIA GeForce GTX 760
    nVidia Graphics Adapter WDDM1.1, Graphics Adapter WDDM1.2, Graphics Adapter WDDM1.3 software update released in November, 2013

    Shouldn't I trust more the drivers from nVidia?

    A search of Microsoft update catalog I see this driver with a last updated date of 11/28/2013 but the version # is 1.3.30.1.

    The current release from nVidia is version 335.23.

    So the version numbers are not even close. Not quite sure why I would want to download this driver?

    Can someone help answer this?

    Thank you
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 2,409
    Windows 7 Professional 32-bit/Windows 8 64-bit/Win7 Pro64-bit
       #2

    Always download your drivers from manufacturer website if possible.
    Last edited by Brink; 26 Mar 2014 at 10:01. Reason: removed unneeded comment
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 19,383
    Windows 10 Pro x64 ; Xubuntu x64
       #3

    The drivers from Windows Update are Microsoft Certified, meaning they are extensively tested before being released to the public. These drivers are far less likely to conflict with the OS, but the downside is that they are not as recent as those available from the NVidia site.

    A general rule of thumb is to use the latest driver available from the NVidia site. If you experience video problems (e.g. video-related BSOD), then uninstall that driver completely, reboot the computer, then run Windows Update and download and install the NVidia driver that is recommended.

    If you have no need for the specific capabilities that the latest NVidia driver delivers, use the driver offered by Windows Update. The driver offered by Windows Update will meet most peoples requirements in terms of general use.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 127
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       #4

    Thank you Golden for being an adult & the very good advice.
    Last edited by newpgm; 12 Jun 2014 at 15:10.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 2,409
    Windows 7 Professional 32-bit/Windows 8 64-bit/Win7 Pro64-bit
       #5

    My apologies newpgm. I will never do it again to other members.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 5
    windows 7 home basic
       #6

    in theorical:

    drivers you get from nvidia website
    *can cause problems with windows
    *is better gaming performance choice may be

    drivers you get from microsoft
    *worse performance may be
    *less crash
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 25,847
    Windows 10 Pro. 64/ version 1709 Windows 7 Pro/64
       #7

    I download nVidia driver 335.23 on two computer without any problems.
    Normally when Windows Updates offers the driver update the drivers have been out for quite a while and tested to make sure they work well with Windows 7.
    This statement is not gospel just my opinion.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 13,576
    Windows 10 Pro x64
       #8

    And once you install the drivers from nVidia, video driver updates should not show up anymore in windows update. :)
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 127
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       #9

    Hi & thank you to everyone for contributing :)

    Currently I am on version 331.82 release date 11/19/2013. Not absolutely sure but I think there have been two Driver Updates since, 335.23 being the last. I am not a gamer & summary highlights for both updates appear to be geared towards gaming.
    e.g. - Shadow Play gaming tech, SLI (My MB supports only one GPU) tech for Diablo III & other games, enhanced performance for GTX750, 3D Vision - more gaming I'm guessing?

    In short the GTX 760 is performing in superb fashion & I decided to just let it ride with version 331.82 until I see something in the Highlight Summary that applies to my setup, which is general use multi-purpose PC.

    So have hidden the Microsoft update.

    thanks again
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 25,847
    Windows 10 Pro. 64/ version 1709 Windows 7 Pro/64
       #10

    If things are working properly at this time with the old drives their is no emergency to change them.
    Just hide the the driver update in the Windows Update and it will quiet bothering you.
      My Computer


 
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