Is it safe to download drivers from Windows Update?

I remember in Vista almost everyone said not to download drivers from Microsoft Update. But is it now safe in Windows 7? I think it is because I had downloaded a driver from HP and it caused problems. I downloaded a driver from the manufacturer website. It still caused problems. I tried it through Microsoft Update seeing as I had nothing else to lose and no problems. Is it just me or everyone else? I will add a poll to see results.

One of the biggest changes with Windows 7 is that MS funded the (WHQL) partnership with all manufacturers to build drivers for Windows 7.

So because they paid the bill, they have the drivers first in the installer, during install if you stay connected to the internet, and continuously as newer are made available via Windows Updates.

And because MS paid the bill, they were able to persuade manufacturers to not drag their feet producing drivers for compatible software so that customers are forced to buy new hardware as in Vista.

That's why I look forward to new drivers from Windows Update, which are probably more current than the manufacturer's website.

As always, if Updates are problematic, use the restore point which is set with each one to troubleshoot the exact Update which is causing the problem. And remember MS supports Updates via email on the Update website.

Windows update is the only place to get my GMA500 driver for Windows 7, and it is MUCH better than the Vista one.

I've had no problem with drivers from MS update and encourage clients to accept all MS updates...

It's safe, but if there are drivers available on the manufacturer's website, I personally recommend those, particularly for video drivers.

I voted YES

i agree, best to get your drivers from the manufacturer themselves, however, the drivers you get from Update seem to work without issue.
Worst case scenario: the device will only have limited functionality untill you DL and install the most up-to-date from the manufacturer.
But it will work.