Driver Updates

richc46 · 29 Mar 2010

Quite obviously there is a feature of Windows 7 that I misunderstood. I have my updates set to download and notify, including drivers etc. Well, I had a video driver dated in the 90's. About a week ago, I began having freezing problems, and was able to rectify the problem by updating the aforementioned driver. The new driver was dated March 2010.

Since I thought that any new drivers would be delivered via Windows Update, where did I go wrong? The new driver was dated 3/2010, would I have received the driver update if I had waited?

Incidentally, my computer is now working better than ever.

For the information of any reader the new driver is from The ATI -Catlyst Control Center. I think the driver is in very common use.

sygnus21 · 29 Mar 2010

According to the Windows Update Help file.... "Optional updates are not downloaded or installed automatically."

Also...

Optional updates can include updates, drivers, or new software from Microsoft to enhance your computing experience. You need to installed these manually.

Hmmm...I was under the impression that these downloaded automatically as well, though I have WU only download and install "Important" updates.

richc46 · 29 Mar 2010

TY Drew,

I am very surprised. I installed Windows 7 in Oct and was very happy with the performance, until I found this update, and perfomance improved. It really should be automatic, especially since this is a selling point for MS.

sygnus21 · 29 Mar 2010

I always get my drivers from the manufacturer, expecially audio and video.

The latest ATI drivers: Catalyst 10.3 - Drivers & Support | GAME.AMD.COM

Some people like auto updates, some don't. I personally wouldn't want my "drivers" automatically updated for a varity of reasons, especially video. I do however have the important updates to download and install automatically.

That's me though.

richc46 · 29 Mar 2010

Thats where I got my update. Thanks again.

Phone Man · 29 Mar 2010

The vendor must summit the drivers to MS to be tested and certified before they are included in updates. They are Windows Hardware Quality Labs (WHQL) certified or signed drivers. The vendors will release new drivers on their web site long before they are available through MS Updates.

Jim