To maintain normal operation of your computer, you need to update drivers from time to time, but searching for and installing them manually is tedious and time-consuming. And why? After all, this work is easy to automate. Today we'll look at ten best programs to update drivers on PCs and laptops of any brands and models.
Intel Driver Update Utility Installer is a proprietary utility for searching and updating drivers for any Intel product (processors, system logic, network devices, drives, server components, etc.). Compatible with Windows XP, 7, and newer editions of this system.
The utility automatically recognizes the PC hardware on which it is installed. Checking for new driver versions on the Intel website is carried out by clicking the “Search” button, downloading and installing at the user’s request.
In addition, the Intel Driver Update Utility Installer allows you to find and download drivers for any other Intel devices you choose from the list (“Search manually” option).
The developers warn that the application installs only standard drivers that do not take into account the characteristics of a particular brand of computer. Therefore, before you launch it, you should visit the website of the manufacturer of your PC or laptop and check if there is anything suitable there.
AMD Driver Autodetect
AMD Driver Autodetect is a similar proprietary tool from AMD. Designed to keep drivers for video cards of this brand up to date (except AMD FirePro).
After installation, the utility will monitor the relevance of video drivers and ensure they are updated in a timely manner. It automatically detects the model of the video card installed on the PC, as well as the bit depth and version of the operating system. Once launched, it checks to see if there is a new driver on the AMD website. If there is one, it reports it and offers to download it. To begin the installation, the user just needs to confirm his consent by clicking on the “Install” button.
AMD Driver Autodetect is also available exclusively in Windows version.
NVIDIA Update
NVIDIA Update is a proprietary Windows utility for installing drivers on NVIDIA devices. Like AMD Driver Autodetect, it independently recognizes hardware models and checks for the availability of the latest driver on the manufacturer's website. The decision about installation remains with the user.
DriverPack Solution
DriverPack Solution is a lifesaver for service engineers, system administrators and those who earn extra money by providing installation services for Windows and programs. The application is a huge collection of drivers for devices of various brands and models, as well as a module for installing them.
DriverPack Solution released in two versions - online and offline.
- The online distribution is intended for use on a PC that has an Internet connection. Its difference is its small file size (285 Kb). After launch, the program scans Windows for installed drivers and the relevance of their versions, after which it connects to the database (on its own server) and performs automatic updates.
- The offline distribution (size 10.2 Gb) is intended for installing drivers on a machine not connected to the Internet. In addition to the installer, it includes a database of 960,000 drivers for Windows 7, XP, Vista, 8 (8.1) and 10, both 32 bit and 64 bit. After launch, the scanning module recognizes device types and installs drivers from its own offline database.
The online version of DriverPack Solution is convenient for regular home use. In addition to monitoring the relevance of drivers, it gives the user the opportunity to automatically install and update individual applications, remove software junk, view a list of equipment, information about the operating system and computer security.
The offline version is an emergency solution. Its task is to select not the best, but simply the appropriate driver to start the device. And in the future update it via the Internet.
DriverPack Solution and the proprietary utilities listed above are completely free.
Driver Genius
Driver Genius is a universal driver management tool. The latest edition of the program is the sixteenth, optimized for Windows 8 and 10, but can also run on older systems.
In addition to updating the versions of installed drivers, Driver Genius can:
- Create backup copies of drivers and save them in the form of archives - regular and self-extracting, as well as in the form of an installer program (exe). To restore from a backup, you do not need to use Driver Genius.
- Remove unused and faulty drivers.
- Display information about computer hardware.
The backup function is a real treasure for those who often reinstall Windows. However, the program itself is not a gift: the cost of one license is $29.95. You can use it for free for only 30 days.
Snappy Driver Installer
Snappy Driver Installer is an application created by one of the developers of DriverPack Solution and has a lot in common with the latter. Also available in two versions: SDI Lite and SDI Full.
- The SDI Lite option is a module for recognizing devices and searching for suitable drivers on the Internet. Its size is 3.6 Mb. It does not have its own base.
- The SDI Full option is an installation module plus a base (31.6 Gb). Designed to install drivers regardless of Internet access.
Features of Snappy Driver Installer:
- Works without installation (portable version only, can be run from a flash drive or DVD).
- Completely free - no premium features or ads.
- With an improved selection algorithm, which is based on the “do no harm” principle.
- Features high scanning speed.
- Before installing the driver, it creates a system restore point.
- Allows you to change design themes according to the user's choice.
- Multilingual (there is a version in Russian, Ukrainian and other national languages).
- Adapted for Windows 10.
Driver Booster
iObit Driver Booster is a fan-favorite app computer games. It is produced in editions Free - free, and Pro - paid. The cost of subscription to the latter is 590 rubles per year.
Driver Booster has one single function - scanning the system for outdated drivers and installing updates in one click. And not simple updates, but (according to the developers) tuned to improve the performance of games.
is a free and very simple utility for installing and updating PC drivers based on Windows 7, 8 and 10. Its database includes only original, signed drivers from the official websites of equipment manufacturers.
The application is designed for users with no experience. Russian language support, a minimum of settings and one-button control virtually eliminate the possibility of something being confused or broken. And if the new driver turns out to be unsuitable, DriverHub will remove it from the system and replace the old one.
All DriverHub features:
- Search for missing ones, update outdated drivers and additional software. Automatic installation.
- Simple and expert operating mode. In expert mode, the user can select a driver from several available ones; in simple mode, the program itself selects the optimal version.
- Daily updating of the driver database.
- Storing download history.
- Restore - rollback drivers to previous versions.
- Displays basic information about your computer.
- Launching system Windows utilities from your interface.
DriverMax Free
DriverMax is a free, simple, English-language utility whose main purpose is to update drivers. Unlike other free applications, it has another useful option - creating a system rollback point and a backup of installed drivers of the user's choice. As well as restoring from a backup.
After installation, DriverMax persistently reminds you that it would be a good idea to register on the site and buy a paid license with advanced functions, one of which is completely automatic operation. Annual use starts at $10.39.
Driver Magician
Driver Magician is the last hero of today's review. In the recent past, I had 2 versions, one of which was free. Nowadays there is only a paid one with a 13-day trial period. The license cost is $29.95.
There is no Russian language in Driver Magician, but it is not difficult to use. The range of features is approximately the same as in Driver Genius:
- Scan and update.
- Creating backup copies of drivers with the ability to restore both with and without using the program (the backup is saved as a zip archive or an installer application).
- Uninstalling the driver.
- Backup and restore of individual user folders - Internet Explorer Favorites, Desktop and Documents, as well as the system registry (in one file).
- Identification of devices unknown to the system.
During the trial period, the program is fully functional. Compatible with any Windows versions.
That's probably all. Choose what you like best and use it.
All the best to everyone!
No matter how good Windows 10 is, which finds and installs drivers for most equipment automatically, you still have to tinker with the drivers anyway. Judge for yourself: in most cases, the universal drivers that the system installs cannot be customized (and some of the functions are lost, try, for example, optimizing 3D graphics without video card settings...).
That is why I always recommend that after installing Windows 10 (or another OS), update and install all drivers in the system. Fortunately, there is now more than enough software for this task (and there is no need to look for anything anywhere, even if you have not had a “native” disk with drivers for a long time) ...
In this article, I just want to focus on the 5 best (in my opinion) programs in Russian for auto-updating drivers (all programs are compatible with Windows 10, personally tested!).
One of the best programs for working with drivers: searching for new drivers, updating, creating backups, resolving conflicts, etc. - Driver Booster does it all!
After you launch the program for the first time, it will scan your system and provide a report on which drivers can be updated. For example, on my PC it was asked to update 12 old drivers and 5 outdated game components (by the way, if your games are slow or lagging, I definitely recommend trying to update the game components in Driver Booster) .
Driver Booster - offers to update 12 drivers and 5 game components
To start updating drivers, you only need to press one button "Update all"(see screenshot above). By the way, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that Driver Booster makes a backup copy of your old drivers (just in case), and if suddenly something goes wrong with the new drivers, you can always roll back the system.
The update process is completely automatic; the current update status will be shown at the top of the window (example below).
Update process // audio driver installation
After the update, the program will provide you with a full report on the updated drivers and prompt you to restart your PC.
By the way, I also want to add that the program has an error correction wizard, some of the errors are quite common:
- Troubleshooting audio related issues;
- fixing network errors;
- fixing incorrect permission;
- Cleaning disabled devices.
In general, the program is rightfully considered the leader of its niche. It’s probably impossible to update a driver faster and easier than in Driver Booster. The program is completely translated into Russian, compatible with Windows 10 100%!
Perhaps there is one minus: Internet connection required to operate. Those. You cannot update drivers offline (when there is no network).
DriverPack Solution
A huge driver package distributed in a single ISO image, approximately 11 GB in size. The beauty is that this image can work without the Internet, i.e. it can be written to any flash drive/disk and opened on any PC/laptop (note: I also want to note that the program has a second option: download a small EXE file, which, after analyzing your system, will update all the necessary drivers) .
Using the program is very simple: just launch it and wait 20-30 seconds while it analyzes your system. Next, you will be asked to update all drivers, which I recommend not agreeing to, and enable expert mode!
Minus The problem is that DPS, when installed by default, along with drivers, will install a dozen or two (depending on the software version) programs, many of which are simply not needed!
In expert mode, select the drivers you want to update, agree to the operation and wait until it is completed. There are no complaints about the update process - everything goes quickly (at least for me).
Regarding the software...
To install additional popular programs, you can open the tab with the - icon and manually check the boxes next to everything you need (don’t trust the automation in this software!).
By the way, DriverPack Solution has another interesting feature: the program provides help for your antivirus. It can analyze your software and recommend which programs are not used and which ones you can get rid of (example below).
DriverPack Protect - add. protection
Despite the “imposition” of often unnecessary software, the program is one of the best of its kind. Still, automatic offline driver updates for most equipment is a big deal! I recommend having this ISO image on a separate emergency flash drive...
Snappy Driver Installer
But this set of drivers is even much more attractive than the previous one. It is also distributed in two versions:
- compact: when you download a small EXE file, install it, and then it will analyze the state of your system and offer to download everything you need automatically (important: Internet access is required!);
- standalone complete collection: it is an executable EXE file with a large folder (about 10 GB) containing the drivers. When you run this EXE file, it will also analyze the system and then install the necessary drivers. Internet connection - no need!
I would like to note that, unlike DriverPackSolution, Snappy Driver Installer does not offer to install additional software (which is good news). By the way, in Snappy Driver Installer, even in front of the drivers that the program recommends updating, you will have to check the boxes and agree with the installation (i.e., a minimum of actions without your consent - this is good news!).
There is also an additional options:
- switching skins (changing design);
- creating a restore point (to be able to return the system to its original state);
- obtaining information about the system.
3DP Net / 3DP Chip
But this utility is radically different from the programs presented by you. Despite its small size (only 100 MB), it allows you to do extremely important things, and in some cases it is simply irreplaceable! In general, the developer is positioning the program as 2 separate utilities, I will not deviate from this, and I...
3DP Net
A utility specializing in network drivers. It works autonomously (no Internet connection required for operation), quietly and quickly. It will help you update the driver for almost any network adapter.
Most often, the utility is needed after reinstalling Windows, when there is no Internet, and other programs for updating drivers cannot help. By the way, it will have more network drivers than in the same DriverPack Solution, and in “difficult” cases, it can install a “universal” driver.
3DP Chip
In principle, in my opinion, without the first utility, this one is inferior to many other similar programs. Judge for yourself: battery life no, and there is no automatic mode either. How does it work: you just launch it, it analyzes your system, and provides links to download drivers for this or that equipment. Download the drivers you need from the links and install them.
3DP Chip also supports creating backup copies of drivers and restoring them from it. It does this quite well (it works quickly and efficiently).
3DP Chip - search for drivers
Driver Genius
One of the best utilities for finding drivers for rare equipment (and not for rare ones). The program works completely automatically, is simple and understandable to any user (even someone who just sat down at a PC yesterday).
After starting the program, all you need to do is click one button “Start scanning”. After analyzing your system, you will be prompted to update some of the outdated/missing drivers.
There are a total of 7 sections (functions) in the program:
- Home. Basic information about the program, system, the ability to start checking and updating drivers;
- Reservation. You can save a copy of the drivers into a separate EXE file, and then use it without Driver Genius!
- Recovery. Options to restart the computer during recovery and alert notifications;
- Delete. You can remove those drivers that you no longer need;
- Update. Selecting folders in which downloaded drivers will be saved;
- Loading. Setting up the Internet for downloading files. In most cases, nothing needs to be changed;
- Safety. If you do not have an antivirus, Driver Genius will check your downloaded files (drivers); if you have an antivirus, then nothing will be checked (everything is left to your security software).
Note : Some menu items may differ depending on the program version and translation version.
Main differences:
- driver update: the program supports more than 40,000 drivers for a wide variety of hardware;
- the ability to disable and remove conflicting/unnecessary drivers;
- command line support;
- the ability to create a backup copy of drivers (including in one executable EXE file);
- restoring drivers from a backup.
Conclusions
For a more complete overview of programs for working with drivers (search, update, removal), see this article -
Thus, using the programs given above in the article, in my experience I have never (at least I don’t remember) been left without drivers with non-working equipment...
In general, I recommend recording all the programs presented above onto your emergency flash drive IN ADVANCE. DriverPack Solution and Snappy Driver Installer must be recorded as standalone applications (for example, DriverPack Solution comes in an ISO image of ~11 GB, and Snappy Driver Installer ~10 GB is just an installer with several folders with archives) , as this will allow you to be independent from the Internet. By the way, it would also be a good idea to write a program on a flash drive that opens and mounts ISO images (for example, UltraISO or Daemon tools).
Note: it just often happens that after reinstalling Windows there is no driver for network card, and the Internet does not work. By running DriverPack Solution or Snappy Driver Installer, you will install drivers for most equipment (including a network card) offline, and then, with the Internet available, you will be able to update everything you need.
3D Net useful in cases where you cannot open a large ISO image (for example, from Driver Pack Solution), or the ISO image does not contain a rare driver for your network adapter. 3D Net specializes in network drivers, and even if there is no driver for your specific hardware, the program will try to install a “universal” driver in order for your adapter to work. In general, an irreplaceable thing in a difficult situation...
Regarding Driver Booster - I usually install it when the PC already has Internet. Thanks to this program, you can quickly install various game components, libraries, make a backup copy of drivers and the system, and update some old drivers. Overall, one of the most convenient tools for working with drivers. In general, it’s a pity that the program does not have an offline mode...
Driver Genius, I hardly use it lately, but the program has just a huge collection of drivers. Once there was a case where I needed a driver for a Korean-made printer, and this piece of hardware was clearly not standard. Neither in the “manual” search, nor in the automatic one (having tried a bunch of utilities) I could not find the driver. Driver Genius did it in a few minutes. That is why I presented this program in the review, perhaps it will also be useful to someone...
I'll call it a day, all the best!
For many users, installing and updating drivers is a rather tedious and complicated task. Manual search often leads enthusiasts to third-party sites, where instead of the treasured software Viruses are caught, third-party spyware applications and other unnecessary programs are installed. Updated drivers optimize the operation of the entire system, so there’s no need to shelve the update!
Universal driver update programs
To make life easier for both your personal computer and yourself, just download a program that will independently find and update the required driver on your PC. Such applications can be either universal for any component or intended for a specific hardware manufacturer.
One of the best programs to update your device drivers. The application is easy to use, so even an inexperienced user will understand the friendly interface. The Driver Pack is distributed free of charge, and you can download the program from the developer’s official website, where the intricacies of the search system’s operation are described in detail and the basics of use are described. The program works with any components and finds the latest drivers in a huge database. In addition, the Pack includes additional programs, which will allow you to get rid of viruses and advertising banners. If you are only interested in auto-updating drivers, then specify this option during installation.
DriverPack Solution independently identifies the equipment, establishes a correspondence between the found devices and the drivers that are in the database
- convenient interface, ease of use;
- quick search for drivers and updating them;
- two options for downloading the program: online and offline; The online mode works directly with the developer’s servers, and the offline mode downloads an 11 GB image for further use of all popular drivers.
- installs additional software that is not always needed.
One of the most popular applications for downloading drivers and optimizing the system. Driver Booster is distributed in two versions: the free version allows you to quickly search for drivers and update them in one click, while the paid version opens up new options for program settings and unlimited download speed. If you prefer high-speed downloads and want to automatically receive the latest updates, then pay attention to the paid version of the program. It is distributed by subscription and costs 590 rubles per year. However, the Free version is inferior only in speed and additional game optimization features. Otherwise, the program always looks for excellent drivers that download quickly and install just as quickly.
There is an extensive driver database that is stored online
- high speed even on weak computers;
- the ability to configure an update queue and set priorities;
- low consumption of PC resources when running in the background.
- technical support only in the paid version;
- lack of auto-update of the application in the free application.
The free DriverHub utility will appeal to lovers of minimalism and simplicity. This program does not have a wide range of settings and does its job quickly and silently. Automatic driver updates take place in two steps: downloading and installation. The user can give the right to operate the program independently or is free to choose a driver from those offered for download by the application.
It is possible to roll back the driver to its original state using the restore function
- ease of use, user-friendly interface;
- ability to store download history and updates;
- daily database update;
- convenient rollback system, creation of recovery checkpoints.
- small number of settings;
- offer to install third-party programs.
The program is for those who are used to controlling everything on their own. Even if you are an inexperienced user, you can always easily monitor the progress of updates by making adjustments to the program. Free version allows you to use manual driver updates, when paid ones can work automatically. Foreign development has two paid subscriptions. Basic costs $20 and works for a year with an updated cloud database. This version also supports customization and one-click auto-update. The same features are available with a 10-year LifeTime subscription for $60. Users can install a paid program on five computers at the same time and not worry about driver updates.
SlimDrivers also allows you to make backups for system recovery
- the ability to manually control each update element;
- The free version is not spammed with ads.
- expensive paid versions;
- complex fine-tuning, which is unlikely to be understood by an inexperienced user.
The domestic development of Carambis Driver Updater is distributed free of charge, but allows you to use the main functions by subscription. The application quickly finds and updates drivers, saving your download history. The program is characterized by high speed and low requirements for computer hardware. You can get the full functionality of the application for 250 rubles per month.
An important advantage is full technical support by e-mail and telephone
- the license applies to 2 or more personal computers;
- technical support around the clock;
- Only the paid version works.
An English-language utility that quickly and without unnecessary settings identifies your hardware. The user is presented with the opportunity to make backup files, a user-friendly interface and two versions of work: free and pro. Free is distributed free of charge and provides access to manual driver updates. In the Pro version, which costs around $11 per year, updates occur automatically based on user-specified settings. The application is convenient and very friendly to beginners.
The program collects detailed information about system drivers and generates a detailed report in TXT or HTM formats
- simple interface and ease of use;
- fast driver loading speed;
- automatic file backup.
- expensive paid version;
- lack of Russian language.
Driver Magician was once a free app, but now users can only get a 13-day trial period, after which they must purchase the program for $30 for permanent use. The application does not support the Russian language, but it is quite easy to understand due to the small number of tabs and functions. Driver Magician is enough to specify operating system so that he can begin selecting and installing the necessary drivers. You can choose from a file backup function in case something goes wrong.
The program can save and then restore other files, except drivers: folders, registry, Favorites, My Documents
- simple but old-fashioned interface;
- full functionality in trial version;
- automatic search for drivers for unknown devices.
- lack of Russian language;
- unhurried speed of work.
Programs from component manufacturers
The programs will allow you to automatically update drivers for free. In addition, there is technical support that will answer your questions almost any time of the day.
Intel Driver Update is designed to install and update drivers for Intel devices involved in your personal computer. Suitable for branded processors, network devices, ports, drives and other components. The hardware on a personal computer is recognized automatically, and the search for the necessary software is carried out in a matter of seconds. The main thing is that the application is free, and the support service is ready to answer any request, even at night.
The application installs on Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10
- official program from Intel;
- quick installation of drivers;
- a large database of alternative drivers for various operating systems.
- Intel support only.
A similar program to Intel Driver Update, but for AMD devices. Supports all known components, except the FirePro series. It is worth installing for those who are the proud owner of a video card from this manufacturer. The application will monitor all updates in real time and inform the user about new updates. AMD Driver Autodetect will automatically detect your video card, identify it and find the optimal solution for the device. All you have to do is click the “Install” button for the update to take effect.
This utility does not work with Linux, Apple Boot Camp and AMD video cards FirePro
- ease of use and minimalistic interface;
- fast download and installation speed of drivers;
- Auto-detection of video card.
- a small number of opportunities;
- AMD support only;
- lack of FirePro support.
NVIDIA Update Experience
NVIDIA Update Experience allows you to automatically download updates for your graphics card from Nvidia. The program not only offers support for the latest software, but also allows you to optimize games on the fly. In addition, when you launch any application, Experience will offer a number of interesting functions, including the ability to take screenshots and display FPS on the screen. As for downloading drivers, the program works perfectly and always notifies you when a new version is available.
Depending on the hardware configuration, the program optimizes the graphics settings of games
- stylish interface and fast speed;
- automatic driver installation;
- ShadowPlay screen recording function without loss of frames per second;
- support for optimization of popular games.
- Works only with Nvidia cards.
Table: comparison of program capabilities
| Free version | Paid version | Automatic update of all drivers | Developer's website | OS | |
| + | - | + | https://drp.su/ru | Windows 7, 8, 10 | |
| + | +, subscription 590 rubles per year | + | https://ru.iobit.com/driver-booster.php | Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP | |
| + | - | + | https://ru.drvhub.net/ | Windows 7, 8, 10 | |
| + | +, basic version $20, lifetime version $60 | - , manual update on the free version | https://slimware.com/ | ||
| - | +, monthly subscription - 250 rubles | + | https://www.carambis.ru/programs/downloads.html | Windows 7, 8, 10 | |
| + | +, 11 $ per year | -, manual update in the free version | https://www.drivermax.com/ | Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10 | |
| -, 13 days trial period | +, 30 $ | + | http://www.drivermagician.com/ | Windows XP/2003/Vista/7/8/8.1/10 | |
| Intel Driver Update | + | - | -, Intel only | https://www.intel.ru/content | Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 7, Vista, XP |
| + | - | -, AMD video cards only | https://www.amd.com/en/support/kb/faq/gpu-driver-autodetect | Windows 7, 10 | |
| NVIDIA Update Experience | + | - | -, only Nvidia video cards | https://www.nvidia.ru/object/nvidia-update-ru.html | Windows 7, 8, 10 |
Many of the programs presented in the list will simplify the search and installation of drivers with just one click. You just have to take a closer look at the applications and choose what seems most convenient and suitable in terms of functions.
The proper operation of your computer or laptop and the devices connected to it depends on having the appropriate current drivers installed.
A driver is a kind of program that is responsible for a given device and acts as an intermediary between it and the rest of the system.
You can install or update them in two ways: manually and using programs.
The first method is preferable, but not everything is simple with it. Many people switch, for example, from Windows 7 to Windows 10, but there may not be drivers for dozens on the website, since at the time the PC was released, there was no trace of Windows 10.
Although this is not the main thing. The websites of some manufacturers are designed in such a way that they cannot be reached, then this task is greatly facilitated by programs.
There are dozens of programs for automatically updating drivers for Windows 10, but almost all of them are paid and no offense to the developers, they do not always install what is needed.
A good program of this type scans the system, compares the detected drivers with the database and indicates those that require intervention, and then searches for them on the websites of device manufacturers, downloads and installs them.
I have my own favorite, reliable and free. It didn’t let me down, so I’ll share it with you below. You can download it at the end of this post.
The best free program to automatically update drivers for Windows 10
It's called "DevID Agent" and will help you easily update or install missing drivers, for example, after installing Windows, when the system does not recognize some components, for example, there is no sound or Wi-Fi.
It searches and allows you to download them. All you have to do is check the boxes and click the install selected button.
Identifying device drivers connected to your computer is the main feature of this free program.
The intuitive operation, high efficiency of the program and the availability of the Russian language deserve special attention.
Also, before installing new drivers, the program suggests creating a computer configuration restore point, which allows you to restore the system to its previous state in the event of a failure.
You can download it below. After downloading, to install, extract it from the archive.
Developer:
https://devid.info
OS:
XP, Windows 7, 8, 10
Interface:
Russian