Some of the most common problems that you might face with your computer can stem from outdated drivers. However, with the wide plethora of manufacturer’s websites and different software solutions, you’ll be forgiven for having a hard time with it.
Automatic driver updating software can take a lot of the pain out of this process for you. Instead of searching for each driver that needs updating, the program does all the hunting for you. Here are five programs that will hopefully make your life a little easier.
1. Driver Easy
Driver Easy is a program that helps you to find, install and manage your drivers. It comes in three versions, though only two will likely be relevant to you.
The first version of the software is the Lite version, which is completely free for any number of computers. This version is capable of searching your computer’s drivers and detecting any that are missing, outdated, or mismatched in some way.
Once it finds something wrong, the software then has you install the drivers manually. This route may make you feel more comfortable if you want control over your drivers, as you’ll be choosing yourself what you install and what you don’t. It is, however, much slower than if the software installed the drivers for you.
This is where the Pro version of Driver Easy steps in. By purchasing this version, you receive a number of extra features such as faster download speeds, free tech support, and auto system backups.
The main selling point, however, is that the Pro version installs the drivers on your machine one at a time so that you don’t have to. It even allows you to download and install all of your problematic drivers in just one click.
Download: Driver Easy Lite for Windows (Free)
Download: Driver Easy PRO for Windows (€29.95/year)
2. Driver Booster
In much the same vein, Driver Booster comes with two separate plans. The free version of Driver Booster has a purported driver database of over three and a half million and allows you to update or install drivers in just one click. No manual installation of drivers here, even in the free version of the software. Furthermore, the software is really quick to get your drivers installed.
The Pro version of Driver Booster has its perks, as well. You’ll find a boosted download speed in this version, as well as an expanded driver database of over four and a half million.
Automatic updates and backups are included in this version, as well. And if you’re looking for game components, hardware fixes, or tech support, then the Pro version might just be right for you.
Driver Booster’s Pro version also has offline driver updates in case you find yourself in need of downloading your drivers in advance. Useful if you have a banded internet connection or need to update your network drivers.
Download: Driver Booster 8 Free for Windows (Free)
Download: Driver Booster 8 Pro for Windows ($39.95/year)
3. Bit Driver Updater
Bit Driver Updater is another solid option for those of you trying to prevent Windows from crashing due to msiconfigured drivers. With Bit Driver Updater, you get the choice between the free and Pro versions.
With the free version of the software, you get access to most of its features. In one click, Bit Driver Updater can scan your computer for any issues with your drivers. From there you can verify the driver information and install them each one by one.
Bit Driver Updater automatically backs up all of your existing drivers before this process, a useful feature that is missing from some of the other free versions on this list. However, it is worth mentioning that Bit Driver Updater only lets you backup your drivers one by one in this version.
The Pro version has a number of added features. A higher download speed and a larger database of drivers are both included in this version, as well as one-click driver backups and installation.
Be wary, though, if you choose to purchase the Pro version. Bit Guardian tries to bundle its ad blocker software with your purchase.
Download: Bit Driver Updater for Windows (Free)
Download: Bit Driver Updater Pro for Windows ($49.95)
4. Driver Genius
Driver Genius follows this pattern, though with three different versions of the software.
With the free software, you can update outdated drivers in one click, though only for a limited time. You can also back up your drivers just easily.
The free version includes a couple of other features such as cleaning up useless drivers after updating and detecting hardware information. It works lightning fast, though in our testing, it missed some drivers that the other programs on this list did not.
The two paid versions of Driver Genius are the Professional and Platinum editions and are largely the same save for a few key differences.
Both versions have a wider array of options available to use, such as automatic updates and faster download speeds, as well as the ability to backup your drivers to either a ZIP or EXE file. Tech support is also included.
The main difference between the pair is that the Platinum Edition includes a System Booster and System Cleanup. These features help to optimize the system settings of your PC and to remove junk files that might be taking up unwanted space.
Download: Driver Genius Free Edition for Windows (Free)
Download: Driver Genius Professional Edition for Windows ($29.99)
Download: Driver Genius Genius Edition for Windows ($39.99)
5. DriverPack
DriverPack is a departure from the trend of this list so far in that it is entirely free. There is no premium version of the software, though there are a number of ads as a result.
The program works well, if sometimes slowly. With it, you can download and install any drivers that need updating in just one click.
DriverPack’s major selling point is that it is ideal for newer users who feel less confident with using driver updating software.
The default mode of the program is filled with helpful tutorials and a full walkthrough on what exactly to do and what it means. This walkthrough is, however, performed by a talking robotic head, which you may certainly find a little jarring.
DriverPack also features useful software recommendations as well as a clean-up service, though how useful you find these features will likely vary.
Download: DriverPack for Windows (Free)
Plenty of Solutions for Quick Driver Updates for Windows 10
No matter the problem, driver updating services are but one solution among many. Sometimes it can be hard to know why Windows is crashing, and driver updating services act as one solution.
There are always other options, of course, and looking around for what is right for you is never a bad idea. You can always try one and then come back to it later.