2 Driver Update Programs For Windows That Actually Work

Drivers are needed for hardware and software to communicate. If you’ve installed new hardware recently, but your computer hasn’t “found” it, it’s likely due to a missing driver. Maybe you already have a driver but it’s causing system lockups, blue screen errors, and other performance issues. To save yourself from possible loss of work, and to make your hardware function properly, keep your drivers up-to-date.

Many programs claim to do this accurately but deliver hopelessly when it comes to finding the right drivers. Not the ones we discuss today. There are two programs I like to use for this purpose: Driver Booster and SlimDrivers. Driver Booster is super simple to use, and enables multiple driver installations at once. SlimDrivers requires manual updating for each driver, but tends to find more driver updates than Driver Booster. Combine these together and you’re bound to find all the proper updates for your drivers.

Driver Booster

Driver Booster is a free program offered by IObit, who also bring us some well-known programs Uninstaller, Advanced Mobile Care, and Unlocker. Driver Booster automatically determines what drivers are outdated and presents a one-click solution to downloading updates at at a time.

Step 1: Download Driver Booster here.

Step 2: Every program launch should start a scan automatically, but initiate one manually by simply clicking the large SCAN button on its homescreen.

Every driver will  be listed – both that require updates and the ones that are already at their updated version and require no input.

Cool Tip: Learn how to backup Windows 7 drivers with this guide.

Step 3: Update individual drivers or start the download for all them at once by choosing the red Update All button.

Right-click any driver to view version details or ignore the update.

An option presents itself when updating all the drivers at once. Asking to install drivers in the background, the wizard will hide itself so the installs are done quietly. This isn’t necessary, but may be preferred for some.

Open the settings to define how often Driver Booster should check for updates.

SlimDrivers

SlimDrivers claims to be “The first cloud-based utility for updating and maintaining drivers.” Although an “update all” option is only available in the paid version (unlike IObit’s Driver Booster), this program has always found more outdated drivers for me than Driver Booster. Find updates for printers, graphic and sound cards, motherboards, etc., updating them each manually with simplicity.

Step 1: Download Slim Drivers here.

Choose the small link labeled Download SlimDrivers Now to get the program directly from the SlimWare Utilities website.

Step 2: Click the Start Scan button on the lower right to begin the driver scan.

The results of the scan will show in the main window, like shown:

Step 3: Ignore any update or choose Download Update on the far right side of any driver. You’ll be asked to create a restore point before installing the driver. This is a good option to accept, as issues may arise if the driver install only partially succeeds.

Cool Tip: See what needs to be done to roll back drivers in Windows with this guide.

You’re able to upgrade SlimDrivers for easier driver updates with their DriverUpdate program, but the free version works just fine.

Conclusion

Both of these programs are perfect for updating old or missing drivers. If you’re getting driver errors or can’t find an appropriate driver after installing a fresh Windows OS, launch these programs to download and install exactly what you need.