Drivers

logo DirectX 7 DirectX 7
logo NVIDIA GeForce Experience NVIDIA GeForce Experience
logo Driver Booster Driver Booster
logo DriverPack Solution DriverPack Solution
logo Microsoft Visual C++ Microsoft Visual C++
logo DriverHub DriverHub
logo Display Driver Uninstaller Display Driver Uninstaller
logo Driver Genius Professional Driver Genius Professional
logo Snappy Driver Installer Snappy Driver Installer
logo DriverMax DriverMax

Installing drivers is not an easy task, especially not for the untrained user with minimal knowledge of computer basics. To make life easier for such people, many programs have been created to automate the process. These utilities automatically find devices without drivers and offer the user options for downloading. Other utilities have a slightly different principle of work: they install a package of drivers, among them there are necessary for your system.

To install the missing drivers after reinstalling Windows, the program will automatically search for the necessary drivers, give you a link to download or download it yourself. That's such a clever program. If you download the complete database of drivers and then goes selective installation from the archive, you don't even need an Internet connection.

The functionality of such programs is extensive, for example, they allow you to transfer working drivers from the old system to the new one. Even before reinstalling Windows it is desirable to make a backup of drivers from the database, so that then quietly put them in the new operating system. This is especially relevant for ancient computers with a rare set of drivers.

However, it is unfair to divide all software products into two camps. Let's find out which one is better to use in each case!

All Drivers in rating

To explain in simple words, DirectX 7 is a kind of layer between the graphics card and the games. It allows you to fully realize the computational power of your computer and render high-quality graphics.

Pros

    • Ability to process data received from a control device: keyboard, mouse or joystick
    • A separate library of effects is created for each game
    • More visuals appear in the games
    • The installation does not affect the performance of the computer in any way

Cons

    • New versions have already been created, showing much better visual results and increased performance on modern graphics cards.

GeForce, created by Nvidia, is a gaming service for platform leveling. The proprietary cloud gaming service allows you to access games that can normally only be played on a high-performance gaming PC.

In other words, you can play modern, high-quality Windows games using a GeForce-enabled device. In the past, the only device that offered this capability was the Nvidia Shield TV, which is a powerful set-top box with pretty impressive gaming performance. Now, however, GeForce Now can also be accessed on Windows and Mac computers.

Pros

    • Easy and fast installation of driver updates from official sources
    • Graphics customization for most popular strategy, action, simulation and MMO RPG
    • Background Passage Recording
    • Works on desktops and notebooks with GeForce 400 and up

Cons

    • Requires a fairly fast Internet connection.

    • Not compatible with all games

The application installs very quickly, as soon as it is installed, it will automatically start scanning for outdated drivers. The user will also be offered to purchase the paid version with maximum functionality. However, the free version performs its functions perfectly as well.

Pros

    • Proprietary online database for fast downloads of updates
    • Stylish black and red interface
    • Display the date of the last scan
    • Handy big function button to activate main function

Cons

    • No possibility to back up drivers

DriverPack was born 8 years ago as a small Russian software company consisting of a small team of software developers. Over the years it has grown to over 40 million users worldwide.

As the name suggests, DriverPack is a program with a huge database of drivers for any computer and any version of Windows. With DriverPack, setting up your computer is much easier. In fact, their software is so easy to use that it is recommended for software experts and beginners alike.

Pros

    • Suitable for all computers and laptops regardless of characteristics
    • Completely free to use
    • Installation of found updates both completely and selectively
    • Simple and clear appearance
    • Possibility of working without internet connection via its own database
    • Hardware diagnostics of your PC

Cons

    • You will have to watch several commercials during the installation

Microsoft Visual C++ is a standard integral part of the Windows operating system. It is not recommended to remove such a program contrary to the advice of programmers, who guarantee faster device performance. It is not only intended for maintaining up-to-date software versions, but also serves as an indispensable assistant in task execution.

Pros

    • Originality of developments and timely computer software maintenance;
    • Relatively small package size;
    • Fast performance speed and flexible usability, allowing you to write your own operating system;
    • A multitude of original plugins.

Cons

    • excessive memory consumption of the device's program;
    • forced user tracking while initializing variables;
    • not compatible with another operating system.

The program is very easy to use and install, it can be customized to your convenience, to start using it, just run the program and click the "find now" button, then it will search for new drivers for the user's devices, both main and peripheral. The driver search takes only a few minutes. Once the search stops, the program will give you new versions of drivers for the system, which you can install by clicking on the appropriate button. Useful information will also be provided for all drivers.

Pros

    • Totally free to use
    • Clean and friendly interface
    • Backup before the next update
    • Load drivers both individually and all at once
    • Keeping the Download History

Cons

    • Not very extensive functionality

Display Driver Uninstaller is a program for uninstalling AMD (ATI), NVIDIA and Intel type graphics and sound drivers . It is used to uninstall improperly installed video card software, as well as to clean residual files, temporary storage of drivers, registry keys.

Pros

    • Complete deletion of files that cannot be deleted using standard methods
    • Cleaning files, folders and registry entries
    • Show detailed device information
    • Supports safe mode startup
    • Fast uninstallation speed
    • Regular software updates from the official site
    • Help with installation of new graphics cards
    • Automatic Drivers Check
    • Wipe and uninstall AMD, NVIDIA and Intel graphics cards drivers

Cons

    • Rare glitches with GeForce Graphics Card Series 7

Driver Genius is a professional and powerful driver management software for Windows. With it we can update and uninstall drivers and back them up to restore them later if the operating system fails.

Pros

    • Ability to install and update personal computer drivers with just one click, or automatically
    • Ergonomic, user-friendly and intuitive interface
    • Multilingual
    • Wide functionality and great opportunities
    • Saves your time and energy searching for the necessary drivers
    • The utility deletes unused, damaged versions of add-ons and improvements
    • The program does not use a large amount of personal computer resources. It works steadily even on weak devices
    • High quality and operability of the installed drivers
    • Deep and informative hardware diagnostics

Snappy Driver Installer (SDI) is a program for automatically finding and installing drivers for devices and standards installed on your computer. It will allow you to update your drivers to the latest versions in a few simple steps, thereby ensuring that the user is using the most optimized and functional releases released for their devices. The program is designed for beginners as well as slightly more advanced users. The basic mode is launched as standard, but with a click of a button we can activate the expert mode, which gives access to additional features, mainly in the area of driver search criteria.

Pros

    • Automatic hardware detection
    • Downloading missing drivers from the program interface
    • Updating the database and driver packages
    • No installation required and leaves no traces in the system
    • Ability to create system restore point
    • Startup keys for system administrators
    • Variety of design themes
    • Translated into twenty-seven languages

Cons

    • No low power mode yet

DriverMax is a Windows program that checks and updates your computer's drivers. Computer drivers are like the glue that holds hardware and software together. All external computer components, such as webcams, require both hardware and software to work. DriverMax eliminates the need to search the Internet for necessary driver updates. Windows users usually update their software through Device Manager. Device Manager does not always detect and install the drivers needed for all computer hardware and software. Video cards often require software updates to ensure that they work with the latest software.

Pros

    • Automatic driver updates
    • Simple interface
    • Fast backup
    • Simplifies life after reinstalling Windows
    • DriverMax free distribution

Cons

    • There are ads in the window

The rapid development of computer technology leads to the need to periodically install updated drivers for user device elements, the search for adapted updates for video cards will take care of a small and lightweight utility AMD Driver Autodetect. The minimalistic user interface is logical and easy to operate, and the user only has to run the program to automatically detect video card modification and the software will quickly find the latest updates for a particular model.

Pros

    • Distributed free of charge
    • The loader is easy to use because it has one main window to work in
    • Works in 32bit and 64 bit systems
    • Small volume of the file when loading
    • Adjustable download speed
    • Automatic software search in case of internet connection
    • Easy and fast AMD driver updates

Cons

    • Find drivers for AMD graphics cards only

The user must have at least minimal technical knowledge to update installed programs on his own, in addition, it is quite possible to install incorrect drivers or to get a virus. Applying a specialized program Auslogics Driver Updater you can not fear for the reliability of the proposed files, they all have only the official version of the developers.

Pros

    • Simple and intuitive interface
    • Low system requirements
    • Compatible with both 32 and 64-bit Windows operating systems
    • Backup and recoverability of previous versions
    • Technical support, as quickly as possible responding to requests

The DirectX 12 software module helps your graphics card and processor display graphics faster and better. In Windows, this application is a must-have for many of the latest generations of games.

Pros

    • A significant increase in rendering challenges. The processor is able to render objects in games faster
    • Split rendering. The program allows you to use different processors for different parts of the environment and synchronizes their work, which significantly raises the number of frames per second
    • Multithreading. The application significantly improves the interaction between the graphics card and the processor, graphics quality increases noticeably, and the load on the hardware is reduced
    • It is possible to use graphics cards of different brands on one device
    • Simplifies the process of developing new applications

Cons

    • In Windows 10. In many older games, the graphics will not improve too much visually, because it is impossible to increase the original quality of textures without redrawing. But performance will improve significantly, thanks to the unlocked capabilities of the graphics card

DirectX 10 - an updated platform to improve the quality of visualization of games installed on PCs.

Pros

    • significant changes in the realism of characters and objects
    • sharp shadow detail and variation of shadows depending on lighting
    • Ability to display and design more complex landscapes
    • Improved reflections, reflection and light beams
    • Possibility to use the increased quantity of the moving elements

Cons

    • The disadvantage is the incompatibility of DirectX 10 with older Windows operating systems, which can not withstand the upcoming game loads

Driver Easy - who needs broken software? Let's also analyze what benefits users will get.

Pros

    • Among the main advantages of Driver Easy, we can distinguish a simple interface and ease of use on devices, which is important for novice PC users. To start using the program, simply click on the "Scan" button. The program will automatically perform a thorough analysis of your operating system, and then point out the outdated drivers that need to be updated for correct further use
    • Another important advantage is the high speed of the PC software. Driver Easy analyzes your device in minutes and points out possible problems and malfunctions that affect the quality of your PC

DirectX 9 provides stable operation of the software on your PC. What makes applications run and what's the advantage of the old version? A detailed review in our article.

Pros

    • shader support
    • higher performance
    • automatic upgrade
    • simple interface

Cons

    • Lack of backward compatibility
    • high consumption of computer resources, which are not related to the graphics subsystem

DirectX 11 for Windows is an innovative utility from the best developers. Its main function is to ensure the correct operation and serviceability of games installed by the owner on a Windows PC.

Pros

    • better optimized visuals for PC games
    • accurate shadow manipulation
    • the ability to develop complex landscapes

Cons

    • The main drawback of the utility DirectX 11 - compatibility only with the latest updates of the operating system Windows. For older models of PC you need to install the previous utility developers

AMD Drivers and Support are universal drivers designed to ensure smooth operation of the operating system. Gamers and users involved in web development, like no one else, know the benefits of such programs, which need to be updated in a timely manner.

Pros

    • settings for specific user preferences and needs;
    • simplified work with graphics applications and modules;
    • improved control over graphics card settings;
    • game optimization and simplified streaming;
    • connection of video-related devices (such as outdoor surveillance cameras) with the ability to directly stream content from these devices to the computer.

Cons

    • New versions of video cards often "clash" with this group of programs;
    • Sometimes driver updates are delayed, and an inexperienced user is unlikely to be able to configure them themselves;
    • Incompatibility of video cards can cause not only errors in games and media, but also lead to the malfunctioning of the entire system (rare cases).

Intel Driver & Support Assistant is a unique opportunity to enhance the performance of your personal computer. It will help you perform timely scanning of your PC's hardware and drivers to keep your device in optimal condition and up to date. Intel Driver & Support Assistant is also a tool offered by Intel's official developer support.

Pros

    • Maintenance of the internal PC system in an up-to-date state;
    • Increased system performance and stability;
    • Ensuring the security and compatibility of the device at the current level;
    • Timely troubleshooting (can be done manually or in automatic mode);
    • Individual user support, access to updated official versions of the program.

Cons

    • Updating third-party drivers is either difficult to access or simply impossible;
    • The program only supports individual drivers;
    • There is no compatibility with earlier versions of Windows.