To Update Or Not

Discussion in 'Software' started by mark59, Jan 2, 2016.

  1. mark59

    mark59 MajorGeek

    Today, I ran Microsoft Update on my PC. It offered me two optional updates: both drivers for hardware on my PC. One was a wireless LAN card and the other a Realtek LAN. I don't know what the latter is for.

    In the past I've read a number of posts on Majorgeeks saying that if your hardware is running fine that it's better to not update drivers. I haven't installed these two drivers offered by Microsoft Update. I'd like to hear opinions as to whether I leave it that way.
     
    mark59, Jan 2, 2016
    #1
  2. DavidGP

    DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member

    Hi

    Realtek LAN is likely the ethernet connection port driver, as to updating TBH I actually do allow Microsoft update to do those two, but refrain from allowing it to update Audio or Graphics drivers, Audio if working leave alone, graphics you can get from the makers site.

    Which Windows version are you using BTW?
     
    DavidGP, Jan 2, 2016
    #2
  3. plodr

    plodr MajorGeek Super Extraordinaire Moderator Staff Member

    I'm the opposite of DavidGP. I never allow MS to update any drivers. Years ago, MS offered an update for my ethernet card. I allowed it to download and install and immediately lost internet connection. (This was in the years before laptops came with wifi installed). I was able to roll back the driver and get back on.

    Thinking I did something wrong, I allowed the update to download and install. The exact same thing happened - I lost internet connection. Again I rolled back the driver. That was the last time I accepted an updated driver from MS.

    If something is not working or working poorly, I go to the manufacturer's site, plug in my model number and see if a newer driver is offered. If so, I'd take it from them rather than MS.
     
    plodr, Jan 2, 2016
    #3
    DOA and Eldon like this.
  4. mark59

    mark59 MajorGeek

    Hi, and Happy New Year!

    My Windows version is Windows 7 Home Premium (x64) Service Pack 1 (details courtesy of Belarc Advisor).
     
    mark59, Jan 2, 2016
    #4
  5. Eldon

    Eldon Major Geek Extraordinaire

    I'm with plodr on this one.
    Don't allow Windows Update to update drivers, any drivers.
    Furthermore, you only update drivers when you need to. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

    Example: DriverEasy Professional, an excellent program, shows the onboard VIA High Definition Audio as outdated. I will not update because the audio is in perfect working order. I use Winamp, and play my PC through a 35 year old Hi-Fi. No problem... :D
     
    Eldon, Jan 2, 2016
    #5
  6. mark59

    mark59 MajorGeek

    @DavidGP, Eldon and plodr: thank you very much for your advice.

    @Eldon: I am a little confused regarding your recommendation of DriverEasy Professional but electing to ignore its advice.

    Based on what I already knew, and the consensus of opinion, I have decided to leave well alone and not accept these updates from Microsoft.
     
    mark59, Jan 3, 2016
    #6
  7. Anon-469e6fb48c

    Anon-469e6fb48c Anonymized

    I agree with both never use microsoft updates be cause the update it self is most likely out of date and has and will cause major issues.

    I would recommend on using Iobits Driver Booster 3 http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/driver_booster_3.html This will search for drivers and install them for you.

    FYI i never had a single issue with iobits driver booster works well.
     
    Anon-469e6fb48c, Jan 3, 2016
    #7
  8. Eldon

    Eldon Major Geek Extraordinaire

    "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."
    Also, the update is almost 155 MB because it includes the VIA HD Audio Deck - something I don't use.
     
    Eldon, Jan 3, 2016
    #8
  9. mark59

    mark59 MajorGeek

    For someone like me then it's better not to have software like DriverEasy Professional. If it offers driver updates you still need to konw whether you require them. If you know that much I cannot see the need for such a programme.
     
    mark59, Jan 4, 2016
    #9
    Earthling likes this.
  10. Eldon

    Eldon Major Geek Extraordinaire

    It's handy when you have to update drivers.
    And I got it for free... :D
     
    Eldon, Jan 4, 2016
    #10
  11. DavidGP

    DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member

    I agree thats its nice to know of updates but I do think we get issues a fair amount especially with audio, if a user has used a driver updater app, the main reason is audio is one of those hardware devices that many OEMs like Dell, HP etc spec for specific machines and a generic or unified driver doesn't always work and may corrupt the already working audio, then its a process to fix of uninstalling audio driver, making sure you reinstall chipset and audio from original maker for model of PC.

    Only driver I have updated on my main desktop in last 6mths has been graphics but I get that from nVidia, I do as I said update from WU network drivers but that's on my Surface tablet.
     
    DavidGP, Jan 4, 2016
    #11
  12. Anon-469e6fb48c

    Anon-469e6fb48c Anonymized

    The only time i ever got an issue with audio drivers is when the pc was newer than the OS i was using after install.
     
    Anon-469e6fb48c, Jan 6, 2016
    #12

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