Download.it search icon
Advertisement

A utility software that scans and updates outdated drives simultaneously, helping your Windows computer stay up to date

A utility software that scans and updates outdated drives simultaneously, helping your Windows computer stay up to date

Vote: (180 votes)

Program license: Trial version

Developer: Driver-Soft

Version: 22.0.0.158

Works under: Windows

Vote:

Program license

(180 votes)

Trial version

Developer

Version

Driver-Soft

22.0.0.158

Works under:

Windows

Pros

  • Program scans for and installs new drivers in minutes.
  • Extra tools help maintain or repair drivers.
  • Program is simple to use and easy to understand.

Cons

  • Free version lacks most of the program's best features.
  • Overall design of the program is somewhat lackluster.
  • Not all users will find the extra tools useful.

Driver Genius scans a Windows PC and searches the web for applicable driver updates. Of course, driver updates are necessary to keep a computer running smoothly. Outdated drivers can cause headaches ranging from compatibility issues to unexpected crashes. Manual driver updates can prove troublesome, and most users won't take the necessary steps to maintain their drivers. For that reason, Driver Genius is a recommended program for anyone that isn't tech savvy or happens to be on the lazy side.

Driver Genius: The Pros and Cons

When a user starts Driver Genius, they're presented with a Scan Now button and a simple toolbar on the side. By hitting Scan Now, the program will begin looking for driver-related updates. Most hardware components come with software drivers needed to keep the hardware and software running in tandem. Updates may be released every few weeks, or even every few months, depending upon the hardware in question. Scans take a few minutes.

After the scan is completed, Driver Genius lists available updates and gives users the option of installing them. Free users will have to manually initiate each download/installation; Pro users can handle these tasks automatically. The entire process can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. However, total time to completion depends upon the number of updates being downloaded and installed.

Driver Genius comes with a variety of extra tools and features. For instance, the Driver Repair tool helps fix software-related issues with the drivers. Driver Restore can reinstall the previous version of a driver, which can help with stability issues. A Driver Cleanup function helps get rid of redundant drivers or copies of previous updates. Without a doubt, users should look into these extra tools.

Unfortunately, Driver Genius features both a Free and Pro version. The Free version requires users to manually choose to install individual drivers. Not all of the extra tools are available in the Free version, either. When installing many updates at once, Driver Genius may cause a computer running lesser hardware to slow down. General design of the Driver Genius program isn't that modern or attractive.

The Final Verdict On Driver Genius

Nonetheless, Driver Genius is an excellent program, even when considering the Free version. Manually approving individual driver updates isn't too much of a hassle. The program runs as intended and is effective for maintaining a computer's drivers. In the end, most users won't think twice about driver updates and may not even know they exist. Since updating drivers is an important task, Driver Genius helps simplify the process for basic users. The program is an easy recommendation for the average PC user.

Pros

  • Program scans for and installs new drivers in minutes.
  • Extra tools help maintain or repair drivers.
  • Program is simple to use and easy to understand.

Cons

  • Free version lacks most of the program's best features.
  • Overall design of the program is somewhat lackluster.
  • Not all users will find the extra tools useful.