Ensuring my drivers remain current with Windows 11
Ensuring my drivers remain current with Windows 11
Hi everyone,
After two years using Linux/Mac (where driver updates were regular), I switched to Windows. At first it was for laptops with their own tools. Now I’ve built my own PC and am trying to keep drivers current. The devices I’m focusing on are: Nvidia 3080 TI Asus TUF Gaming z790 motherboard. One way is visiting the manufacturer sites and downloading updates manually—seems too time-consuming, so I want a simpler method. Another idea is using apps to handle updates (more details later), and possibly letting Windows check for updates automatically (since I’ve only been using it a month).
For keeping drivers updated: Nvidia offers GeForce Experience. Is that the only option? Does it use many resources while running? (I know it also provides game-specific drivers.)
Asus motherboard has been problematic. I’ve tried Armoury Crate, which is full of bloat and often causes issues like high CPU usage until a restart. Are there better ways to manage updates? I saw an Intel driver update tool. Since most motherboard drivers are Intel-based (except audio), can I use that instead? Would it work better?
Thanks for your advice.
Haim
And this choice will remain the only one you need to worry about except for graphics card updates; most other system components rarely require driver changes. These often don’t function well and tend to include unnecessary bloatware, sometimes even installing incorrect drivers. Setting up drivers is straightforward. After unpacking the file, a readme is usually available that guides you through the installation process. It’s lightweight and will notify you of updates, but it’s wise to wait a few days or a week before proceeding just in case something breaks. Skip armoury crate unless you specifically need RGB control or rely on third-party software (I won’t suggest any since I don’t see the RGB in my setup due to the D15 and graphics card). As mentioned earlier, you seldom need to update audio, chipset, or network drivers. Just keep in mind that motherboards with Intel’s I226V 2.5Gb Ethernet chip can cause disconnections and are typically found on Z790 boards.
Updated the information in the bios, GPU drivers, and chipset drivers. Used Driver Booster for the rest. Function operates correctly.
Ensure ArmoryCrate is disabled in the UEFI. Otherwise, you’ll face both annoying popups and Windows prompts to install it. Perfect, I understand.