Is it time to uninstall IO Bit Software?
Is it time to uninstall IO Bit Software?
I own a bunch of software called IO Bit on my Win 10 PC for years now. I'm thinking about taking them all out and putting the system back to normal. I've heard some bad things come out about this stuff online. Back when I used these, I paid for subscriptions, but they always run low and keep asking me to buy new ones with ads popping up constantly. I also think it might be making my PC a little slower than it should. Here is what I currently have running: Advanced System Care Boost Into Gaming Mode Malware Fighter Software Updater Uninstaller Protected Folder Smart Defrag 7, Smart Game Booster, and ITop Screen Recorder (which I guess is made by IO Bit too).
Does an auto-updater update your drivers? As ralston mentioned, third-party updater apps often mess things up and put the wrong stuff on your computer. You probably don't need any of those tools. Most of what they sell is already built into Windows now. I couldn't find good reviews from anyone I trust about Smart Game Booster. Protected folders? Windows already has built-in protection for that. Defender already blocks changes to some files. Advanced System Care cleans the PC... windows storage sense does similar things. All these extra apps are leftover tools from a time when Windows didn't take care of itself by default. Drivers are now only found in one specific place. That's why more companies keep making driver updaters; it is one of the last remaining holes. Stop paying IObit. Amazing Norton hasn't bought them yet either.
I have been looking at my memories to find any good thing about IObit. It feels like I'm running out of things to say. There is nothing left here.
I would remove all of them. Windows Defender/Security is good enough these days. It comes built-in with the computer and costs nothing. Maybe keep Malwarebytes handy just in case something weird happens later. Don't use outside programs to install software or drivers; doing it this way lets you keep control over downloads, installs, and settings. Only skip that rule for apps you know well and trust. Check Task Manager > Startup. There might be a bunch of apps there running that aren't actually needed. Just double-check what each item in the list does. Don't start turning things off or on at random. Make sure any new software fits what you already have and gives you some real, visible benefit.
Does a software update change drivers? Well, as alston said, third-party tools often mess things up by installing bad drivers. You probably don't need those at all. Most of what they sell is already built into Windows now. I couldn't find any reviews from people I trust about Smart Game Booster. Is there a protected folder? Windows already has one. Defender stops changing some files too. Advanced System Care cleans the PC, and windows storage sense does something similar. All these apps are just old things from when Windows didn't look after itself well. Drivers are only needed at one place now: that's why more companies make them. It's a last crack in protection. Stop buying iobit. Amazing Norton hasn't bought them yet either.