DriverUpdate

SlimDrivers is a driver maintenance tool that can help keep your PC up to date.

SlimDrivers is an application that helps you maintain current device drivers and Windows updates. The program works by scanning your computer for drivers and updates. It them matches those items against a database. Any items that are outdated or otherwise incorrect will be listed. You can then indicate which items you want SlimDrivers to fix. It will then download and install those items. Even when a reboot is required, the program will reboot the PC and continue working.

SlimDrivers is more than just a driver updater. It’s a suite of utilities, which includes tools for uninstalling, backing up and restoring drivers. The uninstall component is quite convenient because driver uninstalls can be messy. This ensures that all traces are removed and that your computer is ready for installation of a new driver if applicable. The backup feature is convenient if you no longer have access to a driver install for whatever reason or simply want to move a driver without installing. Restore is the tool that lets you use the driver backups you’ve made.

You can choose to run the SlimDrivers scan on demand. You can also have the program load with Windows and even schedule scans so that they run automatically. The database the program uses is maintained online. That means that you need an Internet connection for this program to run. It also means that its reliant on server uptimes. If there’s a problem with the server, which does happen from time to time, this program won’t work until the issue is fixed.

SlimDrivers lacks an ignore option, which is a feature we’d like to see added. If there’s a driver that the program flags as outdated in error, there’s no way to prevent that driver from coming up in the least each and every time you scan. This can be a common issue with Realtek audio drivers, for instance, which even Windows itself often incorrectly flags due to how many options and versions there are.

SlimDrivers is freeware. You can use it as often and as much as you want without cost. You do, however, need to register an account, which requires a valid email address. This wasn’t always the case. SlimDrivers was free without strings for a long time. Of course, requiring an email address won’t be a deal-breaker for most, but it seems an unnecessary step this far along in the program’s history.