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Is there a better way to install Windows drivers?

2 points by bloqs ↗ HN
I find windows auto-update nearly always ignores about half of my new hardware whenever I build a PC. I note Snappy Driver Installer Origin is ok, but it's not consistent either. (NOT snappy driver installer which is now a malware site) Is there a better way than trawling through some godawful marketing website?

4 comments

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stop50
Have you tried an adblocker?
LarryMade2
It probably recognized they were available, on Windows 11 it hides recommended hardware drivers in: windows updates -> advanced features -> optional updates - drivers and other updates
runjake
You install drivers by sticking to the drivers Microsoft installs as part of Windows (WHQL drivers[1]). The only exceptions I generally run into is that I have to download discrete GPU drivers from the card vendor.

If it's some janky hardware that requires a driver that came on a CD or something, I avoid using that janky hardware. Most of the time I'm on Linux anyway, and there's some open source driver already there.

I would definitely not use random crap like "Snappy Driver Installer Origin", which will get you pwned, as you're finding out.

Drivers generally have complete control over your computer and can bypass several security mechanisms. Avoid suspicious or low quality drivers.

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WHQL_Testing