Pursuant to my experience with Device Doctor I was on the lookout for a freeware Driver updating option that worked. I thought it would be a good option to visit an old favorite that I had used in the past DriverMax. Among all the freeware driver updating software that I’ve checked out (and I have installed quite a bit) DriverMax takes the cake just for working. I will grant it is not the easiest to use and can be frustrating at times especially if you are not a DriveMax PRO account holder because DriverMax will not allow you to download more than 2 updates per day as a free user and also the DriverMax software/interface will not download and install the updated drivers on its own. As a freeware user DriverMax will direct you to their website where you can download a link which will open in the DriverMax software and then it will begin the process of downloading the driver and then finally update and install. Even though this process seems like a big workaround, I have to admit that at least it works and works really well. Most freeware do not really update any drivers and all the paid ones will only run a scan but not really update a driver unless you are a paid customer and not a trial user.
In terms of performance I found DriverMax to be fast and quite thorough with no performance issues. There are options to backup and restore drivers to a folder or a compressed file, you can also rollback any driver updates that you should find did not work, even restore points are present should you desire to choose one. DriverMax works in conjunction with its online website/database and for that you have to register yourself with DriverMax. This also means you will have your computer details, driver details, configuration, etc. stored with DriverMax, but not really any privacy issues. DriverMax is much recommended because it does work even as a freeware and does really have a ton of drivers that will be updated on your system. Just be aware that it will be slow going and it will take some time, but also that it will work. Definitely recommended as far as freewares go.
Up next I will be reviewing Driver Genius Professional Edition so stay tuned.
Update – Device Doctor Review and Driver Genius Professional Edition Review.
i also think drivermax is the best! ive been trying to look for a program like this for ages, its so annoying when you download programes and it says you have to pay!!