Solved iobit driver booster..harmful or harmless?


Helmuuth

Bagels
Local time
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Posts
40
Location
California
OS
Windows 11
iam using this program to update my system. iam wondering if these kinds of programs are ok to run or do they do more harm to system?

windows version: OS build 26100. 3775
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo Ideapad Flex 5
    CPU
    12th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i3-1215U
    Motherboard
    LENOVO (LNVNB161216)
    Memory
    793.6 MB Free (5.6 GB Total)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel(R) UHD Graphics (2.0 GB)
    Sound Card
    FxSound Audio Enhancer l Realtek High Definition Audio(SST)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Generic PnP Monitor (1280 x 800 @ 60 Hz)
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1200
    Keyboard
    Standard PS/2 Keyboard
    Mouse
    Logitech M220
    Internet Speed
    Varies
    Browser
    Microsoft edge (main), Thorium, Firefox, Opera
    Antivirus
    Bitdefender Anti virus plus
    Other Info
    I didnt include full specs. But you can get the general idea of what kind of computer iam using
Terrible, like all programs from IObit.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Microsoft Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    MSI MS-7D98
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-13490F
    Motherboard
    MSI B760 GAMING PLUS WIFI
    Memory
    2 x 16 Patriot Memory (PDP Systems) PSD516G560081
    Graphics Card(s)
    GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 4070 WINDFORCE OC 12G (GV-N4070WF3OC-12GD)
    Sound Card
    Bluetooth Аудио
    Monitor(s) Displays
    INNOCN 15K1F
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    WD_BLACK SN770 250GB
    KINGSTON SNV2S1000G (ELFK0S.6)
    PSU
    Thermaltake Toughpower GF3 1000W
    Case
    CG560 - DeepCool
    Cooling
    ID-COOLING SE-224-XTS / 2 x 140Mm Fan - rear and top; 3 x 120Mm - front
    Keyboard
    Corsair K70 RGB TKL
    Mouse
    Corsair KATAR PRO XT
    Internet Speed
    100 Mbps
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender Antivirus
    Other Info
    https://www.userbenchmark.com/UserRun/66553205
I've been using IObit software (Advanced System Care Pro, Malware Fighter Pro) for years. No issues. But I believe in a layered defense so I also use Defender and Malware Bytes.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro @2N23
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7
    Memory
    16gb
    Hard Drives
    M2 2TB SSD
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    ioBit
Do yourself a favor. Do not use any driver update apps except for the ones provided for this purpose by your OEM or the ones from the motherboard maker in cases of self builds...
OR let WU update your drivers
Or,manually update your drivers yourself using drivers from the OEM or mobo maker.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26100.3775
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1tb Solidigm m.2 nvme+256gb SKHynix m.2 nvme /External drives 512gb Samsung m.2 sata+1tb Kingston m2.nvme+ 4gb Solidigm nvme
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    #1 Edge #2 Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro 22H2 19045.3930
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 9020
    CPU
    i7-4770
    Memory
    24 gb
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    256 gb Toshiba BG4 M.2 NVE SSB and 1 tb hdd
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell factory
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Internet Speed
    still not telling
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
Online driver updater software is not without risks, however. Some online driver updater software may be unreliable, outdated, or even malicious. They may contain malware, spyware, or adware that can infect your clients' computers and compromise their security and privacy.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 5700G
    Motherboard
    Erica6
    Memory
    Micron Technology DDR4-3200 16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC671
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster U28E590
    Screen Resolution
    3840 x 2160
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG MZVLQ1T0HALB-000H1

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    MSI-Katana GF66 11UC
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 11800H @ 2.30GHz Tiger Lake 10nm Tech
    Motherboard
    Micro-Star International Co., Ltd. MS-1582 (U3E1)
    Memory
    16.0GB Dual-Channel DDR4 @ 1598MHz (22-22-22-52)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Generic PnP Monitor (1920x1080@144Hz) Intel UHD Graphics (MSI) 4095MB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Laptop GPU (MSI) 47 °C SLI Disabled
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio Intel Smart Sound Technology for Digital Microphones Intel Smart Sound Technology for Bluetooth Audio Intel Smart Sound Technology for USB Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Name Generic PnP Monitor on Intel UHD Graphics Current Resolution 1536x864 pixels Work Resolution 1536x824 pixels State Enabled, Primary Monitor Width 1920 Monitor Height 1080 Monitor BPP 32 bits per pixel Monitor Frequency 144 Hz Device \\.\DISPLAY1\Monitor0
    Hard Drives
    KINGSTON OM8PCP3512F-AI1 (SSD)
    Manufacturer Kingston
    Product Family SSDNow
    Form Factor 2.5-inch
    Interface SATA-2
    Capacity 476 GB
    Real size 512,110,190,592 bytes
    RAID Type None

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 2xH2 (latest update ... forever anal)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Slim S01
    CPU
    Intel i5-12400
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GT730
    Sound Card
    OOBE
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer 32"
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    512GB KIOXIA NVMe
    1TB SATA SSD
    PSU
    OOBE
    Case
    OOBE
    Cooling
    OOBE
    Keyboard
    BT
    Mouse
    BT
    Browser
    Brave FFox Chrome Opera
    Antivirus
    KIS
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 2xH2 (latest update ... 4ever anal)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavillion 15
    CPU
    i7-1165G7 @ 2.80GHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris Xe Graphics
    Hard Drives
    Samsung NVMe 512GB
    + numerous/multiple SSD Type C USB enclosures
    Internet Speed
    NBN FTTN 50
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    KIS
If you wonder how to update specific device drivers for Windows 10 and Windows 11, you will find all you need to know in this guide.

 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 5700G
    Motherboard
    Erica6
    Memory
    Micron Technology DDR4-3200 16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC671
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster U28E590
    Screen Resolution
    3840 x 2160
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG MZVLQ1T0HALB-000H1

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26100.3775
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1tb Solidigm m.2 nvme+256gb SKHynix m.2 nvme /External drives 512gb Samsung m.2 sata+1tb Kingston m2.nvme+ 4gb Solidigm nvme
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    #1 Edge #2 Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro 22H2 19045.3930
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 9020
    CPU
    i7-4770
    Memory
    24 gb
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    256 gb Toshiba BG4 M.2 NVE SSB and 1 tb hdd
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell factory
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Internet Speed
    still not telling
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
I've used driver booster in the past and never had any issues with it, IMO it's a heck of a lot better than most other driver updating software's out there, although since switching to Windows 11 and the ability to now use core isolation I have found I am unable to use it now.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    self built
    CPU
    Intel I9-12900k Adler Lake
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Z790 Gaming Plus AX
    Memory
    Corsair Vengeance 64GB DDR5
    Graphics Card(s)
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung Curved 23"
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    9 Drives total: Two 1TB M.2 SSD's, Three internal Seagate Barracuda 1TB HDD's , 4 Western Digital External removable drives , 3 @ 1TB each and 1 8TB
    Cooling
    ID Cooling FX 240 Pro
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Bitdefender
I've used driver booster in the past and never had any issues with it, IMO it's a heck of a lot better than most other driver updating software's out there, although since switching to Windows 11 and the ability to now use core isolation I have found I am unable to use it now.
MS has designated IOBit as a bad actor, and added several of their drivers to the Vulnerable Driver Blocklist. You can't have CI enabled while using some of their products.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
IObits products have been considered as "malware" for a few years.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home 24H2 26100.3915
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion TP01-2xxx
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 3 5300G
    Memory
    8gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon Graphics 4.00GHZ
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ViewSonic
    Keyboard
    HP
    Mouse
    wireless Microsoft
    Browser
    FireFox
    Antivirus
    Avira
  • Operating System
    Updated Windows 10 to 11 24H2 26100.3624
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP
    CPU
    Intel Core i3 8100 @3.60 GHz
    Motherboard
    HP 8653 (U3E1)
    Memory
    8.GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel UHD 360 (HP)
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Def
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ViewSonic
Lots of programs available. CCleaner also does it.
I wouldn’t touch any of them.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 Build 22631.5039
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Sin-built
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4770K CPU @ 3.50GHz (4th Gen?)
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus VI Formula
    Memory
    32.0 GB of I forget and the box is in storage.
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte nVidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super OC 6GB
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    5 x LG 25MS500-B - 1 x 24MK430H-B - 1 x Wacom Pro 22" Tablet
    Screen Resolution
    All over the place
    Hard Drives
    Too many to list.
    OS on Samsung 1TB 870 QVO SATA
    PSU
    Silverstone 1500
    Case
    NZXT Phantom 820 Full-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D15 Elite Class Dual Tower CPU Cooler / 6 x EziDIY 120mm / 2 x Corsair 140mm somethings / 1 x 140mm Thermaltake something / 2 x 200mm Corsair.
    Keyboard
    Corsair K95 / Logitech diNovo Edge Wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech: G402 / G502 / Mx Masters / MX Air Cordless
    Internet Speed
    1000/400Mbps
    Browser
    All sorts
    Antivirus
    Kaspersky Premium
    Other Info
    I’m on a horse.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 Build: 22631.4249
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    LENOVO Yoga 7i EVO OLED 14" Touchscreen i5 12 Core 16GB/512GB
    CPU
    Intel Core 12th Gen i5-1240P Processor (1.7 - 4.4GHz)
    Memory
    16GB LPDDR5 RAM
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris Xe Graphics Processor
    Sound Card
    Optimized with Dolby Atmos®
    Screen Resolution
    QHD 2880 x 1800 OLED
    Hard Drives
    M.2 512GB
    Antivirus
    Defender / Malwarebytes
    Other Info
    …still on a horse.
Be careful of what you follow.

Brink tutorials are always extremely helpful.

 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 Build 22631.5039
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Sin-built
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4770K CPU @ 3.50GHz (4th Gen?)
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus VI Formula
    Memory
    32.0 GB of I forget and the box is in storage.
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte nVidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super OC 6GB
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    5 x LG 25MS500-B - 1 x 24MK430H-B - 1 x Wacom Pro 22" Tablet
    Screen Resolution
    All over the place
    Hard Drives
    Too many to list.
    OS on Samsung 1TB 870 QVO SATA
    PSU
    Silverstone 1500
    Case
    NZXT Phantom 820 Full-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D15 Elite Class Dual Tower CPU Cooler / 6 x EziDIY 120mm / 2 x Corsair 140mm somethings / 1 x 140mm Thermaltake something / 2 x 200mm Corsair.
    Keyboard
    Corsair K95 / Logitech diNovo Edge Wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech: G402 / G502 / Mx Masters / MX Air Cordless
    Internet Speed
    1000/400Mbps
    Browser
    All sorts
    Antivirus
    Kaspersky Premium
    Other Info
    I’m on a horse.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 Build: 22631.4249
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    LENOVO Yoga 7i EVO OLED 14" Touchscreen i5 12 Core 16GB/512GB
    CPU
    Intel Core 12th Gen i5-1240P Processor (1.7 - 4.4GHz)
    Memory
    16GB LPDDR5 RAM
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris Xe Graphics Processor
    Sound Card
    Optimized with Dolby Atmos®
    Screen Resolution
    QHD 2880 x 1800 OLED
    Hard Drives
    M.2 512GB
    Antivirus
    Defender / Malwarebytes
    Other Info
    …still on a horse.
Hi !

I entirely agree with what Jacee said.

Nowadays, Windows does quite a decent job at updating drivers.
Moreover, if you install a new device in your computer, Windows (11 at least) is capable of getting the right driver (IOW, getting it from the manufacturer's Website).

In my opinion, if a device is working, updating the driver is pretty much useless. Most of the time, the device getting updated is the graphic card. Because it comes with "presets" to configure latest games.

For instance, there is no driver for my keyboard that will make me sound like a native English person ;) Copilot isn't helping me with this either, but that is off topic ;)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    N/A
    CPU
    Ryzen
    Motherboard
    AMD Ryzen 5 5600x 6-Cote
    Memory
    32 GDDR4
    Graphics Card(s)
    RTX 3600
    Sound Card
    Integrated to the motherboard...
    Monitor(s) Displays
    AOC G-Sync G27G2G4
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1900
    Hard Drives
    Seagate FireCuda 520, a couple of external HDD drives full of garbage.
    Internet Speed
    Desc : 76 Mbps / Asc : 0.52 (I not about the speedtest.net result)
    Browser
    Firefox / Tor
    Antivirus
    Eset
    Other Info
    Retired coder, yet still loving technology and its creative aspect.
    Casual Anno 1800 player :)

    I'm a normal IT tech / nerd, but I enjoy nature, animals and arts, and cooking.
Just an additional note, if for some reason if ever have to go through the process of reinstall Windows 10 or 11 :
Here is another way to access Device Manager :
  1. Hold "Alt" key and press "R" key.
  2. A dialog box named "Run" will show, then type inside it : devmgmt.msc and hit "enter" key. (or go to Control Panel and click on Device Manager)
  3. Device Manager is now open, if there is no symbol (e.g. : an yellow explanation mark), your're all good.
Hope this helps !

Any yes, I agree with antpants and Jacee. They are right : they don't want you to learn things by experimenting terrible errors, which sadly can work with people unfamiliar with computing.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    N/A
    CPU
    Ryzen
    Motherboard
    AMD Ryzen 5 5600x 6-Cote
    Memory
    32 GDDR4
    Graphics Card(s)
    RTX 3600
    Sound Card
    Integrated to the motherboard...
    Monitor(s) Displays
    AOC G-Sync G27G2G4
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1900
    Hard Drives
    Seagate FireCuda 520, a couple of external HDD drives full of garbage.
    Internet Speed
    Desc : 76 Mbps / Asc : 0.52 (I not about the speedtest.net result)
    Browser
    Firefox / Tor
    Antivirus
    Eset
    Other Info
    Retired coder, yet still loving technology and its creative aspect.
    Casual Anno 1800 player :)

    I'm a normal IT tech / nerd, but I enjoy nature, animals and arts, and cooking.
Terrible, like all programs from IObit.
i beg to differ mate. am using iobit uninstaller pro. been using for quite awhile. gets rid of residual data left behind recent uninstalls.

thx for all the feedback from my initial question. later i will uninstall the program..i got it on a giveaway site, so at least i didnt invest in it
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo Ideapad Flex 5
    CPU
    12th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i3-1215U
    Motherboard
    LENOVO (LNVNB161216)
    Memory
    793.6 MB Free (5.6 GB Total)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel(R) UHD Graphics (2.0 GB)
    Sound Card
    FxSound Audio Enhancer l Realtek High Definition Audio(SST)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Generic PnP Monitor (1280 x 800 @ 60 Hz)
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1200
    Keyboard
    Standard PS/2 Keyboard
    Mouse
    Logitech M220
    Internet Speed
    Varies
    Browser
    Microsoft edge (main), Thorium, Firefox, Opera
    Antivirus
    Bitdefender Anti virus plus
    Other Info
    I didnt include full specs. But you can get the general idea of what kind of computer iam using
I would shy against using any driver updater programs. Personally, I've had more issues as some drivers have a close enough identifier (Device Manager - Right click on any device - Properties - Details - Hardware IDs) that I get bad/incorrect drivers installed that have caused more issues that the ones I was trying to solve.

Personally, I just go to the main website (Mobo, GPU, Chipset, etc) and download the latest (after checking online for issues) and install it. I also keep the most recently installed drivers in a folder on my system in case I need to reinstall after a reformat so I don't have to re-download them.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 (26100.3775)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Pre-built
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
    Motherboard
    MSI Pro B650-VC WiFi
    Memory
    32gb Team Group (T-Force) DDR5-6000
    Graphics Card(s)
    Zotac nVidia GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER - 12gb
    Sound Card
    Sound BlasterX G6
    Monitor(s) Displays
    BenQ XL2411P and ViewSonic VX2453
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    WD Blue SN5000 - 500gb NVME
    WD Blue SN580 - 2TB NVME
    Keyboard
    Mountain Everest
    Mouse
    Logitech G502 Hero
    Internet Speed
    T-Mobile Home Internet
    Browser
    Firefox
    Other Info
    QNAP TS-469 Pro NAS, TP-Link W7200 (2 unit mesh network)
ive removed the offending program. thx for everyones feedback.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo Ideapad Flex 5
    CPU
    12th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i3-1215U
    Motherboard
    LENOVO (LNVNB161216)
    Memory
    793.6 MB Free (5.6 GB Total)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel(R) UHD Graphics (2.0 GB)
    Sound Card
    FxSound Audio Enhancer l Realtek High Definition Audio(SST)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Generic PnP Monitor (1280 x 800 @ 60 Hz)
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1200
    Keyboard
    Standard PS/2 Keyboard
    Mouse
    Logitech M220
    Internet Speed
    Varies
    Browser
    Microsoft edge (main), Thorium, Firefox, Opera
    Antivirus
    Bitdefender Anti virus plus
    Other Info
    I didnt include full specs. But you can get the general idea of what kind of computer iam using
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