I just finished building a new system (specs included in My Computer below) and got Win 11 Home installed. When Windows update runs it launches MSI Driver Utility Installer that wants to update/load a multitude of things. I'd prefer not to put a bunch of unnecessary stuff on a new system so looking for advice on what can/should be omitted. I've bolded the items I think are probably required and the items in blue are the ones I need the most help with.
Intel Chipset Driver
Intel SVGA Drivers (assume I don't need this because I have a video card)
Intel WIFI Driver
BlueTooth Driver
Intel Network Drivers
Realtek HD Universal Driver (is this necessary or just let Windows find an audio driver?)
Intel Rapid Storage Technology Driver (does this benefit anything other than RAID?)
Intel Management Engine Driver (suspect I don't need this)
Intel GNA Scoring Accelerator (suspect I don't need this)
Intel Serial IO Drivers (suspect I don't need this)
Intel Extreme Tuning Utility (seems like an unnecessary utility)
MSI Center (seems like an unnecessary utility)
CPU-Z MSI GAMING (seems like an unnecessary utility)
AIDA64 Extreme - MSI Edition (seems like an unnecessary utility)
Realtek Audio Control (seems like an unnecessary utility)
Intel SVGA Drivers (assume I don't need this because I have a video card)
Depends on system. Modern systems do a hybrid video where low usage video goes through the Intel video to save power.
Since it detects it, go ahead.
Intel WIFI Driver
BlueTooth Driver
Intel Network Drivers
Realtek HD Universal Driver (is this necessary or just let Windows find an audio driver?)
This is the Windows updated driver. MS partners with vendors to send them out.
Intel Rapid Storage Technology Driver (does this benefit anything other than RAID?)
You may need to go into the BIOS to change storage controller mode and use the basic driver.
Make sure the basic disk driver is installed in Storage controlers under device manager. It should be.
You may want to lookup how to do this.
Intel Management Engine Driver (suspect I don't need this)
Disable it in BIOS before removing. Some systems need additional steps. Good write ups on this
Intel GNA Scoring Accelerator (suspect I don't need this)
The purpose of Intel GNA is to offload the CPU during some computations.
If your system supports it, you may get an advantage. Check Intel's site for explanation of what it does.
Intel Serial IO Drivers (suspect I don't need this)
If it is offered, you have I/O ports that are supported by the driver. Update it.
Intel Extreme Tuning Utility (seems like an unnecessary utility
Skip it
used to overclock, monitor, and stress a system.
Note: If you decide to install it, please make sure your processor is supported before downloading
MSI Center (seems like an unnecessary utility)
Required no
Useful utility yes. Take a look at it and remove if you don't intend to utilize the features. It has items aimed at basic, pro user and gamers.
Nice hardware monitor for initial page. Ability to update drivers from MSI.
CPU-Z MSI GAMING (seems like an unnecessary utility).
It depends on if you want to monitor your system while you tweak settings. Very useful for that
Nice for someone who is interested in detailed info on system performance.
It is just an app and not that large.
AIDA64 Extreme - MSI Edition (seems like an unnecessary utility)
Bench marking utility. Not needed unless tweaking settings or just want to know how your system compares.
Realtek Audio Control (seems like an unnecessary utility)
It allows you access to the full settings of your Realtek Audio device. Up to you.
