PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchSome links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Driver Booster Pro may be worth paying for if you want an automated way to save and roll back driver versions, but its backup features alone are not a strong reason for most Windows users to buy it. It can make driver recovery more convenient; it cannot restore your files or your whole PC. Windows already provides free ways to export drivers, create restore points and roll back some device changes, though they take more manual work.
What Driver Booster Pro adds
IObit’s current product comparison lists automatic driver updates, faster downloads, offline network-driver updating, automatic backup of multiple driver versions, restore and rollback tools, and premium support among Pro features. IObit also claims a larger driver database for Pro than Free—18 million-plus versus 12 million-plus. These are vendor claims, not independent measurements of driver coverage or update quality. See IObit’s Free-versus-Pro comparison.
The distinction that matters for this purchase is convenience: Pro is intended to save driver packages before an update and make it easier to return to a previous version. IObit’s product materials describe backup and restore points, and its FAQ refers to retaining up to three previous driver versions. The precise options available can depend on the installed edition and build, so check the controls in your copy rather than assuming every version retains the same history. IObit’s backup and restore description.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →| Option | What it is useful for | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Driver Booster Pro | Automated scanning and updates, with a more convenient driver backup and rollback workflow | Paid software; an automated recommendation is not necessarily the best driver for your exact PC |
| Windows Update | Ordinary driver maintenance through Windows’ built-in update channel | May not offer every newer vendor package; limited dedicated backup workflow |
| PC or component manufacturer support | Model-specific packages, especially for laptops and branded desktops | More manual searching and installation |
| DISM and PnPUtil | Exporting and reinstalling driver packages without a subscription | Requires administrator access and comfort with commands |
What it backs up—and what it does not
A driver backup is a copy of driver packages that may let you reinstall an earlier driver. A Windows System Restore point records a broader snapshot of system files, registry settings, installed drivers and configuration. Neither is the same as a full system image, and neither should be treated as a backup of personal documents, photos or other files.
#1 Best Overall
- Scan and update drivers as and when required - You can now easily download and install a variety of drivers for Windows in just a few clicks.
- Install latest drivers to enhance PC’s performance by finding just the right drivers for your computer’s hardware components.
- Exclude incompatible and unwanted drivers from the scan list so as to stop them from getting updated.
- Large driver database - Advanced Driver Updater has a large database of thousands of drivers which makes it simpler to install and update drivers.
- Important: BACKUP CD IS NOT INCLUDED
No: Driver Booster cannot restore your entire computer. It is a driver update and recovery utility, not a complete PC backup application. IObit’s materials describe driver backups, restore points and rollback; they do not establish that every backup is independently validated, stored off the system drive, or recoverable after serious disk or Windows damage. If the Windows installation or drive fails, a backup kept only on that same installation may not be accessible.
For personal files and broader recovery, use a separate backup to cloud storage, an external drive or network storage. Microsoft’s Windows backup guidance covers those broader options.
When driver rollback is useful
Rollback can help when an update causes a problem that plausibly stems from the driver: a display that flickers or crashes, lost Wi-Fi or Ethernet, missing or distorted audio, or a malfunctioning USB, Bluetooth or other device. Saving a previous version can also be useful before updating several devices or rebuilding an older PC whose original packages are hard to find.
Rank #2
![Driver Genius 20 Platinum [PC Download]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51kAXVPT4XL._SL160_.jpg)
- Automatically scans the status of your drivers in order to detect ones which are defective or outdated.
- Download and automatically install from a database of more than 1 million drivers.
- Save all your drivers on an executable file. You can restore them at every moment.
- Wipes all the outdated drivers from your computer which are unnecessarily slowing down your system.
It is less compelling if you are changing one driver and already have the manufacturer’s installer, maintain a system image or driver archive, or can use Windows’ rollback tools. A saved driver package also may not capture firmware, OEM utilities, registry state or all device-specific configuration. It cannot guarantee a fix for every blue screen or hardware problem.
Free recovery options in Windows
Start with Windows Update or the device maker
For most people, Windows Update is the sensible first stop. Optional driver updates are under Settings → Windows Update → Advanced options → Optional updates → Driver updates, when available. Microsoft’s driver policy guidance also points users toward the hardware vendor’s official support page when appropriate.
For laptops and branded desktops, check the manufacturer’s support page using the exact model. OEMs may customize drivers for power management, thermals, touchpads, audio or other components; a newer generic package is not automatically a better match. For graphics, use the GPU maker’s official channel when that is the appropriate source: NVIDIA, AMD or Intel. For an OEM laptop, the PC maker may still be the better source for customized components.
Rank #3
![DeskFX Free Audio Effects & Audio Enhancer Software [PC Download]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41fXbDohyuS._SL160_.jpg)
- Transform audio playing via your speakers and headphones
- Improve sound quality by adjusting it with effects
- Take control over the sound playing through audio hardware
Try Device Manager rollback
When a device stops working after an update, Device Manager may offer Roll Back Driver in that device’s driver properties. The option is not always available: Windows may not have retained the previous package. You may need to download the right installer yourself, which is especially awkward if the failed update broke your network connection. Microsoft documents device and package management in its Device Manager guidance.
Use System Restore when the problem is broader
A restore point can return system settings and drivers to an earlier state. It is not a personal-file backup, and restore points may not be enabled or available on every system. Microsoft recommends creating a restore point before driver changes; don’t rely on one as your only recovery plan.
Export drivers with DISM
For a manual archive, open an elevated Command Prompt or PowerShell window and export installed third-party drivers to a folder on another drive. In this example, D: should be an external or otherwise separate drive:
Rank #4
![Driver Genius 23 Professional [PC Download]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51boWemtIKL._SL160_.jpg)
- Expanded driver database to support up to 4500000 devices.
- Added more stable drivers for Windows 11 and supported more new hardware.
- Added more stable drivers for provide better game performance.
- Better support for Windows 11 22H2.
- Optimized driver update engine for 10% faster and higher accuracy.
dism /online /export-driver /destination:"D:DriverBackup"Microsoft identifies PnPUtil as its recommended built-in utility for managing driver packages. Its documentation covers driver inventory and driver installation and updates.
To add exported packages back, an administrator can try:
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
pnputil /add-driver "D:DriverBackup*.inf" /subdirs /installThis is not a guaranteed one-command repair for every device. Package applicability, Windows version and device state can affect the result. For a critical device, keep the manufacturer’s installer as well.
Best Value
![Ashampoo Driver Updater / 1-year [PC Download]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61xNhK6jvJL._SL160_.jpg)
- More than 400,000 drivers available
- Over 150,000 devices supported
- Maximum system stability
- Automatic driver backups for maximum safety
- Built-in scheduler for fully automated updates
Is Driver Booster Pro safer or better than Windows?
There is no blanket answer. A third-party updater may find packages that Windows Update does not currently offer, including for older or uncommon hardware. But “newer” and “recommended by an updater” do not prove a package is the right choice for a particular laptop, controller or OEM configuration. Updating many devices together can also make it harder to identify which change caused a new problem.
IObit says its driver database covers more than 1,200 brands and that drivers are sourced from official websites or Windows and checked through WHQL and internal processes. Treat those as IObit’s descriptions of its own sourcing and screening—not an independent certification of every recommendation or a guarantee of compatibility. A signed or certified driver can still be buggy or unsuitable for a specific machine. Microsoft’s driver trust requirements evolve; its April 2026 security update information describes additional protections involving known vulnerable kernel drivers.
Automating updates also means handing more decisions to the updater. Review recommendations individually, deselect anything unnecessary and avoid updating everything simply because it is labeled “outdated.” Be cautious with storage controllers, chipset, RAID, OEM power-management and other hardware-specific packages; use the PC maker’s package when it is the appropriate source. Use manufacturer tools or downloads for BIOS and firmware unless you have a specific, well-supported reason to do otherwise.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteFinally, advertised gaming or speed gains are marketing claims unless supported by independent testing on the same hardware and workload. This review does not treat IObit’s performance claims as measured results. During installation, read each screen and check optional offers and paid-upgrade prompts rather than assuming they are selected or absent.
Who should buy it?
- Consider Pro if you manage several Windows PCs, want automated scanning and backups, and value an easier rollback path more than the cost and reduced manual control.
- Consider Pro cautiously if you are reinstalling Windows on an older PC or lack a network driver. IObit lists offline network-driver updating as a Pro feature, but offline use still depends on having the required installer, package or database available; a second device or prepared external storage may be necessary.
- Skip Pro if you have no driver problem, update only occasionally, are comfortable exporting packages with DISM, or prefer installing from Windows Update and official manufacturer pages.
- Skip it as a backup purchase if you need to protect files or recover the whole computer. Use a separate file backup or system image.
- Use a controlled workflow instead if you manage standardized work PCs or mission-critical machines. Test vendor packages and retain a known-good image rather than mass-updating systems automatically.
How to update with a recovery plan
- Back up what matters. Make a current file backup or system image separately. If you want an additional driver archive, export packages to an external drive with DISM.
- Prepare for network failure. Download the PC maker’s Wi-Fi or Ethernet driver to a USB drive before changing network drivers, especially on a fresh Windows installation.
- Record important versions. Note graphics, network, audio, chipset and storage-driver versions so you know what changed.
- Create a restore point. Do this before installing drivers, but do not mistake it for a full backup.
- Update selectively. Change one device or category at a time. Restart if asked, then test Wi-Fi, audio, display output, sleep and wake, USB devices, printers and the applications that rely on the device.
- Undo a bad change. If Driver Booster opens, try its restore or rollback option. Otherwise try Device Manager’s rollback, System Restore, or Windows Recovery Environment/Safe Mode. If needed, install the OEM package from USB or another computer; use PnPUtil with your exported packages if appropriate.
- Escalate if Windows will not recover. A driver updater cannot promise to repair an unbootable PC from within Windows. Use a system image or Windows recovery/reset options if the available rollback paths fail.
Price and version: check the offer before paying
IObit’s update page listed Driver Booster 13.6.0 as released on August 3, 2026. The product materials describe Windows 10 and Windows 11 support, alongside legacy compatibility claims in some materials. A program continuing to support an older Windows release does not extend that operating system’s security support: Microsoft ended Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025. Check IObit’s version and offer page and edition comparison for current details.
On pages checked August 18, 2026, IObit displayed varying promotional prices: one offer was $22.95 for one year and three PCs; another page showed $24.95 for one year and three PCs, $19.95 for one year and one PC, and $11.95 for three months and one PC. One purchase page stated a 60-day money-back guarantee. These are page-specific offers, not a universal or permanent price. Region, campaign and checkout can change the amount. Before paying, confirm the number of covered PCs, whether the plan renews automatically, the renewal price and how to cancel. See the purchase page for its current terms.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
