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Most of the issues on Windows-based computers are caused by incorrect work of drivers. We have written a guide on driver update methods, feel free to check How to update drivers. Driver Easy, as one of the tools among driver updater software, was developed in 2009 specifically to ease the task of device identification, driver search and update. With it one can update all necessary drivers in one click.
Specifications. Easeware Technology Ltd., the provider of Driver Easy, conducts more hands-on tests than Microsoft, using popular hardware/OS/software combinations. They have amassed years of expertise in driver validation processes to ensure correctness, safety and stability.
Vendor | |
Newest version | v5.6.12 |
Operating systems | Windows 7/8/8.1/10 |
Installation file size | 4.83 MB |
Menu languages | 14 |
Driver database | 8,000,000 |
Extra features | one-click update, backup |
Pricing | free / subscription |
License | $29,95 1 year subscription / 3 PCs |
Windows 10 uses its own driver library for all types of devices, but there could still be outdated drivers if service is disabled. Then manual update is required, or the use of specialized software like Driver Easy. If we look at Statcounter.com, we see that Windows OS users share is 35%, 60% of which is Windows 10, as of August 2019.
For our in-house tests we use a standard Asus laptop with 64-bit Windows 10, 12GB RAM, Intel Core I3-4005U processor of 1.70 GHz, 256GB SSD, and a screen resolution of 1366x768. Since in our review we take download time into account as well, we should state our connection speed to be fair. Via SpeedTest service we got: 425 Mbps download speed, 166 Mbps upload speed.
Installation of Driver Easy does not require special tech skills - just download a file and launch it. In “custom mode” a user can select directory for installation, create a desktop icon and create a scheduled scan task. You can always start with a free version, find the link below.
Scan tab displays the number of drivers available for updating if scanning has already been performed and the “Scan Now” button is always available. In our case, the first system scan lasted 19 seconds.
After scanning is done, we automatically get to the Update tab. For our laptop, 6 drivers were detected as out-of-date. We chose 1, namely Realtek audio driver, since it took up the most memory.
Downloading this 312 MB driver took 1 hour 38 minutes, and given our connection speed, such a result is not impressive. The app, though, offers us to upgrade to Pro version to get 10 times faster download speed (which would be about 10 minutes). After downloading, you have to install a driver in automatic mode (available for Pro users only) or manual mode.
When trying to install the audio driver (Realtek High Definition Audio 6.0.8787.1) offered by Driver Easy in manual mode, we ended up with “lack of necessary files to install the *.exe driver.” Consulting the Windows Device Manager then informed us that we were already having the relevant version.
Via AIDA64 we found out the exact model of audio controller (ALC233). Nevertheless, we tried it out, restarted Windows and scanned with Driver Easy again. Afterwards, there were no notifications about Realtek update.
Users may view general information about system configuration in the Hardware Info tab. It is basically the same as in Device manager, but a bit more informative and convenient, plus it can also be exported to a TXT file (Pro version). For detailed and precise information about a device and components, we recommend special apps such as AIDA64, CPU-Z.
Tools tab offers more useful options, but again, only for Pro users. This includes driver backups, restoration, scan drivers offline. Offline scanning, by the way, implies the ability to scan a PC without an Internet connection, export a file, run Driver Easy on another device, import a generated file, and download mentioned drivers - all in that order.
Driver Easy settings are user-friendly, straightforward and contain all necessary functions. Instantly switch the language, automatically start when the computer is turned on, or automatically scan for drivers when Driver Easy starts. There are also automatic scan calendar (scheduler), system backup settings, changing directories for downloads and restore points.
Ways of contacting the support depend on the issue - for bug reports the default browser, for user feedback direct message. Automatic generation and sending of system information is optional. Driver Easy encourages users to find errors by giving away free licenses, e.g. 1 license for errors in translation, 3 licenses per 3 devices for application errors.
To be frank, the Free version of Driver Easy is practically useless, it can serve purely to try out things and to familiarize with the interface. For full effect, you will definitely have to purchase a PRO subscription. Meanwhile, here’s is how the app impacted our test laptop.
CPU | RAM | |
Background | 1% | 115 MB |
Scanning | 30% | 135 MB |
Driver Easy is a quality product with a proper user interface and a set of features necessary for this kind of software. The driver database is impressive and during our testing it became clear that it not only includes official drivers from manufacturers, but also custom user drivers with WHQL certification from Microsoft. However, we had doubts about certain of those drivers, and there’s no way to factcheck all of them.
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