Is updating drivers a necessity?

TUVOK

I bought a new desk top PC about 3 months ago, it came with Norton installed which is now telling me that I have 12 drivers which need updating.
Two questions please, is it essential that drivers are updated and are there any free driver updating apps available?

Neil_Jones

Most drivers don't need updating.

The only one that is worth updating on occasion (particularly on gaming machines) is the graphics driver, if its a separate ATI/Nvidia card.  If its onboard graphics its debatable whether its worth doing.

Apart from those, you only need to update the other drivers if the updated driver fixes an issue that you're having...

cerebus

Have a mooch on device manager , if there are no question marks and things like your monitor is named correctly then there is no need

Personally I would sack Norton off 

forgotmyname

Check the drivers release notes, does it fix bugs that applies to your system?

MattMattMattUK

Windows will update most drivers for you (if you let it), personally I would uninstall Norton and never install it ever again.

gefnew

I would use the norton uninstall tool for this.
Download and run the Norton Remove and Reinstall tool for Windows

400ixl

Remove Norton and use Windows Defender for free.

As for drivers, yes, you should be periodically updating your drivers. Windows update will do most of them, but it is worth going to the manufacturers site every so often and checking for updates.

Whilst you may not be having issues, there may be unpatched vulnerabilities that you need to be secure online.

Newcad

Many driver updates are to address specific issues on specific architecture and so may not (probably won't) apply to your machine.

Updating drivers unnecessarily can cause problems where there weren't any before, even to the extent of breaking your machine to the point where you have to reinstall Windows.
I've seen that happen many times when someone has blithely, regularly, used a Driver Updater such as the one in Norton, or CCleaner, or -- , well there a quite a few out there.
(Then they cry "But I've done it hundreds of times before with no problem", as they have found it only takes one time for something to go wrong with a driver update).

My opinion - If you aren't seeing a problem with some particular hardware then you don't need to change the driver that it's currently using.
(ie. Don't try to fix what isn't broken).

km1500

uninstall Norton remove it forever is.my advice

Windows update will update drivers, Windows defender will protect you

[Deleted User]

Norton is very good. I get it as part of my Broadband package. Windows Defender is not a complete protection system. Updating drivers ensures smooth running of the machine and can eliminate bugs and other issues. 

BlueonBlue

Your probably getting ripped of on that broadband package along with buying into all that you need Norton bolly olly .
Its like those bank accounts people pay for monthly .

Plusnet isnt too bad if you can work a £50-75 credit .......Forget Norton drop it like stone .