Driver Updater updating very old drivers that should have been identified before

Norton 360 for Windows
1

I purchased Driver Updater about a year ago. Every time I run it, it finds some driver that needs updating. The release date is sometimes years old. Today it found one with a release date of 2006. Why were these not updated before? It’s not like they were just released in the past month. I have recently added no new components to my system, so it isn’t due to some new hardware.

Thanks for your help!

2

Hello @RogerE_Morgan
That “2006” date is usually not what it looks like
Windows driver dating is… weird.
Microsoft deliberately encourages vendors to stamp drivers with very old dates (often 2006). Why?

  • Windows uses the date to decide which driver “wins”
  • Microsoft’s inbox drivers are dated June 21, 2006
  • Vendors backdate their drivers so Windows Update won’t overwrite them

So a driver can be:

  • Actively maintained
  • Updated last year
  • Fully modern

…but still say 2006 because that’s how Windows driver ranking works.

That date does not mean the driver hasn’t changed since 2006.

Why your updater “finds” something every time
Driver updater software doesn’t work like Windows Update. It:

  • Scans device IDs
  • Compares them to its own database
  • Flags any version mismatch, even if:
    • The driver is optional
    • The difference is tiny
    • The current driver is newer but differently labeled
    • The driver is OEM-customized (Dell/HP/Lenovo love this)

So it may be saying:
“This isn’t the exact version I expect → UPDATE!”
Even if:

  • Your current driver is working perfectly
  • Windows intentionally chose that version
  • The “newer” one offers zero benefit

Why these weren’t updated earlier
A few common reasons:
Windows already decided your current driver is best
Windows prioritizes:

  • Stability
  • OEM-tested drivers
  • Known-good configurations

If your system is stable, Windows often refuses to change drivers unless:

  • There’s a security issue
  • There’s a compatibility problem
  • You install new hardware or software that demands it

The device hasn’t needed a newer driver
Many components are basically “done”:

  • Chipset controllers
  • SMBus
  • HID devices
  • ACPI components

They still work fine with old-but-stable drivers.
Updater tools flag “optional” or “sidegrade” drivers
These tools often suggest:

  • Generic drivers instead of OEM ones
  • Slightly different builds
  • Drivers meant for similar (but not identical) hardware

They aren’t wrong—but they’re not necessarily better.
Why this keeps happening even with no new hardware
Because:

  • Windows re-enumerates devices over time
  • Virtual devices exist (software-based drivers)
  • Driver databases change
  • The updater’s detection logic changes

Nothing on your system changed—but the tool’s opinion did.
The important question: should you install these?
Blunt but honest answer:

  • If your system is stable → don’t touch chipset / system / ACPI drivers
  • GPU, network, audio → update from the manufacturer, not a generic updater
  • Firmware and BIOS → only from the OEM

Driver updater tools are best used when:

  • You’re missing a driver entirely
  • Device Manager shows errors
  • You’re troubleshooting broken hardware

They’re not great as routine maintenance tools.

  • That 2006 date is mostly a Windows convention, not real age
  • Windows intentionally avoids changing stable drivers
  • Driver updaters flag differences, not problems
  • “Found an update” ≠ “you should install this”
  • If nothing is broken, you’re usually better off leaving it alone

==================================

Many experts and even members of the Norton community recommend avoiding third-party driver updater utilities entirely. They suggest relying solely on Windows Update and the official websites of your hardware manufacturers (e.g., Dell, HP, Intel, NVIDIA) to obtain certified and compatible drivers. Using third-party tools can occasionally cause system instability or install incompatible drivers.

Third-party driver updaters can present issues due to incompatible drivers, outdated or incomplete databases, lack of certification, and potential security risks. Unlike updates provided through Windows Update or hardware manufacturers, these third-party tools operate outside the official quality control channels, leading to various problems.

Inaccurate Information
Third-party utilities often use their own databases to compare your installed drivers with available versions. These databases might not be as current or accurate as the manufacturer’s own records, leading to:

  • False “Outdated” Warnings: A driver might be flagged as outdated even if it’s the latest, most stable version for your specific hardware configuration (as you experienced with the 2006 date). The date displayed in the updater might refer to the original release date of a generic driver rather than the current, stable version for your system.
  • Version Mismatches: The software may compare a custom OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) driver with a generic version number, incorrectly identifying the OEM driver as older.

Compatibility and Instability Issues
The primary risk of using third-party tools is system instability or hardware malfunction.

  • Incompatible Drivers: Hardware manufacturers often customize generic drivers for their specific products (e.g., a Dell laptop’s Wi-Fi adapter requires a specific Dell-certified driver, not a generic Intel driver). Installing a generic driver can cause features to stop working (like a touchscreen, specific audio settings, or graphics control panels) and in severe cases, cause Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors or boot loops.
  • Lack of Vetting: Drivers provided via Windows Update or manufacturer websites are certified and tested for compatibility with specific systems. Third-party tools often bypass this vetting process, installing unverified or unstable drivers.

Why Official Sources Are Recommended
Experts and manufacturers recommend relying on official sources for drivers:

  • Windows Update: Provides basic, tested, and Microsoft-signed drivers for system stability.
  • Manufacturer Websites: Offer the most current, customized, and compatible drivers for your specific hardware, often including full configuration software (like NVIDIA Control Panel or Intel Graphics Command Center).
  • Only Update if Needed: In general, if your hardware is working correctly, you do not need to update every single driver. The only exceptions are typically graphics drivers (for gaming performance improvements) or if you are troubleshooting a specific issue.

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7 Effective Ways to Update Drivers on Windows 11
https://windowsforum.com/threads/7-effective-ways-to-update-drivers-on-windows-11.344628/

Note: AI sourced content may include mistakes

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These responses here suggest to me I not bother to use and purchase Norton Driver Updater…

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Many experts and even members of the Norton community recommend avoiding third-party driver updater utilities entirely. They suggest relying solely on Windows Update and the official websites of your hardware manufacturers (e.g., Dell, HP, Intel, NVIDIA) to obtain certified and compatible drivers. Using third-party tools can occasionally cause system instability or install incompatible drivers.

Third-party driver updaters can present issues due to incompatible drivers, outdated or incomplete databases, lack of certification, and potential security risks. Unlike updates provided through Windows Update or hardware manufacturers, these third-party tools operate outside the official quality control channels, leading to various problems.

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