Getting updated drivers

Just as a general question is there any freeware that scans my computer and lets me install updated drivers if I need them? I saw some paid software that does this.

 

Yes, it is called Windows Update. Microsoft hosts hundreds of thousands of drivers.

I am not sure you really want a purely automated solution here. Some freeware that can help:

Belarc Advisor
http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

Touchstone's Driver Agent:
http://driveragent.com/?PHPSESSID=9f8b5acad8be00fca1292768ba20ec94

 

I use Windows Update, I just didn't know that it updates drivers. I had tried Touchstone before, but it always froze on loading results. I thought that was because I had to pay to see them.

 

Windows Update will list as Optional components any drivers it finds. It does not automaticly install them.

Touchstone allows a free scan. You have to allow an Active-X control, I believe.

Make sure too that you have a current version of Java installed.

 

Japheth--I believe Windows Update will show Optional (non-security) Updates only if you choose the Custom scan (rather than Express scan) in the first WU window.
And I think (though I may be wrong) that Touchstone's scan will tell you what drivers, in its opinion, are out of date, but will charge you to get the drivers. Of course, once you know what may be out of date, you can always go directly to the manufacturer's site to see what is offered. The websites of most manufacturers will have a Driver Download option.
On the other hand, it if works, maybe do not fix it?