When it comes to managing and updating drivers on your computer, you may come across a file called DriverUpdate.exe. This executable file is often found in the Windows operating system and is responsible for handling driver updates. However, many users are unsure about whether they should remove it or if it poses any security risks. In this article, we will delve into the details of DriverUpdate.exe, discuss whether it is malware or not, and provide insights on whether you should remove it.
DriverUpdate.exe is an executable file that is commonly associated with driver update software. It is often installed alongside driver management tools or utility programs that aim to simplify the process of updating drivers on your computer. These tools scan your system for outdated or missing drivers and provide a convenient way to download and install the latest versions.
DriverUpdate.exe itself is not a driver, but rather the component responsible for managing the driver update process. It acts as an intermediary between the driver management software and the operating system, facilitating the installation of updated drivers.
Is DriverUpdate.exe Malware?
While DriverUpdate.exe is not inherently malware, it is important to exercise caution when dealing with any executable file. Malware authors often disguise their malicious programs with names similar to legitimate files to deceive users. Therefore, it is crucial to verify the source and legitimacy of DriverUpdate.exe before allowing it to run on your system.
If you encounter DriverUpdate.exe in an unexpected location or if it is consuming excessive system resources, it could be a sign of malware. In such cases, it is recommended to perform a thorough scan of your system using reputable antivirus software like Malwarebytes Free. This will help identify and remove any potential threats.
Should I Remove DriverUpdate.exe?
Whether you should remove DriverUpdate.exe depends on your specific circumstances and the legitimacy of the file. Here are a few factors to consider:
1. Legitimate Driver Management Software:
If you have installed a reputable driver management software that utilizes DriverUpdate.exe, it is generally safe to keep it. These tools are designed to simplify the driver update process and ensure your system is running with the latest drivers. Removing DriverUpdate.exe in such cases may hinder the functionality of the driver management software.
2. Suspicious or Unknown Source:
If you encounter DriverUpdate.exe from an unknown or suspicious source, it is advisable to remove it. As mentioned earlier, malware authors often use similar names to legitimate files to trick users. If you are unsure about the source or legitimacy of DriverUpdate.exe, err on the side of caution and remove it.
3. Performance Issues:
If you notice that DriverUpdate.exe is consuming excessive system resources or causing performance issues, it may be worth considering its removal. In some cases, poorly optimized driver management software can negatively impact system performance. However, it is important to identify the root cause of the performance issues before attributing them solely to DriverUpdate.exe.
How to Remove DriverUpdate.exe?
If you have decided to remove DriverUpdate.exe from your system, here are the steps you can follow:
Open the Windows Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc or by right-clicking on the taskbar and selecting “Task Manager.”
In the Task Manager, navigate to the “Processes” or “Details” tab.
Locate the DriverUpdate.exe process and right-click on it.
Select “End Task” or “End Process” to terminate the DriverUpdate.exe process.
After terminating the process, navigate to the file location of DriverUpdate.exe.
Right-click on the file and select “Delete” to remove it from your system.
It is important to note that removing DriverUpdate.exe may impact the functionality of any associated driver management software. If you decide to remove it, consider reinstalling or updating the driver management software to ensure you can continue to update your drivers effectively.
Is Your Device Infected? Scan for Malware
If your computer or phone is slow, showing unwanted pop-ups, or acting strangely, malware could be the cause. Running a scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free is one of the most reliable ways to detect and remove harmful software. The free version can identify and clean common infections such as adware, browser hijackers, trojans, and other unwanted programs.
Malwarebytes works on Windows, Mac, and Android devices. Choose your operating system below and follow the steps to scan your device and remove any malware that might be slowing it down.
Malwarebytes for WindowsMalwarebytes for MacMalwarebytes for Android
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Windows
Malwarebytes stands out as one of the leading and widely-used anti-malware solutions for Windows, and for good reason. It effectively eradicates various types of malware that other programs often overlook, all at no cost to you. When it comes to disinfecting an infected device, Malwarebytes has consistently been a free and indispensable tool in the battle against malware. We highly recommend it for maintaining a clean and secure system.
Download Malwarebytes
Download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Windows using the official link below. Malwarebytes will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software for free.
(The above link will open a new page from where you can download Malwarebytes)
Install Malwarebytes
After the download is complete, locate the MBSetup file, typically found in your Downloads folder. Double-click on the MBSetup file to begin the installation of Malwarebytes on your computer. If a User Account Control pop-up appears, click “Yes” to continue the Malwarebytes installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, the setup wizard will guide you through the process.
You’ll first be prompted to choose the type of computer you’re installing the program on—select either “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” as appropriate, then click on Next.
Malwarebytes will now begin the installation process on your device.
When the Malwarebytes installation is complete, the program will automatically open to the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen.
On the final screen, simply click on the Open Malwarebytes option to start the program.
Enable “Rootkit scanning”.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start, and you will see the main screen as shown below. To maximize Malwarebytes’ ability to detect malware and unwanted programs, we need to enable rootkit scanning. Click on the “Settings” gear icon located on the left of the screen to access the general settings section.
In the settings menu, enable the “Scan for rootkits” option by clicking the toggle switch until it turns blue.
Now that you have enabled rootkit scanning, click on the “Dashboard” button in the left pane to get back to the main screen.
Perform a Scan with Malwarebytes.
To start a scan, click the Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its antivirus database and begin scanning your computer for malicious programs.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now scan your computer for browser hijackers and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Quarantine detected malware
Once the Malwarebytes scan is complete, it will display a list of detected malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. To effectively remove these threats, click the “Quarantine” button.
Malwarebytes will now delete all of the files and registry keys and add them to the program’s quarantine.
Restart your computer.
When removing files, Malwarebytes may require a reboot to fully eliminate some threats. If you see a message indicating that a reboot is needed, please allow it. Once your computer has restarted and you are logged back in, you can continue with the remaining steps.
Once the scan completes, remove all detected threats. Your Windows computer should now be clean and running smoothly again, free of trojans, adware, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed this malicious program on your computer, you may want to consider purchasing Malwarebytes Premium to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Malwarebytes for Mac is an on-demand scanner that can destroy many types of malware that other software tends to miss without costing you absolutely anything. When it comes to cleaning up an infected device, Malwarebytes has always been free, and we recommend it as an essential tool in the fight against malware.
Download Malwarebytes for Mac.
You can download Malwarebytes for Mac by clicking the link below.
When Malwarebytes has finished downloading, double-click on the setup file to install Malwarebytes on your computer. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
Follow the on-screen prompts to install Malwarebytes.
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, you will see the Malwarebytes for Mac Installer which will guide you through the installation process. Click “Continue“, then keep following the prompts to continue with the installation process.
When your Malwarebytes installation completes, the program opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click the “Get started” button.
Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”.
The Malwarebytes Welcome screen will first ask you what type of computer are you installing this program, click either Personal Computer or Work Computer.
Click on “Scan”.
To scan your computer with Malwarebytes, click on the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes for Mac will automatically update the antivirus database and start scanning your computer for malware.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will scan your computer for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Quarantine”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes has detected. To remove the malware that Malwarebytes has found, click on the “Quarantine” button.
Restart computer.
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your computer.
After scanning, delete any detected threats. Your Mac should now be free from adware, unwanted extensions, and other potentially harmful software.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious program on your computer, you might want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove a malicious program from your computer, please ask for help in our Mac Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Android
Malwarebytes for Android automatically detects and removes dangerous threats like malware and ransomware so you don’t have to worry about your most-used device being compromised. Aggressive detection of adware and potentially unwanted programs keeps your Android phone or tablet running smooth.
Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
In the Google Play Store, tap “Install” to install Malwarebytes for Android on your device.
When the installation process has finished, tap “Open” to begin using Malwarebytes for Android. You can also open Malwarebytes by tapping on its icon in your phone menu or home screen.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process
When Malwarebytes will open, you will see the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard which will guide you through a series of permissions and other setup options. This is the first of two screens that explain the difference between the Premium and Free versions. Swipe this screen to continue. Tap on “Got it” to proceed to the next step. Malwarebytes for Android will now ask for a set of permissions that are required to scan your device and protect it from malware. Tap on “Give permission” to continue. Tap on “Allow” to permit Malwarebytes to access the files on your phone.
Update database and run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
You will now be prompted to update the Malwarebytes database and run a full system scan.
Click on “Update database” to update the Malwarebytes for Android definitions to the latest version, then click on “Run full scan” to perform a system scan.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now start scanning your phone for adware and other malicious apps. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Remove Selected”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. To remove the malicious apps that Malwarebytes has found, tap on the “Remove Selected” button.
Restart your phone.
Malwarebytes for Android will now remove all the malicious apps that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your device.
When the scan is finished, remove all detected threats. Your Android phone should now be free of malicious apps, adware, and unwanted browser redirects.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious app on your phone, you may want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Restore your phone to factory settings by going to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
After cleaning your device, it’s important to protect it from future infections and annoying pop-ups. We recommend installing an ad blocker such as AdGuard. AdGuard blocks malicious ads, prevents phishing attempts, and stops dangerous redirects, helping you stay safe while browsing online.
Summary
DriverUpdate.exe is an executable file commonly associated with driver management software. While it is not malware itself, it is crucial to verify its legitimacy and source before allowing it to run on your system. If you encounter DriverUpdate.exe from an unknown or suspicious source, it is recommended to remove it. However, if you have installed a reputable driver management software that utilizes DriverUpdate.exe, it is generally safe to keep it.
Remember, if you suspect any malware or security threats on your system, it is always a good idea to perform a thorough scan using reliable antivirus software like Malwarebytes Free. This will help ensure the safety and security of your computer.
Stelian leverages over a decade of cybersecurity expertise to lead malware analysis and removal, uncover scams, and educate people. His experience provides insightful analysis and valuable perspective.
