ASUS Live Update: What It Is & Should I Remove It?

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Written by: Stelian Pilici

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ASUS Live Update is a utility software developed by ASUS, a leading manufacturer of computer hardware and electronics. It is designed to keep ASUS devices up to date by automatically downloading and installing the latest drivers, BIOS, and firmware updates. While this feature may seem convenient, there are certain considerations to keep in mind when deciding whether to keep or remove ASUS Live Update from your system.

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The Purpose of ASUS Live Update

ASUS Live Update is primarily intended to simplify the process of keeping ASUS devices up to date. It scans the system for outdated drivers, BIOS, and firmware and provides users with notifications and options to download and install the latest updates. By automating this process, ASUS aims to ensure that users have access to the latest features, bug fixes, and security enhancements.

Benefits of ASUS Live Update

There are several benefits to using ASUS Live Update:

  • Convenience: ASUS Live Update eliminates the need for manual searching and downloading of updates, saving users time and effort.
  • Improved Performance: Keeping drivers, BIOS, and firmware up to date can enhance the overall performance and stability of ASUS devices.
  • Security Enhancements: Updates often include important security patches that protect against vulnerabilities and potential threats.
  • Access to New Features: Updates may introduce new features and functionalities that enhance the user experience.

Risks and Concerns

While ASUS Live Update offers convenience and potential benefits, there are also risks and concerns associated with the software:

  • Malware Distribution: In 2019, ASUS Live Update was compromised by a sophisticated supply chain attack, resulting in the distribution of malware to thousands of users. This incident raised concerns about the security of the software and the potential for future vulnerabilities.
  • Unreliable Updates: Some users have reported issues with ASUS Live Update, such as failed installations or updates that cause system instability. These problems can be frustrating and may require additional troubleshooting.
  • Resource Consumption: ASUS Live Update runs in the background and consumes system resources, including CPU and memory. This can impact the overall performance of the system, especially on older or low-spec devices.
  • Privacy Concerns: ASUS Live Update collects system information to determine the appropriate updates for each device. While ASUS claims to handle this data responsibly, some users may have concerns about their privacy.

Should I Remove ASUS Live Update?

Considering the risks and benefits, the decision to remove ASUS Live Update ultimately depends on individual preferences and circumstances. Here are some factors to consider:

  • Security: If you prioritize security and are concerned about potential vulnerabilities, removing ASUS Live Update may be a prudent choice. Regularly checking for updates manually or using alternative update management tools can help ensure your system remains secure.
  • Reliability: If you have experienced issues with ASUS Live Update in the past, such as failed installations or system instability, removing the software may be a viable solution. However, it is important to note that manually updating drivers, BIOS, and firmware can be time-consuming and may require technical expertise.
  • Performance: If you have noticed a significant impact on system performance or have limited system resources, removing ASUS Live Update can help alleviate these concerns. However, it is important to stay vigilant and manually check for updates periodically to ensure you are not missing out on important improvements.
  • Convenience: If you value the convenience of automatic updates and prefer a hassle-free approach to keeping your ASUS devices up to date, you may choose to keep ASUS Live Update installed. However, it is crucial to remain cautious and ensure that you are downloading updates from trusted sources.

How to Remove ASUS Live Update

If you decide to remove ASUS Live Update from your system, there are a few methods you can use:

  1. Manual Uninstallation: You can uninstall ASUS Live Update through the Control Panel on Windows. Simply navigate to “Programs and Features,” locate ASUS Live Update in the list of installed programs, and select “Uninstall.”
  2. Third-Party Uninstaller: Using a third-party uninstaller tool can help ensure a thorough removal of ASUS Live Update and any associated files or registry entries. One recommended tool is Revo Uninstaller Free, which offers advanced scanning and cleaning capabilities.

Conclusion

ASUS Live Update can be a useful tool for keeping ASUS devices up to date, but it is not without its risks and concerns. Considering factors such as security, reliability, performance, and convenience, users should carefully evaluate whether to keep or remove ASUS Live Update from their systems. Regardless of the decision, it is important to stay proactive in maintaining the security and performance of your devices by regularly checking for updates and using trusted sources for downloads.

How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

  1. Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

    Shield Guide

    It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.

  2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

    updates-guide

    Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.

  3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

    install guide

    Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."

  4. Install an ad blocker.

    Ad Blocker

    Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.

  5. Be careful what you download.

    Trojan Horse

    A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.

  6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

    warning sign

    Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.

  7. Back up your data.

    backup sign

    Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.

  8. Choose strong passwords.

    lock sign

    Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.

  9. Be careful where you click.

    cursor sign

    Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

  10. Don't use pirated software.

    Shady Guide

    Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.

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