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Utility for seeing detailed information about installed drivers

Utility for seeing detailed information about installed drivers

Vote: (5 votes)

Program license: Free

Developer: NirSoft

Version: 1.50

Works under: Windows

Vote:

Program license

(5 votes)

Free

Developer

Version

NirSoft

1.50

Works under:

Windows

DriverView is an efficient utility tool designed to provide users with a comprehensive view of all device drivers currently loaded on a Windows system.

Overview

Navigating through the labyrinthine Device Manager in search of driver information can be a daunting task. DriverView simplifies this process by presenting a clear and detailed list of all system drivers in one neat interface. A standalone application that requires no installation, DriverView is quickly operational upon execution, making it an excellent choice for both novice users and IT professionals who need swift access to driver data.

Usability and Features

One of the standout features of DriverView is its ease of use. The program opens directly to a detailed list of drivers, eliminating the need to trawl through multiple menus. Users can customize the interface to show or hide various columns according to their needs, which can include driver name, version, provider, description, and load address, among others.

The program allows for enriched data exploration. A double-click on any driver entry opens a window containing more granular details, aiding in troubleshooting or assessment tasks. This level of detail can be indispensable for diagnosing system issues or performing hardware compatibility checks.

DriverView also sports a useful reporting function wherein users can generate comprehensive HTML reports on either individual drivers or the entire list. Although the program defaults to HTML for report generation, it offers flexibility. By selecting and copying items from the list, users can save the selected information into a variety of formats via the 'Save Selected Items' option under the File menu.

Performance and Reliability

The application is lightweight and consumes minimal system resources, ensuring that it does not hamper system performance even on older machines. Its performance is snappy, with drivers being listed promptly upon launch without observable lag, even when dealing with extensive lists on systems with numerous devices.

The addition of the 'Beep On Drivers Change' feature is particularly noteworthy for users who require real-time monitoring. When used in tandem with the 'Automatic Refresh' setting, DriverView will audibly alert users whenever the driver list is updated, signaling changes like new driver installations or updates without the need for constant visual supervision.

Pros

  • Quick and easy access to detailed driver information
  • Customizable interface with selectable columns
  • Ability to generate HTML reports for single or all drivers
  • No installation required; portable utility
  • Lightweight application with minimal system resource usage

Cons

  • Limited to HTML reports by default (other formats require manual copying)
  • Interface design is functional but outdated
  • Lacks direct options to update or manage drivers

In conclusion, DriverView stands as a practical and convenient software tool for users looking for a hassle-free way to view and manage system driver information. Its resource-efficient nature and the ability to produce detailed reports make it an invaluable utility for quick system diagnostics and oversight. While it may not have the most modern interface or the ability to directly manipulate driver functions, its core competencies more than justify its use as a part of any tech-savvy individual's software toolkit.