Conflict between Windows and Avast

[nomadreid]

TL;DR Summary

Avast Antivirus tells me I need driver updates (and thus to buy their premium...), while Windows tells me that my drivers are up to date when I follow the instructions to update drivers. Whom should a lay person believe?

When I follow the directions on https://helpcenter.trendmicro.com/en-us/article/tmka-11234, I am told by Windows 10 that all my drivers are updated. Avast Antivirus keeps giving me notices to try to make me upgrade from the present free version to their Premium version, and one of them is that I have 12 outdated drivers. Outside of a bit of problem with audio in Skype recently, I haven't noticed anything giving me problems on my computer, but as I am a lay person (with respect to computers), there is always the nagging suspicion that I may be doing something wrong. Should I just continue to ignore this pitch from Avast? If Avast is correct, I find it hard to believe that the only way to update the drivers is via their program. (I am not computer savvy enough to go into the actual programming.)

 

[Wrichik Basu]

Probably just another marketing scheme. Even if driver updates are available, they may not be actually suitable for your setup and break things, which is why Windows doesn't show them. If compatible updates are available, Windows will install them when necessary if you upgrade regularly. Ignore the warnings from Avast, or switch to Win Security.

 

[Vanadium 50]

Avast ye scurvy dogs!

Avast got caught with their hand in the cookie jar selling customer data with Jumpshot. You can decide for yourself how trustworthy or sketchy they are.

 

[nomadreid]

Thanks, Wrichik Basu and Vanadium 50!

 

[DrGreg]

Hmm. I use Norton, not Avast, but recently it's been doing the same thing, i.e. advising me that some drivers aren't the latest and inviting me to solve the problem by upgrading my subscription to a significantly more expensive option. I have declined the invitation.

 

[Rive]

Avast Antivirus keeps giving me notices to try to make me upgrade from the present free version to their Premium version, and one of them is that I have 12 outdated drivers.

AVG Free does the same, on weekly basis.
It is also frequently naggin' me about registry items, temporary files, possibly visible network activity, tracking cookies and such, all solved by buying the full version, of course...

I was told once that Comodo is less aggressive. I might consider to switch.

 

[DKenn]

Software updating apps often provide updates from OEMs which is not always applicable to the device. For example Avast might recommend a Realtek audio driver for a HP computer that HP themselves have not verified as compatible.

The safest way to update drivers is via the computer or component manufacturers website.