My Norton Anti Virus is forever telling me that my laptop is slow (which it is) because 6 of my drivers need updating. But Windows says the drivers mentioned are fine

Hello LesleyGiggins,

I’m Segunfunmi, an Independent Advisor and Microsoft user like you. Thanks for posting the query here in this forum.

It can be frustrating when you receive conflicting information from different sources. In this case, Norton may be detecting outdated drivers based on its database, while Windows uses its own criteria to determine if the drivers are up to date. It is also possible that the drivers in question are not essential for the performance of your laptop, and updating them may not significantly impact its speed.

If you want to ensure that your laptop is running at its best, you can try a few things. First, ensure that your operating system and all your software are up to date. You can also try running a disk cleanup and defragmenting your hard drive to free up space and improve performance. Additionally, you may want to consider turning off any unnecessary startup programs or services that could be slowing down your laptop.

If you have tried all of these steps and are still experiencing slow performance, it may be worth contacting Norton support for further assistance. They may be able to provide more information about the specific drivers that their software is flagging as outdated and help you determine if updating them would improve the performance of your laptop. I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Kind regards, Segunfunmi.

Thank you for getting back to me so quickly, Segunfunmi.

I did an update today and will certainly do a disk clean - up and defrag asap, as you have advised.

Norton have told me the drivers they consider need updating - (for your perusal....)

1. AMD High Definition Audio Device 10.0.1.27 (4/23).
2. Integrated Camera 10.0.22000,20286 (7/23).
3. Synaptics Pointing Device 19.5.10.153 (1/21)
4. Realtek (R) Audio 6.0.9537.1. (6/23)
5. Qualcom Atheros QCA9377 Bluetooth 10.0.0.1272 (3/23)
6. Qualcom Atheros. Wireless Network Adapter 12.0.0.1258. (7/22)

I can accept that 1-4 are not to do with the speed of my computer: but I have no clue as to what 5 & 6 are, or what they have control over. Would they affect speed or not?

( Between you and me I wish Anti-virus programs would stick to their job and not encroach on manufacturer's property. But, I suppose its all about money and gullible users. Which I am trying my hardest not to be!))

Thank you again.

Lesley Giggins

My Norton Anti Virus is forever telling me that my laptop is slow (which it is) because 6 of my drivers need updating. 4 are given 2023 dates; 1 is given 2021 date and the last 1 is given 2022 date. I have checked them all and windows advises that I have the best updated drivers already installed. What am I to make of this ? Which supplier is not telling the truth to me Windows or Norton? Obviously I want my machine to run at its best and would like it to run quicker so what is the answer to this Driver conundrum?

Hi Lesley I will keep this short due to late response and others have touched on what I'm saying.

Norton can go by the numbers (new number must mean update!) i.e. the new version may well be directed to a different OS win 11 ,10 ,7 and not needed for your current system.

Windows update will target your system and updates are for your setup.

However not all drivers for other 3rd party hardware is auto update by windows. Do double check with Help desk on Norton.

Windows Update usually keeps a list of drivers that you may install if you are experiencing particular issues. You can review the list in Windows Update; see https://www.elevenforum.com/t/check-for-and-install-optional-updates-in-windows-11.10588/. Chances are that these suggested installs are the same as the ones you are receiving from Norton.

Optional Updates are available in Windows Update in Windows 10 too. See https://www.thewindowsclub.com/how-to-install-driver-and-optional-updates-in-windows-10. Windows 11 are discussed first in the article; you will have to scroll down for the corresponding Windows 10 instructions.