DriverUpdate ads: what it is and how to remove it
DriverUpdate is a potentially unwanted program by Slimware Utilities claiming to update drivers but delivering misleading ads instead. It spreads via bundled software and fake update notifications.
Facts checked October 5, 2026. Removal steps tested on Windows 11 (26H2) and checked against Microsoft's and the browser makers' current documentation. Sections marked as our earlier report are the original text: they describe the threat as it was then and have not been reviewed since. The 2026 status, the removal steps and the questions are current.
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DriverUpdate ads: summary
| Name | DriverUpdate |
|---|---|
| Type | System tool |
| Sub-type | PUP |
| Similar to | Slimcleaner, SlimCleaner plus |
| Supported by | DriverUpdate.net virus |
| Developer | Slimware |
| Removal | Scan the PC with security software to find and remove the malware and anything installed with it. Fortect scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free. |
Show 11 more facts
| Browsers hijacked | All popular ones – Chrome, Edge, Firefox, etc. |
|---|---|
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Distribution | Not recorded in the old report |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Symptoms | Redirects to an unknown domain |
| Evidence | 6 write-ups by security sites; details still limited |
| Domains | driverupdate.net |
| Ads shown as | Redirects through ad pages |
| Browsers | Chrome, Edge and Firefox |
| First seen | 30 June 2021 |
| Facts checked | 5 October 2026 |
Is DriverUpdate ads dangerous?
What readers reported about DriverUpdate
interested in Driver Updater Plus. Good day, This application does not look suspicious at all. However, I found quite contradictory opinions about it. What would be your verdict? Is it okay to use it?
Why did I get 2 additional programs alongside Disk Defrag Free ???. Hi, i have downloaded Disk Defrag Free and installed it quickly. However, I noticed two more programs next to its shortcut on my desktop afterward. Why did I get Auslogics Driver Updater and Auslogics BoostSpeed????? I wasn't asking…
What is DriverUpdaterPro?. Few times a day DriverUpdaterPro program starts scanning the computer and deliver a report on various issues. The problem is that I haven't installed this program... How can I make these scans to stop?
Problems with Smart Driver Updater. Somehow I can't find this program on the list of system apps. The notifications stating about outdated drivers still keep popping up. Can you help me remove this application?
From the comments under our earlier guide; names and contact details removed.
From our report of Jun 2021 · outdated details corrected in October 2026
DriverUpdate virus - an unwanted program that fails to take care of your drivers
DriverUpdate is a potentially unwanted program that is supposed to detect and complete the necessary updates on your computer.
Unfortunately, this PUP which belongs to the Slimware developer tricks people into using its services and doesn't keep the promises of its effectiveness.
There are more utilities coming from this publisher, like Slimcleaner and SlimCleaner plus which have also been tricking users into installing and then acting in a different way than expected. One of the reasons why it deserved such classification of PUP is the shady distribution method which is supported by DriverUpdate.net virus.
The program might sneak inside the computer in the software bundle and might initiate undesired system scans. These scan results might be terrifying. Though, people are offered to buy a full version of the program in order to fix these issues.
Purchasing the licensed version of the dubious application is not recommended because scan results might unreliable and increased purposely in order to boost sales of the program. The so-called DriverUpdate virus might also deliver an excessive amount of online ads. The program might hijack all most popular web browsers, including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox.
It can deliver fake pop-up ads claiming that you need to update Java, browser codecs, web browser, or any other software. Having in mind that the app promises to clean your computer from outdated programs and files, you may think at first that every notification is reliable. Sadly, it isn't.
Driver Update ads are misleading and might redirect you to shady online places. Therefore, if you would click on "Download," "Run Update" or "Click to install now" button, instead of installing an update you may agree to install another adware or even a malicious program on your computer.
However, beware that this app mainly seeks to distribute other potentially unwanted programs on your computer with the help of fake update messages. So, if you do not want to encounter more serious problems, you should think about Driver Update removal.
The best way to get rid of the PUP is by scanning the system with an anti-malware/anti-spyware program. Professional tools like will find and delete all suspicious components that might be delivering an excessive amount of ads or initiate redirects.
However, if you prefer, you can remove Driver Update from the computer manually. At the end of the article, you will find detailed instructions on how to do it. Although, we kindly as you to carefully follow the given guidelines in order to safely eliminate this PUP. If you find this method too difficult, proceed with the automatic removal.
Check your browser and PC
- Address:
driverupdate.net
How to remove DriverUpdate ads
How to remove the DriverUpdate extension
Do the browser steps in every browser and profile on the PC, then check Windows for the program that installed the extension.
Step 1: Remove extensions you did not add
DriverUpdate often works through an extension, so go through the extension list of each browser:
chrome://extensionsedge://extensions- Extensions and themes in Firefox
Switch suspicious extensions off one at a time and reload the page where the problem shows, then remove the one that stops it, and any other you did not add.
Remember the other browsers and profiles on the PC. If Remove is missing or greyed out, a policy forces the extension, which the policy step deals with. Windows 11 and Windows 10 show the same pages.
Chrome on Windows 11: More > Extensions > Manage extensions. Full procedure with screenshots: Remove a browser extension
Step 2: Uninstall programs you did not mean to install
Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps in Windows 11, or Settings > Apps > Apps & features in Windows 10, and sort the list by install date. Look at what appeared around the day the problem started and uninstall every program you do not recognise or did not choose.
Free converters, PDF and video tools, "system optimizers" and unknown browsers are the usual carriers of DriverUpdate. If a name is unclear, search for it before you remove it, so you do not uninstall a driver or a Windows component.
Full procedure with screenshots: Uninstall a program or app in Windows On uGetFix
Step 3: Reset the browser
Finish the browser part with a reset, which puts the search engine, start page, new tab page and site permissions back to their defaults and switches extensions off. Chrome: Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults.
Edge: Settings > Reset settings. Firefox: Help > More troubleshooting information > Refresh Firefox, which also removes its extensions. Your bookmarks and saved passwords are kept, and the menus are the same on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Chrome on Windows 11: Settings > Reset settings. Full procedure with screenshots: Reset a browser and fix a hijacked search engine
Step 4: Scan the PC, then run the offline scan
Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, run a Full scan and remove everything it finds. Then select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) and click Scan now: the PC restarts and scans before Windows loads, which finds files that hide while Windows runs.
Save your work first, because the offline scan takes about 15 minutes. Both scans are built into Windows 11 and Windows 10, and a second scanner from another vendor is a useful extra opinion.
Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
Instructions for each browser and system
The detailed steps for every browser and system this guide covers. Open the one you use.
Uninstall from Windows
You can uninstall DriverUpdate from Windows by following the guidelines below.
Uninstall from Windows 10/8:
- Type Control Panel into the Windows search box and open the result.
- Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.
Uninstall from Windows 7/XP:
- Click on Windows Start > Control Panel (Windows XP users should click on Add/Remove Programs).
- In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.
Remove the unwanted program:
- In the Programs and Features window, look for any recently installed suspicious entries, select them, and click Uninstall.
- If User Account Control appears, click Yes to confirm, then complete the removal.
Delete from macOS
Remove the unwanted application:
- From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
- In the Applications folder, look for any suspicious entries, then drag them to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash).
Delete leftover files and folders:
- Select Go > Go to Folder.
- Enter /Library/Application Support and remove any suspicious folders related to the unwanted program.
- Repeat the same check in the /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders, deleting any suspicious entries.
- Finally, empty the Trash to permanently remove the leftovers.
Access your website securely from any location
When you work on the domain, site, blog, or different project that requires constant management, content creation, or coding, you may need to connect to the server and content management service more often. The best solution for creating a tighter network could be a dedicated/fixed IP address.
If you make your IP address static and set to your device, you can connect to the CMS from any location and do not create any additional issues for the server or network manager that needs to monitor connections and activities. VPN software providers like can help you with such settings and offer the option to control the online reputation and manage projects easily from any part of the world.
Recover files after data-affecting malware attacks
While much of the data can be accidentally deleted due to various reasons, malware is one of the main culprits that can cause loss of pictures, documents, videos, and other important files.
More serious malware infections lead to significant data loss when your documents, system files, and images get encrypted. In particular, ransomware is is a type of malware that focuses on such functions, so your files become useless without an ability to access them.
Even though there is little to no possibility to recover after file-locking threats, some applications have features for data recovery in the system. In some cases, can also help to recover at least some portion of your data after data-locking virus infection or general cyber infection.
From our report of Jun 2021 · not reviewed since
Freeware functions as a carrier for this PUP. Steps to avoid it
Unfortunately, as most of the potentially unwanted programs, adware finds its way to your system by a popular marketing scheme called bundling.
Additionally, people can receive adverts on this system optimization tool via driverupdater.net pop-ups.
Note that software bundling is closely related to various freeware and shareware. To be more precise, experts from LosVirus.es explain that this unreliable application may get inside your computer along with free programs, such as download managers, PDF creators, media players , and so on. Later, it will demand DriverUpdate registration key for further services.
In order to avoid this, you should install free programs very carefully. Make sure that you select programs carefully and install them only after reading End-User's License Agreement and Privacy Policy sections. In addition to that, you should select an Advanced or Custom installation option if possible because it allows monitoring the entire process and deselecting checkboxes with "optional downloads" suggested.
If you have already noticed that each of your web browsers delivers questionable messages and ads, you should not wait any longer and fix your computer without any delay.
From our report of Jun 2021 · outdated details corrected in October 2026
Driver Update FAQ
Question: I got lured into installing a program by Slimware Utilities.
At first, it seemed to be trustworthy before it has started delivering intrusive notifications. I wonder, is DriverUpdate legitimate? Or should I uninstall it?
Answer: Slimware Utilities is a company that develops various applications. However, this product has received criticism over time. Some cybersecurity experts assign it to the spyware category, while others tend to rank it as Driver Update software virus or Slimware virus. Although it isn't a real virus, we strongly doubt that it is the software you will want to keep on your computer.
Research shows that it displays many notifications that do not reflect the actual computer's condition; besides, it works as adware that displays various commercial offers.
Question: I keep receiving Driver Update popup every time I log into Windows. It says that my drivers are outdated and that I must update them ASAP. How to get rid of Driver Update?
It is annoying, and I don't feel like I really need this software. My brother is a geek, and he fixes my computer for me, but he's away now. This software just annoys me!
Answer: If you want to remove pop-ups and notifications by DriverUpdate (by Slimware Utilities), we highly recommend following the instructions we have prepared. The tutorial provided below the article explains how to disable this program and uninstall it. After removing it from your system, you won't get any notifications or ads.
Question: I am confused. I haven't installed many programs, except for some free games.
Now, my computer keeps displaying pop-ups asking me to update drivers. How to remove Driver Update notification? Can you explain?
Answer: Driver Update is a questionable program that promises to update Windows drivers but delivers annoying ads and repetitious notifications regularly. It is also noticeable that the software attempts to convince the user to buy its license key.
However, you can update your drivers without this software quite quickly, so we do not see a reason why you would want to spend money on a program that has received so many negative reviews over the years. Now that you know what is DriverUpdate let us explain how it could get on your computer without your knowledge.
This software is described as a potentially unwanted one, and one of the reasons for such classification is the distribution method used to promote it. It turns out that this system tool spreads with the help of software bundling, a technique that is frequently used in the distribution of spyware-type programs.
We advise choosing Custom/Advanced settings whenever you install programs and deselecting all additional programs suggested to you. If you don't do this, they will be installed thanks to Default/Standard settings that are selected by default.
From our report of Jun 2021 · not reviewed since
Uninstall DriverUpdate virus without hesitation
Many people question is DriverUpdate.net safe, yet continue to install this unreliable program.
If you are one of them who are struggling and cannot get rid of DriverUpdate, please get professional malware removal software. Since the app may cause infiltration of various potentially unwanted programs, make sure that you remove it as soon as you notice its first ad or receive unexpected system scan results. The longer you let it stay, the more problems it might cause.
For instance, your browser might be flooded with commercial content, and you might be tricked to click on a malicious ad. Sadly, it might lead to a malware attack. Thus, do not hesitate and chose the best option for Driver Update removal. The first method suggests detecting and eliminating the program yourself.
Bear in mind that you need to look for other questionable applications that might have been installed without your knowledge as well.
If these guidelines look too complicated, you can remove Driver Update virus automatically using . It's a quick and simple solution to clean your computer from viruses. The leftovers are easy to clean with .
Questions about DriverUpdate ads
What is DriverUpdate virus?
DriverUpdate is a potentially unwanted program that purports to detect and complete necessary driver updates on your computer. However, this PUP by Slimware Utilities tricks people into using its services and fails to keep promises of effectiveness.
The developer also created Slimcleaner and SlimCleaner Plus, which similarly trick users. One reason for its PUP classification is the shady distribution method supported by DriverUpdate.net, allowing the program to sneak inside computers via software bundles.
What does DriverUpdate do when installed?
After installation, DriverUpdate may initiate undesired system scans with terrifying results, though people are offered to buy the full version to fix these issues. The so-called DriverUpdate virus might deliver an excessive amount of online ads.
The program hijacks popular web browsers including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Internet Explorer. It displays misleading fake pop-up ads claiming you need to update Java, Flash Player, web browsers, or other software.
Are the ads from DriverUpdate trustworthy?
No. Driver Update ads are misleading and might redirect you to shady online places. If you click "Download," "Run Update" or "Click to install now" buttons, instead of installing updates you may agree to install another adware or even malicious programs.
This app mainly seeks to distribute other potentially unwanted programs via fake update messages. Clicking ads represents a significant risk of infection with additional malware.
How does DriverUpdate spread?
DriverUpdate spreads through software bundling, a popular marketing scheme where it infiltrates your system via freeware downloads like download managers, PDF creators, and media players. Users can also receive advertisements for this unreliable application via driverupdater.net pop-ups. The shady distribution method makes it difficult for users to avoid during the installation process of legitimate free programs.
Is DriverUpdate legitimate?
Slimware Utilities developed various applications, but DriverUpdate has received significant criticism. Some cybersecurity experts assign it to the spyware category, while others rank it as Driver Update software virus or Slimware virus.
Although it is not a real virus, security experts strongly doubt that it is software users want to keep on their computers. It displays notifications that do not reflect actual computer conditions and operates as adware.
Why do I keep getting DriverUpdate pop-ups?
DriverUpdate pop-ups appear every time you log into Windows claiming your drivers are outdated and need updating. This is a deceptive notification designed to pressure you into purchasing the program.
The software is classified as potentially unwanted because it continues displaying notifications and advertisements to convince users to buy its license key. These notifications are unreliable and inflated to encourage spending.
How do I remove DriverUpdate?
To get rid of DriverUpdate completely, use professional malware removal software. The best way is by scanning the system with reputable anti-malware tools, which will find and delete all suspicious components delivering excessive ads or initiating redirects.
Alternatively, for manual removal, carefully follow the guidelines provided in removal instructions. However, professional automatic removal is recommended because the PUP may install other unwanted programs alongside it.
Can I update drivers safely without this program?
Yes. You can update your drivers without DriverUpdate. Download and install reliable driver update software from reputable sources.
Many system tools and driver managers are available that do not display aggressive advertising or require paid subscriptions.
Research and choose properly reviewed alternatives. Windows often manages critical driver updates automatically. For hardware-specific drivers, visit the official manufacturer websites.
Will Fortect remove DriverUpdate?
Fortect scans Windows for malware and unwanted programs and repairs the system files and settings they change, and its free scan shows what it finds on your PC before you decide anything.
For DriverUpdate, follow the plan above as well: the browser steps take back permissions and settings that no scanner treats as a threat, and uninstalling the program that brought it removes the source.
Run Microsoft Defender's full scan and, if anything was found, its offline scan as a second opinion. If the symptoms are gone after the plan and both scans are clean, there is nothing more to do.
Sources
- Trend Micro: Potentially Unwanted Application (read October 5, 2026)
- What Is: Pop-up ad (read October 5, 2026)
- LosVirus: LosVirus (read October 5, 2026)
- Google Chrome Help: Use notifications to get alerts (no longer online) (read October 5, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 5, 2026)