Driver Booster Legitimacy Review: Is Driver Booster a Scam?
Driver Booster by IObit is marketed as a convenient driver updater that scans your PC, finds outdated drivers, and installs the latest versions. But if you’ve searched online, you’ve likely seen divided opinions — with some calling it useful, while others label it a scam. Let’s break down the truth behind the controversy.
Why People Call Driver Booster a Scam
Many users report frustrating experiences that fuel its negative reputation:
- Locked features after “free trial”
Some users discovered that even recovering drivers required paying for the Pro version, leaving them stuck with non-functioning devices unless they upgraded. - Driver mismatches causing hardware failures
Reports include broken keyboards, boot errors, blue screens, and even hardware damage after installing drivers suggested by Driver Booster. - Aggressive upselling
The free version constantly pushes upgrades to Pro, which feels misleading when basic recovery options are paywalled. - Security concerns
According to one user, Hybrid Analysis flagged the software with a 100/100 threat score and 45% antivirus detection rate. While that doesn’t automatically make it malware, it raises serious questions about legitimacy. - Community blacklists
Tech communities like Reddit’s r/techsupport outright blacklist Driver Booster, advising against its use.
What Supporters Say
Despite the criticism, not everyone calls Driver Booster a scam. Some long-time users argue:
- It successfully installs missing or rare drivers when manufacturers don’t provide them.
- Features like automatic backups and restores make it safer if used carefully.
- It can resolve niche issues, such as buggy card reader drivers or stubborn compatibility problems.
- For non-technical users, the “one-click update” saves time.
The Core Issue: Trust
The main problem isn’t that Driver Booster is malware — it’s that it solves a problem that doesn’t really exist. Modern Windows versions already handle most driver updates automatically, and manufacturers provide official drivers for free.
By inserting itself as a “middleman,” Driver Booster creates unnecessary risk:
- Drivers may not match your hardware.
- Rolling back isn’t always possible unless you pay.
- Critical functions (like keyboards) can break after updates.
This leads many to feel scammed — not because it steals money directly, but because it charges for fixing problems it creates in the first place.
Verdict: Scam or Legit?
- Not outright malware – Driver Booster isn’t a virus, and many users run it without issues.
- Risky and misleading – Its upselling tactics, paywalls for recovery, and potential to break hardware make it untrustworthy for most users.
- Safer alternatives exist – The best way to update drivers is directly from your device manufacturer (Dell, HP, ASUS, NVIDIA, Intel, AMD, etc.) or through Windows Update.
Bottom line: Driver Booster is not an outright scam in the criminal sense, but it’s a risky product that often creates more problems than it solves. For peace of mind, avoid it and stick to official sources.
