What Is Driver Booster? Is It Safe to Disable at Startup?
Driver Booster is IObit's driver updater for Windows. Usually safe if genuine, but it is not required at startup and can be disabled.
- Verdict
- Usually safe to disableDriver Booster is a third-party driver updater, not a Windows component, and it usually does not need to run at startup.
- File name
- driverbooster.exe
- Publisher
- IObit
- Platforms
- Windows
- Reviewed
What Is Driver Booster?
Driver Booster is a Windows utility from IObit that scans your PC for outdated, missing or faulty device drivers and offers to download newer ones. It is not part of Windows and it is not required for your PC to boot or for your hardware to keep working.
Tools like this are meant to make driver updates easier, but they are separate from the normal Windows Update process and the driver tools from your PC or motherboard maker.
Is It Safe?
Usually, yes — if it is the real IObit program. The expected executable name is driverbooster.exe, published by IObit.
That said, driver updaters are not essential system software, and they are sometimes bundled with extra background tasks, update checks or notifications. They can also offer driver versions you may not actually need. A bad driver update can cause device problems, crashes or instability, so it is sensible to be cautious.
If you want to verify it, check the file location and digital signature:
- In Task Manager or File Explorer, open the file location.
- Right-click
driverbooster.exe> Properties > Digital Signatures. - Confirm the signer is IObit.
If the file is in an unusual folder, has no valid signature, or keeps reinstalling itself, treat it as suspicious and investigate further.
Should I Disable It at Startup?
Yes, in most cases. Driver Booster does not need to start with Windows for your drivers to keep working. Disabling it at startup usually just stops automatic scans, tray notifications and update reminders until you open the app yourself.
Leave it enabled only if you actively rely on its scheduled checks and want it running in the background. For most people, that is optional rather than necessary.
Why Is It Using High CPU or Memory?
Driver Booster may use more CPU, disk or memory when it is:
- scanning installed hardware and driver versions
- checking online for updates
- downloading driver packages
- unpacking installers or creating restore points
- showing ads, pop-ups or background notifications
Short spikes during a scan or update can be normal. Constant high usage when you are not using it is a good reason to disable its startup entry, reduce its background activity, or uninstall it.
How to Disable or Remove It
To stop it launching with Windows, disable its startup entry. It may appear in Startup apps, the Startup folder, or as a scheduled task.
If you no longer want it:
- Open Settings > Apps and uninstall Driver Booster.
- If it leaves behind scheduled tasks or startup entries, remove those too.
- Restart and confirm
driverbooster.exeis no longer running.
If you still want the app, a lighter approach is to keep it installed but disable startup and open it only when needed.
Where Kudu Helps
Kudu can show whether Driver Booster is linked to a startup item and lets you disable or remove supported startup entries without hunting through multiple Windows locations. You can also use Performance Monitor to see if driverbooster.exe is using unusual CPU or memory, and Malware Scanner if the file location or signature looks wrong.
Kudu will not update drivers for you, but it can help you decide whether this app should keep running in the background.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need Driver Booster for Windows to work?
- No. Windows does not require Driver Booster to boot or run your hardware. It is an optional third-party utility.
- Is it better to use Windows Update for drivers?
- Often, yes for routine updates. For specific hardware issues, the PC maker or device maker's official driver page is usually the safest source.
- Can I end driverbooster.exe if it is slowing my PC down?
- Usually yes, because it is not a critical Windows process. If it is in the middle of downloading or installing drivers, stop it carefully and restart before making more changes.
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Kudu’s Startup Manager lists Run keys, Startup folder entries, scheduled tasks, Launch Agents, and XDG autostart items in one place. On Windows it also shows each item’s boot time impact.
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