IObit Software Updater

Pros

• Freeware
• Upgrades applications and OS components
• Supports simultaneous updates

Cons

• Nag screens
• Inconsistent third-party support

IObit Software Updater is a freeware utility that helps keep your PC up to date.

IObit is a software development company that specializes in utilities for Windows. The IObit team is quite good at making programs for PC novices to accomplish complex tasks in a simple way. Software Updater 2 is one such application. Running on demand or on a scheduled basis, IObit Software Updater can scan your PC and identify applications and components that have an update available.

IObit Software Updater was originally released for Windows XP but has since been updated for Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1 and even 10. The scanning process is rather refined at this point. It is fast and not resource-intensive and performs well even on older machines. The initial scan takes the longest, but subsequent scans tend to complete without the user even noticing a wait time.

Software Updater scans the applications you have installed as well as Windows itself. If an update is available for a program or system component, Software Updater will alert you and give you options. Consider apps that most users use, such as 7Zip and WinRAR. You probably do not pay attention to new releases, so it is invaluable to have Software Updater ensure that you using the latest version.

As for keeping Windows up-to-date, this is less necessary for users who have upgraded to Windows 10 and let the OS update as it wants. If you are using an older OS or do not allow Windows 10 to update on an automatic basis, then Software Update 2 is quite powerful. It will let you know what you are missing and identify those packages that are critical for security and the like.

This toolbox-oriented program is even able to identify programs and components that have been corrupted. Often, it can recommend the patch or other item that can be installed to correct the issue. It lists all of the upgrades, fixes and other items that it has identified in a table, and you can see exactly what your computer may need and decide how to proceed.

All items are checked by default, and clicking the Update Now button will run the necessary updates for all outdated programs. You can update or configure each item individually. Clicking the Update button next to an item name will update that particular program, but clicking the arrow will give you additional options, such as the option to ignore the update or to schedule it for when you are sleeping.

Whenever IObit Software Updater 2 executes an update or a batch of updates, it creates a Windows restore point. This is true whether you manually activate it or it is patching on a scheduled basis. If an update ever goes sideways, you can simply revert to the restore point, and the program can even help you do that if you are not quite sure how restore points work or even what they are.

Support for third-party programs can be a bit hit and miss. It is worth noting that the database is quite expansive and has grown substantially since the program was first released. However, if a particular program is not included, there is really nothing you can do about it, and even if you communicate with support concerning its addition, you could be waiting a while.

IObit Software Updater 2 runs well and predictably for the most part. Problems with the registry are one area where you may experience issue. A corrupted registry entry, for instance, is a not uncommon paint point this program often cannot overcome, and that can leave the novice user at a loss.

Finally, Software Update 2 is freeware. You can update to a paid license for a nominal fee. If you choose not to upgrade, the application will present nag screens each time you load the program or switch panes. This can be rather tedious and even disrupt automatic operation on occasion.

Pros

• Freeware
• Upgrades applications and OS components
• Supports simultaneous updates

Cons

• Nag screens
• Inconsistent third-party support