Driver Store Explorer [RAPR] makes it easier to deal with Windows driver store. Supported operations include list/add/install/delete third-party driver packages.
Driver Store Explorer is a powerful tool designed to simplify management of Windows driver store. It enables users to perform critical operations such as listing, adding, installing, deleting, and exporting third-party driver packages with ease.
Key Features:
Driver Package Management: View, install, or remove third-party drivers while accessing detailed metadata.
Smart Cleanup: Automatically identify outdated or unused driver versions for efficient management.
Device Association: Connect drivers to specific devices for organized bulk operations.
Real-time Search & Export: Filter and export data in CSV format for deeper analysis.
Audience & Benefit:
Ideal for IT professionals, system administrators, and developers needing efficient driver management. Users can streamline tasks like installing new drivers, deleting outdated versions, exporting backups, and managing multiple devices with enhanced organization and control.
Driver Store Explorer modifies the Windows driver store. Improper use can cause system malfunction, prevent Windows from booting, or result in loss of device functionality. Know the risks before proceeding. Always back up your drivers before deleting anything.
What is Driver Store Explorer?
Driver Store Explorer (RAPR) is a powerful tool for viewing, managing, and cleaning up the Windows DriverStore. It is intended for advanced users and administrators. If you are not familiar with Windows internals, use of this tool is discouraged.
Features
Core Operations
Browse & List: View all third-party driver packages with detailed metadata (size, version, date etc.)
Add/Install: Install new driver packages with optional automatic device installation
Remove/Delete: Delete single or multiple drivers with force deletion for in-use drivers Note: The exact implications of removing or deleting drivers depend on system state and usage. Exercise caution, as removal may affect device functionality or require reinstallation of drivers for certain hardware.
Export: Backup selected or all drivers to organized folder structures
Smart Cleanup: Automatically identify and select old/unused driver versions
Advanced Capabilities
Multiple APIs: Native Windows API, DISM, or PnPUtil backend support with auto-detection
Online & Offline: Work with local machine or offline Windows image driver stores
Device Association: View connected devices and their presence status
Batch Operations: Multi-select for bulk operations with progress tracking
Real-time Search: Live filtering and CSV export for analysis
Customizable: Sortable columns, grouping, and flexible layout
Visual Feedback: Color coding, selection highlighting, and detailed logging
Understanding Driver Status and Removal Options
Old drivers: Drivers are considered as "old" when newer versions exist on the system. Removing these can help free up space and reduce clutter, but may impact compatibility with certain devices or configurations. Consider backing up drivers before removal. The "Select Old Driver(s)" can automatically identify old drivers, though results may vary.
Grayed Device Names: Drivers shown with device names in gray are associated with devices that are not currently connected (such as cameras, phones, or external drives). If you remove these drivers, you will need to reinstall them if you reconnect the device in the future.
Force Deletion: Use this option if you need to delete a driver that is currently in use. Note: This option may not work for print drivers.