DriverBackup! is a free, open source, and portable driver backup and restore utility for Windows that allows users to easily export, save, and reinstall hardware drivers. This lightweight tool is ideal for creating reliable backups of graphics cards, audio devices, network adapters, USB peripherals, and other system drivers. By backing up drivers to a user specified location, you can quickly restore them after a Windows reinstall, driver update, or hardware change, ensuring your system remains stable and functional.
DriverBackup! | Free Portable Driver Backup Software for Windows
The tool is designed for both novice users and IT professionals. Its portable design allows it to run directly from a USB flash drive or other removable media without installation. Whether you're performing a clean OS installation, migrating to a new PC, or maintaining multiple systems, this utility ensures your essential drivers are preserved safely and efficiently.
Core Features
- Automatic Driver Detection: Scans and lists all installed drivers, including graphics, audio, network, storage controllers, and peripheral devices.
- Driver Backup Creation: Save selected or all drivers to a folder or compress them into a single archive for easy storage and transfer.
- Driver Restoration: Quickly restore previously backed-up drivers after OS reinstall, system crashes, or driver corruption.
- Batch Backup and Restore: Back up or restore multiple drivers at once, saving time and effort.
- Portable and Lightweight: No installation required; runs directly from USB drives or network shares.
- Safe Driver Management: Ensures backups do not modify existing system files, preserving system integrity.
- Documentation Support: Print or export driver lists for troubleshooting, IT documentation, or compliance purposes.
Why Driver Backup is Critical for Windows Users
Windows relies on a mix of generic and manufacturer-specific drivers. Losing these drivers during a reinstall or system failure can result in hardware issues such as:
- No internet or network connectivity
- Audio or display malfunctions
- Inability to use specialized peripherals like printers or external drives
- Extended system downtime while searching for compatible drivers
Using a dedicated driver backup tool like DriverBackup! ensures that all your essential drivers are safe, organized, and ready for quick restoration.
How to Use DriverBackup! Step by Step
- Run DriverBackup! directly from a USB drive (no installation required).
- Click "Scan Current System" to detect all installed drivers.
- Select the drivers you want to back up or use “Select All” to save every driver.
- Choose an output folder or compressed archive for backup storage.
- Click "Backup Now" to export the selected drivers.
- Restore drivers anytime using the built-in restore feature.
Specifications and Download
- Author's Website: Project Page on SourceForge
- License: Open Source
- Rating: 4 Stars
- Supported OS: Windows XP, 7, 8, 10, 11
- Extracted File Size: 212 KB – extremely compact and ideal for portable use
- Download Link: Download DriverBackup!
Benefits of Using DriverBackup!
- Reduces downtime after OS reinstallation, updates, or hardware changes
- Preserves driver configurations to maintain system stability and performance
- Supports a wide range of Windows versions, including legacy editions
- Open source: modify, redistribute, or contribute to the project
- Lightweight and portable, ideal for IT technicians and multi-PC environments
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is DriverBackup! still maintained?
Development is minimal, but the tool remains functional and reliable for backing up and restoring drivers on most Windows systems.
Can I restore drivers on another PC?
Yes, but hardware and OS compatibility may vary. Not all drivers work on different systems.
How much space does it use?
The program is extremely small, with an extracted size of only 212 KB.
Can it update drivers automatically?
No, it only backs up and restores drivers; it does not download or install updates.
Final Thoughts
DriverBackup! is a reliable, free, and portable solution for managing Windows drivers. Its lightweight and user-friendly design makes it perfect for IT technicians, system administrators, and everyday users who want to secure drivers before performing OS reinstalls, updates, or hardware migrations. While simple, it remains a powerful tool for ensuring that all essential system drivers are safe, organized, and ready to restore at any time.
For users who need automated driver updates or advanced compatibility scanning, pairing this backup application with a modern driver management tool may be beneficial. However, as a pure portable driver backup and restore utility, it remains one of the most dependable free options available for Windows.