Driver updates not showing in Windows Update

I recently made a new fresh install of Vista Ultimate 64 bit. I was using it already, but had to format and reinstall, so everything is new and clean.

I have noticed something strange in windows update: optional driver updates for some devices (such as my monitor or the realtek network adapter) are no longer available and they are not showing in the available optional updates list. They seem to work ok but they are displayed in device manager using the generic microsoft drivers.

For example, whenever a new network adapter driver was available, I used to receive a windows update notification telling me that new Realtek drivers were available. Now they are not showing anymore.

Settings for Windows update are "check for updates but let me choose whether to download and install them" and "include recommended updates" is ticked.

Did you install SP1? It is possible that the updated SP1 files are more recent than the previously shown drivers in WU.

Also, I have noticed that WU never includes the most recent driver available for a system, just usually an older one that is fully compatible with your OS - I noticed this time and time again with nVidia drivers, for example, WU wants to install 169.25, whereas the newest driver version is actually 170.16....

Hen in doubt, I go with the latest drivers from the hardware manufacturer's site as opposed ot Windows Update.

Yes, I made a clean install of Vista from an original DVD with SP1 included.

It really is a very strange thing, even Xp offers this optional driver downloads. I am starting to think that it has something to do with the non-english language version I purchased, because I tried later with an english languange install DVD and updates were there.

sorry to hijack the thread, how do u guys know whether those optional drivers that offered in WU are the latest ?Do u ppl normally update the drivers as long as u see them in WU ?

I update drivers from the hardware manufacture sites - but then again, I am on a new machine I built a month ago - not a pre-fab machine from an OEM....

ok.So that means u will go to all the manufacter's website and one by one check for latest driver? Will there be any incompatibility issues?

Nope no compatibility issues, the manufacturer website is where everyone gets the most compatible and latest driver available for the device

Steven