Update Checker for Windows

Used Update Checker for Windows?

Editors’ Review

Download.com staffApril 30, 2019

Update Checker is a simple free program that will automatically check for updates for a wide variety of programs and alert you when a new version is found. Although most people probably stay pretty up-to-date by letting this task take care of itself, those who like to have more control may find Update Checker useful.

The program appears as an icon in the system tray, and mousing over it displays a small pop-up with the number of updates found. Double-click the icon and it will launch a results page in your default browser displaying all of the available updates. In our case, there were two regular updates available, and also six beta updates. The program doesn't check for updates for every installed program, but it works fine when it comes to browsers, media players, chat clients and the like. A link next to each item in the list let us quickly access the available updates. The program has a few extras in the way of settings; you can customize connection type and have the program scan for programs in specific places if they're not installed in the default locations. There's no Help file, but the program is pretty self-explanatory. Overall, we think that Update Checker is a good tool to have on hand if you're especially conscientious about keeping your software up-to-date.

Update Checker installs politely but leaves a folder behind upon removal.

What’s new in version 1.040

Version 1.040 adds Three new languages.

Update Checker for Windows

Used Update Checker for Windows?

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: December 17, 2012

Latest update: April 30, 2019

Version: 1.040

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Windows

Operating System

Windows 2000
Windows 2003
Windows 7
Windows 98
Windows 10
Windows XP
Windows Vista
Windows ME

Additional Requirements: None

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 203,697

Downloads Last Week: 2

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Program available in other languages

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Last Updated

User Reviews

4.1/5

80 User Votes

Useful update utility
drapatilFebruary 12, 2017
Pros
1. Smart, crisp interface 2. Has both update and install together 3. Can ignore any software update 4. Flawless functioning
Cons
1. Does not detect, hence update, many software 2. Nothing else!
Summary
Useful utility to automate most software updation
2.0 beta 2
ekit1301August 3, 2015
Pros
auto download sofware on filehippo.com (popular app only)
Cons
some apps can't be detected (even on filehippo.com) eg: eset smart security, kmplayer
Summary
Updated review for ver. 2.0 beta 2
KNRoverJune 12, 2015
Pros
Much updated (totally different) interface in 2.0 beta 2. Seems a bit quicker. Notifies you of updates for MOST -- not all -- of the programs on your primary drive.
Cons
As alluded to in the Pros, does not notify you of updates for some software (e.g., SpywareBlaster, LastPass, Driver Booster). Question is "why?" This beta version also does not seem to have a way of PERMANENTLY excluding beta updates; you have to uncheck that box each time AFTER it shows the results. I suspect they'll fix that before the production comes out.
Summary
A great program on which I rely heavily to keep my software up to date. I would give it (ver. 2.0 beta) 5 stars were it not for the inability to permanently exclude beta updates.
Great Product!
April 24, 2014
Pros
Finds most of my programs that need updates (Not all - SUMo beats it here, but on the PLUS side, fewer false reports)
Cons
Would be nice if there was an option to automatically rescan at regular times. Only setting for this is at bootup.
Summary
Great program and I'll keep on using it!!!
Great Software. Excellent Time Saver!
Sue GeekMarch 30, 2014
Pros
A great way to keep all of your software up to date.
Cons
None at all.
Summary
Even if you have a minimal amount of software on your notebooks and computers and try to limit it to the stuff you truly need and truly use - as I do - it can still be sometimes a bit challenging to remember to check for updates for all of them. With Update Checker, you don't need to worry as much because they have your back with most of the major programs on your system. Also, being a nerd, I TOTALLY enjoy their news articles and feeds while I'm waiting for a download.
Shows unwanted Beta versions
cayennejimJanuary 12, 2014
Pros
Simple to install, easy to use. No false positives.
Cons
First problem with File Hippo ever in years. (1.040) Beta versions continue to display no-matter if the option setting for beta is x'd out. It allows you to x out the setting, however with the next scan, all the beta versions are displayed again. Deleting File Hippo and re-installing 1.040 doesn't solve the issue. It's a bug in the version. Fix that, and the 3 stars goes to 4. Reporting the problem to File Hippo is a waste of time. They won't get back to you. The age old excuse is given that they have way too many emails to answer. Probably true if you have little to no office staff.
Summary
Not everyone wants to use beta versions. Other than that and the fact that reporting bugs don't get answered, File Checker is an excellent utility for free-ware.<br /><br /><span class='notifyMsg'> Updated </span>on Jan 12, 2014<p/>I stand corrected. There is another settings in the File Hippo program. You can only find it when the program first begins its scan. Look for SETTINGS in BLUE TYPE. It's easy to overlook. In that setting you can define what you want File Hippo to do. And it works. I didn't realize that it was there. I don't know why there is 2 settings for the same thing. Up Date Checker is a 4 star program. My apology's to File Hippo.
Has not missed one yet
Bob1019October 29, 2013
Pros
Quick and accurate.
Cons
I have not found any cons yetl
Summary
helpful little download
ChoiceVoiceApril 13, 2013
Pros
-fast -portable -good database -very accurate (no false positives)
Cons
-does not detect all of my software (or filehippo does not carry all of it)
Summary
one of the best I've used. however, sumo is far more versatile and thorough (just read carefully and download the ad free version)... but this is easier than sumo and gives less false positives.
A tiny little helper
VulpeXMarch 8, 2013
Pros
+ plain, small and fast + checks a varity of programms very reliable + hippo
Cons
- limited number of programms
Summary
My number one choice for a quick check for my essential tools on a every machine.
File Hippo is mush better that CNET's Tech Ttracker
tdoernerApril 3, 2012
Pros
There is always a problem using tech tracker from cnet when it come to downloads, I dont have this problem with File Hippo
Cons
Shows updates for programs that don't need an update
Summary

Developer’s Description

By FileHippo.com

Scan and check the versions of the installed software in your computer.

The Update Checker will scan your computer for installed software, check the versions and then send this information to FileHippo.com to see if there are any newer releases. These are then neatly displayed in your browser for you to download.