I check all running processes regular on the computer systems that I use to make sure that the system is safe and that nothing slipped by the defenses.
While that works well, I usually spot processes started by third party programs after installation. Most of the time, they are not needed at all and waste only system resources.
I noticed the LiveUpdate.exe process recently on a Windows PC and was not really sure what to make of it at first. I immediately thought of Windows Live, but since I never heard of the executable before, it was almost certain that it had nothing to do with Microsoft's service.
It is thankfully relatively easy to find out more about a process running on your system.
What is LiveUpdate.exe
The first thing that I usually do is open the Windows Task Manager with Ctrl-Shift-Esc, right-click the process in question, and select properties from the context menu.
The location of the service on the system is displayed here, so that I know its folder location and as part of this usually also the program that installed it on my system.
Note: The process LiveUpdate.exe only shows up if you select to 'Show processes from all users' in the Task Manager.
If it is a service, you can get similar information by loading services.msc on your system using the run box or command prompt. The process in this case was a service, and the Services Manager revealed additional information about it.
I knew now that it was created by the software company IObit, likely to power the updating of company products on my system similar to how Firefox or Google Chrome are handling the updating.
Now that I knew that, I started to investigate the matter further. I noticed that I did not have any IObit products installed on my system anymore, which led to the conclusion that LiveUpdate.exe was a leftover that -- for whatever reason -- was not removed during the uninstallation of the last IObit product that made use of it.
Disabling and removing LiveUpdate.exe
Since there was no IObit program left on the system, it did not really make that much sense to have the updater running in the background at all times.
First thing I did was to change its startup type from automatic to disabled in the Services Manager. I also made sure that the service itself was stopped.
Next thing I did was to delete the service. I have explained how this is done on the linked article. Here is a quick rundown of the commands:
- Tap on the Windows-key and type cmd.
- Right-click cmd.exe in the results and select Run as Administrator from the context menu.
- Type sc delete LiveUpdateSvc and tap on the enter-key.
- This removes the service from Windows.
- You should receive a [SC] DeleteService SUCCESS message.
I checked that the service was indeed deleted, and proceeded to its directory on the system: C:Program Files (x86)IObitLiveUpdate.
I deleted the full directory, and the IObit directory as well, since no products of said company were installed on the system.
It is very likely that you will find orphaned keys in the Registry that point to Live Update. You can run a search for them if you want, but they should not cause any issues on the system. It is alternatively possible to run a program like CCleaner to find orphaned files in the Registry.
Now Read: Use Process Explorer to identify all running processes on Windows
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Windows Live Updater
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Questions and Suggestions for the Live Updater
I was debating naming this 'The Future of the Live Updater' but that's too clickbait.
So we've been doing the live updater for a full 3 years now (and we're doing it again for this run), but we've kept to the same style for the most part and I kind of wanted to do an assessment of the live updater in the modern age of TPP. So first, I'm asking two questions via polls if you have a second to vote:
Also if you have any suggestions on the direction of the updater (i.e. additionally make daily recaps for people who don't want to scroll through a day's worth of updates), let us know in the comments down below. These links will be available at the top of the updater for the run, just in case you think of something new during it.
Hi all,
Got a bit of an issue with the Acer tool called Live Updater that I hope somebody can help with.
I am pretty sure that when I go to the Windows 8.1 drivers section for my Aspire V5-571 laptop, that some of the drivers are newer versions on the website than the ones I have installed on my PC. I have checked the version numbers against those in Device Manager in Windows.
However, whenever I run the Live Updater tool, it always, always says that there are ZERO updates available. This is frustrating as I am sure it should offer me some driver updates. I know some will say 'Just download the updates and install them them' but I would rather have the system detect which updates need installing and then actually install them. After all, that is the purpose of this tool! I know it should work as I've seen a video for it on the Acer website.
I Google'd the issue and found this page:
The site above mentions downloading a newer version of the Live Updater tool, called Acer Updater, if the Live Updater is not showing any updates. I tried this but I have the very same problem - zero driver updates!
There must be newer drivers available for this machine considering some of them on the Acer website are dated 2014 and I haven't installed any this year. I contacted Acer Support but they didn't offer me any help or assistance at all.
Any ideas anybody?
Thanks
Update your BIOS, drivers, firmware and utilities with this application that is specifically designed to read data from MSI mainboards
MSI Live Update is a powerful tool that provides you with simple means to update your BIOS, drivers and the firmware, as long as your computer has an MSI mainboard.
Keeping your motherboard and graphics card drivers up-to-date is very important, as the latest versions are designed to make the devices run properly. It can also spare you the trouble of buying newer hardware only to resolve an issue that can be otherwise fixed with firmware updates.
Update your BIOS, drivers and firmware on MSI mainboards
The application's tab-based interface is simple and well-organized, facilitating easy access to all features. Although it's easy to use, it is not designed for beginners. If you don't know what you are doing, it is advisable not to update your MSI hardware devices, as this might result in restricted access to BIOS and permanent damage to your computer.
View system information and run scans
The main window displays detailed information about your computer, such as the operating system, motherboard model and graphics card, current BIOS version (for both the motherboard and video card) as well as last scan date and total number of outdated items.
There are two scanning options available: the automatic mode instructs the program to check all the items (drivers, BIOS, utility) and find available updates, while manual mode lets you choose the exact items you want to locate.
Analyze scan results and run updates
What Is The Live Updater Setup Wizard
On scan completion, the results are displayed in a table where you can view the installed items and their version, access item information (including the release changelog), as well as start downloading items with a newer online version. The installation for each object begins right after download.
MSI Live Update logs the download history and allows you to set reminders, so you don't forget to run update scans periodically. At the set time and date, a pop-up window appears, allowing you to start or postpone a new scan.
All aspects considered, MSI Live Update turns out to be a really practical tool for locating and installing updates for BIOS, drivers and firmware on MSI mainbaords. Just keep in mind that you must use it with care.
Filed under
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS- MSI Mainboard
- Update the vbios scan conditions.
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This enables Disqus, Inc. to process some of your data. Disqus privacy policyAcer Live Updater Windows 10
MSI Live Update 6.2.0.57
add to watchlistsend us an update- file size:
- 20.7 MB
- filename:
- LiveUpdate.zip
- runs on:
- Windows 10 32/64 bit
Windows 8 32/64 bit
Windows 7 32/64 bit
Windows Vista 32/64 bit
Windows XP 32/64 bit - main category:
- System
- developer:
- visit homepage