Driver Support cancellation and removal causes issues
Contents
Driver Support (alternative names: Driver Support One and Driver Support with Active Optimization) is software that suggests updating Windows drivers for 9.99$ per month. It claims to be a program that helps to find legitimate driver updates from reputable websites and also diagnose computer issues, resolve them and optimize the system. However, it seems that users aren’t satisfied with this product as Internet forums, such as Reddit, are filled with questions about the subscription cancellation.
At first sight, we, as computer experts, tend to look at this kind of program suspiciously. You can always update drivers manually and let Windows find the correct update for you. In case you want to simplify the process, Driver Support One might help you out.
The only problem with the program seems to be that it displays alerts about issues that, to be honest, aren’t even there. In geek’s terminology, such warnings are known as fake-positives, which inform about non-existent problems just to scare the computer user and convince him to buy the full version of the software.
The majority of security experts aren’t keen on recommending Driver Support One for computer optimization and error fixing. In fact, some of them list the software executive (DSONE.exe) as a Potentially Unwanted Program (also known as PUP).
One of the main points, why it gets listed as PUP, is that it often travels in software bundles alongside various freeware. Freeware is basically free software you can download online; in its installation wizard, you might miss the benefits of “Custom” installation option and therefore end up installing suggested extra third-party software.
Threat Summary
Name | Driver Support |
Alternative Names | Driver Support One, Driver Support with Active Optimization |
Type | Potentially Unwanted Program, Driver Update Software |
Executive file | DSOne.exe; DriverSupport.exe |
Similar software | Advanced System Repair, Driver Tonic, Mac Speedup Pro |
Description | The software suggests updating Windows drivers automatically, but it requires purchasing the software subscription. Users seem to have issues when cancelling this subscription later on. |
Removal | Remove Driver Support manually using free instructions provided below or automatically; to repair damage on Windows OS, use RESTORO. |
Closer look at the software – the reliability is to be questioned
The developer of the software suggests that its primary focus was on PC performance since 1996. The official website of the software says that there are over 4 million users of the software. Now, the following statements are a bit confusing to us. They state that “DriverSupport with Active Optimization can assist your search for drivers at the respective manufacturers’ website for free.” However, following sentences claim that software’s “full functionality” requires a subscription that costs 9.99$ per month.
Now, we decided to download Driver Support with Active Optimization and give it a try. First of all, the security software installed on our computer attempted to stop us from visiting the official website of the program, stating that it is categorized as potentially unwanted one. However, we proceed to the site and click the link to downloaded a file called DriverSupport.exe (now renamed to DSOne.exe, as checked on August 28th, 2020).
The installation process is quite easy; however, as soon as the program starts we find out that it provides no information about your computer drivers or system errors before you pay for the service.
The question is, why should a user pay? Is it worth it, maybe there are no issues with the computer at all? To put it shortly, the most icons available will ask you to enter the product key or will launch a pop-up leading to a typical ad-looking page suggesting to register using username and e-mail and then buy the subscription.
Online reviews are not promising
Let’s take a look at software reviews and user feedback online. We searched the web for information about Driver Support and here’s what we found. First of all, site review page MyWOT claims driversupport.com has a rating of 1.3 out of 5 and is believed to be unsafe. On another review site called Trustpilot, users are complaining about bad user interface and computer slowdowns since installing the product. Others have pointed out that it is very unclear when purchasing the license whether it is a one-time or monthly subscription. There are some excellent reviews, whatsoever.
All in all, many users are criticizing the program for not fixing any problems and not doing what’s promised. Many are saying that the software did not fix audio problems after updating the drivers. To be fair, we believe that users should not spend their money on software that disappoints them, especially when drivers can be updated manually via the Device Manager panel.
We must point out that the program isn’t illegal or malicious, therefore it should NOT be called Driver Support virus. The latest analysis on VirusTotal identifies it as a safe program, although some security software vendors still mark it as potentially unwanted program.
How to cancel Driver Support subscription
We have also decided to research what users think about the program. According to user’s comments on Reddit, they say that the official website says uninstalling the program cancels the subscription, but in their case, it didn’t. If you wish to cancel your subscription, you may want to look into the Terms and Conditions provided on the official DS website.
To cancel the Driver Support subscription, you must visit their official website, log in and go to the Your Account page. Here, you should follow instructions for cancellation.
If you wish to see when your account will close (which will happen at the end of current billing period), go to Your Account Page and click on View billing details.
According to the Terms and Conditions page, the vendor suggests that users who have purchased the subscription via third-party (such as PayPal) may have to unsubscribe or turn off auto-renew for Driver Support via that particular third-party service.
Uninstall Driver Support
We decided to explain how to remove Driver Support as we didn’t find it useful or needed. It is time to find out whether this will be an easy process or not. We have to admit that it is quite easy to uninstall the program from the computer. Some sites may recommend you to install extra security programs to do it. However, we can assure that it is quite simple to get rid of it manually.
Remove via Apps & Features
- First of all, open Windows search and type Apps & Features. Click on the matching result.
- Now, in the search box, type Driver Support. Right-click on the matching result and click Uninstall. Click Uninstall again to confirm. Click Yes and then again Uninstall button.
- Wait until the program uninstalls itself from the computer. Now, go to C: disk > Program Files (x86). Here, find Driver Support folder. Right-click it and choose Delete.
- On the Desktop, find Recycle bin, right-click it and choose Empty Recycle Bin.
Scott Bolton is a senior content strategist in our Geek’s Advice team. He is exceptionally passionate about covering the latest information technology themes and inspire other team members to follow new innovations. Despite the fact that Scott is an old-timer among the Geeks, he still enjoys writing comprehensive articles about exciting cybersecurity news or quick tutorials.
Rose Nickerson says
I’m running Win/11 and I tried to uninstall Driver Support One following your directions. But when I went to x86 Program Files, it’s not listed. I see one there for ‘dummy drive’ but nothing stating Driver Support One. I have Dell Support but Support One has almost the Dell symbol and I mistook it to be from Dell. It isn’t, they have their own which is on my hard drive. I’m not sure if I’ve gotten it uninstalled properly or not. Any further advice?
Thanks so much, any help would be appreciated.
Matt says
Scott, thank you for this. I installed Driver One and almost immediately did not care for it.
Your instructions got this uninstalled very quickly. Thanks!
Ricky says
CAN UNINSTALL DRIVER SUPPORT ONE
When I clicked on “uninstall” the next window the pops up asks if I will allow the App to make changes to my computer. Naturally I chose “No”—and it brought me back to settings.
I was expecting the next window to ask me confirmation I want to uninstall the App.
Please help!! Thanks
Peter Malmberg says
Thanks for the advice on removing DriverSupport| One. The program/website seems quite unnecessary from you description. I thought I downloaded it last early November, but I found no trace of it in my download history list. Perhaps it got overwritten or replaced when I bought a new printer a little while later? However, I have just discovered that my bank account still gets charged $9.99 + each month by DriverSupportBill.com, which is the same company right? I hope you are right that my credit card company will stop the monthly payments when I ask them to do so later today.
Susie Sherman says
Hi Scott – Regarding Driver Support One – In Windows 10 I am required to use Settings to locate Apps & Features. I found Driver Support One and Uninstalled it. I went to my PC> OS(C:) > Program files (x86) right clicked chose delete and a message said 32 files had been deleted and the file continued to grind and grind. Finally I canceled the action. I went to my Recycle Bin NO files but 2 I deleted last week. Now when I try to continue to delete the remaining files I get a box that says “Recycling 79 items from Program Files (x86)” 3 times and “Canceling – 32 items recycled”. There are 34 files remaining in Driver Support and they won’t delete. What do i do now?
lynn says
i am unable to uninstall it. i changed my mind before i ever paid for it but every time i try to remove it i get the blue screen of death and a driver violation warning. there must be a way to eliminate it!
William Howard Hickson says
I have followed your instructions, uninstalled, emptied my recycle bin and scanned with Malwarebytes, obviously I can find no trace of Driver support one anywhere, but, I am finding that it continues to block certain applications from time to time, why is this happening?
Nyrene Taylor says
Hi, I just followed the instructions above to Uninstall Driver Support:
3. Wait until the program uninstalls itself from the computer. Now, go to C: disk > Program Files (x86). Here, find Driver Support folder. Right-click it and choose Delete.
—— I did this and I could not find it in Program Files (x86) so tried just Program Files still not there, so I went directly no. 4 ……..
4. On the Desktop, find Recycle bin, right-click it and choose Empty Recycle Bin.
—— There it was. Maybe put a comment in no. 3. “If not found, go directly to 4.”
Driver One must have caught on and when you uninstall they directly in the recycle bin. I would not have thought to check in there as I have uninstalled this programme about three times as I didn’t think to check the Recycle Bin afterwards. Others may not be aware either.
BTW Thanks for your awesome website. It really has got me out of a few trouble spots.
Marie Counter says
I decided to uninstall this app as I am economising. I tried to follow your directions after uninstalling from their site but am puzzled that I cannot find any record of its installation on my laptop tho I have been paying a monthly fee for it. Can I simply stop the Direct Debit ?
Main Geek says
Yes, you can contact your card provider to prevent further charges from Driver Support.