IObit Software Updater is a Windows utility that checks the programs installed on a PC. It identifies those with newer releases available, then downloads and installs those releases. It also works as a catalog for installing common applications on a new or freshly reinstalled system. IObit Software Updater is free to use. A paid Pro license adds automatic and scheduled updating and removes the daily limit on batch updates.
Finding outdated programs
When IObit Software Updater starts, it scans the installed software and lists the results on the My Software tab. It separates programs that have a newer release from those that are already current. Detection relies on IObit’s software database, which covers more than 1,100 applications across browsers, security tools, media players, productivity software, AI tools and utilities. IObit Software Updater does not check programs outside that database.
IObit Software Updater downloads updates from the publishers’ own sources or IObit’s mirror server. It chooses the faster and more stable location.
How an update runs
The user can update a single program with its own Update button or process several selected programs together with Update Now. Each update passes through three stages:
- The program downloads the installer and can resume an interrupted download.
- The program creates a Windows restore point; this option is on by default in Settings.
- The program installs the new release and deletes the setup file afterwards.
The user can tell IObit Software Updater to restart or shut down the PC once the queue finishes. A countdown gives a chance to cancel. If an updated program causes trouble, the user can roll back the system from Options > Restore. This uses the restore point made before installation.
Skipping specific updates
The arrow next to a program’s Update button, or a right-click on the program, opens the Ignore option. It can skip only the current release, so the next one is offered normally. It can also block all future updates for that program. IObit Software Updater collects ignored entries in the Ignore List in Settings. Removing a program from that list brings back its update notices.
Automatic and scheduled updating
Updates can be handled manually, through update reminders, automatically or at a set time. Fully automatic updating belongs to the Pro edition. On its first run, Pro adds every installed program to an Auto Update List. Programs installed later join the list the next time IObit Software Updater opens. The user can edit this list, exclude programs from it and set a schedule for the updates under Auto Update List in Settings. Updates then install quietly in the background, either as soon as they appear or at the scheduled time.
Installing new software
The Recommendation section lists popular applications grouped into AI Hub, Productivity, Security, Internet, Multimedia, Runtimes, and Utilities & Tools. The user can tick and install several programs in one pass. This suits setting up a new computer or restoring applications after reinstalling Windows. A right-click opens the program’s website, runs a web search for it or shows its license agreement and privacy policy. IObit Software Updater makes a restore point before each installation here too.
Unlimited batch updates with a Pro code
| Function | Free | Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Scan and one-click updates | Yes | Yes |
| Restore points and setup-file cleanup | Yes | Yes |
| Batch updates | Two per day | Unlimited |
| Automatic updates when released | No | Yes |
| Scheduled updates | No | Yes |
| Custom auto-update list and exclusions | No | Yes |
| Premium technical support | No | Yes |
The user activates the Pro edition by entering a license code from the main window. Manage License shows the license status and lets the user refresh or export it.
