GNOME Software as a Linux alternative to Intel Driver & Support Assistant
Updated
Our verdict
GNOME Software is a partial replacement for Intel Driver & Support Assistant, but only for firmware updates via fwupd. It does not detect Intel hardware or manage Intel-specific drivers, which Linux typically handles through kernel updates. Users on GNOME-based distributions who want system-wide updates and firmware can rely on it for basic maintenance, but those needing Intel-specific driver updates won’t find them. Linux doesn’t use Windows-style drivers, so the core function of Intel’s tool doesn’t translate directly. For most desktop users, GNOME Software covers the *outcome*—system updates—without the same mechanism.
- License
- GPL-2.0-or-later
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 51.1
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both can notify users of available system firmware updates
- Both install updates securely through trusted channels
- Both run with minimal user input once configured
- Both integrate into the desktop environment's notification system
- Both aim to simplify system maintenance for average users
What is different
- GNOME Software does not detect or update Intel-specific drivers—Linux handles these via kernel updates
- Intel Driver & Support Assistant is officially supported by Intel; GNOME Software is community and distro-maintained
- GNOME Software does not run in the background continuously; it checks updates periodically via package manager
- GNOME Software includes app installation, which Intel's tool does not provide
- Intel's tool targets Windows-specific driver models; GNOME Software works with Linux's firmware and package ecosystem
Opening your Intel Driver & Support Assistant files
GNOME Software does not support Intel Driver & Support Assistant files, such as driver packages or export logs, because they are Windows-specific formats. There is no import or conversion feature. Linux handles drivers differently, so configuration files or exported reports from Intel's tool cannot be used. Users migrating should not attempt to transfer files but instead rely on native tools like fwupd or their distribution's package manager for equivalent functionality.
Switching from Intel Driver & Support Assistant to GNOME Software, step by step
- Install fwupd if not already present (usually preinstalled on major GNOME systems)
- Ensure your system is up to date: run 'sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade' (or equivalent for your distro)
- Open GNOME Software and enable firmware updates if prompted
- Check for pending updates in the Updates tab; firmware updates appear alongside system packages
- Enable automatic updates in Settings to minimize manual checks
Key features of GNOME Software
- Browse and install apps from distribution repositories
- Supports Flatpak apps via client-side integration
- Displays app descriptions, screenshots, and ratings
- Installs system updates and firmware updates (via fwupd)
- Searchable interface with categories
- One-click install and remove
- Shows available updates in the system menu
- Supports GNOME Software plugins for additional sources
How to install GNOME Software on Linux
sudo apt install gnome-softwaresudo apt install gnome-softwaresudo dnf install gnome-softwaresudo pacman -S gnome-softwaresudo zypper install gnome-softwareFrequently asked questions
Does GNOME Software automatically update Intel drivers like the Intel tool?
No. Linux does not use drivers in the same way as Windows. Intel driver updates are delivered through kernel and microcode updates, not a standalone tool. GNOME Software delivers these system updates but doesn’t target 'drivers' individually.
Can I use Intel Driver & Support Assistant on Linux?
No. Intel Driver & Support Assistant is a Windows-only application and does not run on Linux, even under compatibility layers like Wine.
Is fwupd safe and reliable for firmware updates?
Yes. fwupd is widely used, signed firmware updates are verified, and it’s supported by major Linux distributions and hardware vendors, including Intel for select devices.