PackageKit as a Linux alternative to Intel Driver & Support Assistant
Updated
Our verdict
PackageKit is not a direct replacement for Intel Driver & Support Assistant, but it serves a broader system update role on Linux. It helps manage drivers and firmware through integration with tools like fwupd, especially for hardware like Intel GPUs or Wi-Fi cards. However, it doesn’t actively fingerprint Intel hardware or push Intel-specific updates like the Assistant does on Windows. It works well for desktop Linux users who rely on distribution-provided updates, but won’t notify about niche or pre-release Intel drivers. Use it if you want general system and firmware updates handled quietly by your distro.
- License
- GPL-2.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 1.4.0
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Detects and installs driver and firmware updates, including for Intel hardware
- Can run automatic background checks for available updates
- Provides user notifications through desktop environments
- Installs updates securely using signed packages and Polkit policies
- Requires minimal user configuration once set up
What is different
- PackageKit does not specifically target or optimize for Intel hardware
- No official support or direct integration from Intel
- Relies on distro package repositories and fwupd metadata, not Intel's update server
- Less proactive in detecting firmware updates for Intel-specific components
- Does not offer a standalone GUI tailored for driver updates
Opening your Intel Driver & Support Assistant files
Intel Driver & Support Assistant does not export files that PackageKit can read or import. There is no file-based migration path between the two tools. PackageKit operates through system-level package and firmware databases, not user-exported data. Any driver update history or hardware reports from the Intel tool cannot be transferred. Users must rely on PackageKit’s native detection of available updates via the distribution’s repositories and fwupd.
Switching from Intel Driver & Support Assistant to PackageKit, step by step
- Ensure your system uses a PackageKit-supported package manager (e.g., APT, DNF)
- Install fwupd and enable the service to handle firmware updates
- Install a GUI frontend like GNOME Software or KDE Discover that uses PackageKit
- Enable automatic update checks in your desktop settings
- Verify Intel hardware is detected using
lspciorfwupdmgr get-devices
Key features of PackageKit
- Unified D-Bus interface for package operations
- Supports multiple backends (APT, DNF, Pacman, zypper)
- Automatic system update checks
- Installs packages from local files or remote repositories
- Handles firmware and driver packages via fwupd and others
- User-friendly progress reporting in GUI tools
- Policy-based access control via Polkit
How to install PackageKit on Linux
sudo apt install packagekitsudo apt install packagekitsudo dnf install PackageKitsudo pacman -S packagekitsudo zypper install PackageKitFrequently asked questions
Does PackageKit automatically update Intel drivers?
It can install updated drivers if they’re available in your distro’s repositories, but it doesn’t monitor Intel’s site or offer real-time alerts like the Assistant.
Can I use PackageKit on Ubuntu or Fedora?
Yes. PackageKit is preinstalled or available in the default repositories of Ubuntu, Fedora, and most major distributions.
Does Intel support or recommend PackageKit?
No. Intel does not officially support or endorse PackageKit, though some firmware updates may reach Linux users through it via fwupd.