I wish someone could explain to me why Garmin keeps the default option of having Garmin Express run in the background. Seems rather presumptuous of them. Are there any Factoryites that choose to have GE always running?
Phil
-- "No misfortune is so bad that whining about it won't make it worse."
I wish someone could explain to me why Garmin keeps the default option of having Garmin Express run in the background. Seems rather presumptuous of them. Are there any Factoryites that choose to have GE always running?
Phil
I don't know why anyone would have the program run in the background using resources in startup.
It makes no sense to me if only using the program every few months. You start it up when you need it and will alert you that a new update is available, thus bypassing any subsequent upgrades.
If you need to add POI's,, GE would not be required for this task. Most units will not be needing firmware or software updates due to Garmin not releasing any automotive units.
Thank you. Just updated. I too see no point that is always be running in the background unless you want to know just as soon as something is available.
Thank you. Just updated. I too see no point that is always be running in the background unless you want to know just as soon as something is available.
It may be that we Vehicular GPS users are a small portion of the Garmin empire and that their fitness devices predominate with the owners doing nearly daily transfers of data from the fitness device to their computer. ...or not.
Since Garmin started allowing us to disable it, I'm OK with it. For those new here, the early versions of Garmin Express did not allow it to be disabled and many here rebelled and kept using the combination of WebUpdater and GarminMapUpdater for software and map updates. It took a long time to convince some of us that Garmin Express was actually OK
The amount of memory used is insignificant - 29.4 Mb and 0% CPU usage (most of the time). With 16 Gb of memory, only 32% is being used right now. My PC is very fast during startup and I wouldn't notice the difference anyway. I have never seen memory usage exceed 60%.
If it's not running in the background, you would never know that there were ever any map or firmware updates, except for POI Factory posts (or other sites) unless you checked the Garmin site or ran GE manually. Although firmware updates for my 660 or my 3597 probably won't happen.
Not something to worry about. If I had 8 Gb of memory, then yes I would reduce the number of background programs.
I don’t get it. Why even update GE except when you will use it? I only use it to update road maps and infrequently the GPSs internal software. There seem to be about three road map updates a year and there seem to be two or three times that many GE updates.
I don’t get it. Why even update GE except when you will use it? I only use it to update road maps and infrequently the GPSs internal software. There seem to be about three road map updates a year and there seem to be two or three times that many GE updates.
What am I missing?
It seems that they always say in the release notes that they have fixed other minor bugs without saying exactly what they were. So they could apply to GPS devices, or not. Most of the fixes are now for Fitbit or other garmin devices. It certainly doesn't hurt and who knows what you may get as a gift for Xmas, Birthday, etc.
I just wanted to hear if updating GE had some intrinsic value...
My view is that if I am unlikely to perform an update to a GPS why jump thru the update GE flaming hoops. I’m somewhat a special case. I run dual-boot Win10 and Ubuntu. So,,, I’d have to boot Win10 for the update and that can cascade into Win10 updates that are as you know interminable with reboot after reboot. Perhaps some instability too, but the way I use Win10 I likely won’t notice.
Also,,, updating GE when you actually use it is quick and easy.
I need Win10 for my GPSs and very occasional updates of the internal code in some ham radio units. My wife needs Win10 for TurboTax and nothing more.
I just wanted to hear if updating GE had some intrinsic value that I didn’t grok by myself.
Because of the near weekly updates to GE it makes sense for Garmin to want the program running in the background. Does make one wonder though about why they can't get it right more often than they seem to do.
-- Lives in Edmonton AB A volunteer driver for Drive Happiness.ca and now (since June 20 2021) uses a DS65 to find his clients.
Because of the near weekly updates to GE it makes sense for Garmin to want the program running in the background. Does make one wonder though about why they can't get it right more often than they seem to do.
Just because Garmin releases a new version doe not mean they didn't "get it right". Sometimes new software versions are the result of other software, like the OS. As an example Windows 10 and also the Apple O/S's have gone through upgrades in the last 2 weeks. Some of that may have triggered a change.
As far as GE running in the background, I don't like it either but it does enable GE to report that you may have some updates available without connecting a device. Sometimes you may see a number next to your device listing, that indicates device updates are available. GE basically knows what state your device is in (from the last connection) and compares that to what may be available. But it needs to be running to do that.
As for as running in the background, Garmin's very upfront about it. Click on settings and the choice to turn it off is the first thing displayed.
Run task manager and one can find literally dozens of processes running that no one's aware of and likely don't know how they got there nor what they do. There is a multitude of processes that gave no one a choice, as well as, some that can't be turned off even if one tries.
Garmin's loader defaults to "on" as it makes the processes the most automatic for the user.
Was updating POI’s and as long as I was in area, updated GE. And then turned off always on!
-- A 2689LMT in both our cars that we love... and a Nuvi 660 with Lifetime Maps that we have had literally forever....
And a 2011 Ford Escape with Nav System that is totally ignored!
Thank you. Just updated. I too see no point that is always be running in the background unless you want to know just as soon as something is available.
It may be that we Vehicular GPS users are a small portion of the Garmin empire and that their fitness devices predominate with the owners doing nearly daily transfers of data from the fitness device to their computer. ...or not.
Since Garmin started allowing us to disable it, I'm OK with it. For those new here, the early versions of Garmin Express did not allow it to be disabled and many here rebelled and kept using the combination of WebUpdater and GarminMapUpdater for software and map updates. It took a long time to convince some of us that Garmin Express was actually OK
I finally got there just a couple of months ago, when I had no other option to update my Zumo 550. So far so good.
As always I uncheck to load GE automatically, but has anyone else seen that you cannot uncheck that GE automatically starts if a Garmin device is connected?
In my GE that option is grayed out and cannot be unchecked!
-- Nuvi 2797LMT, DriveSmart 50 LMT-HD, Using Windows 10. DashCam A108C with GPS.
As always I uncheck to load GE automatically, but has anyone else seen that you cannot uncheck that GE automatically starts if a Garmin device is connected?
In my GE that option is grayed out and cannot be unchecked!
In addition, there is an annoying window on my old Win 7 PC that can't be deleted. It warns of an important update to GE. The only way to get rid of it is to click on the install box.
In addition, there is an annoying window on my old Win 7 PC that can't be deleted. It warns of an important update to GE. The only way to get rid of it is to click on the install box.
Just a thought. Sometimes a right click on things may give you some options.
-- Nuvi 2797LMT, DriveSmart 50 LMT-HD, Using Windows 10. DashCam A108C with GPS.
Any insight into what's in
Any insight into what's in this update?
Well
No release notes yet.
Where there's a will ... there's a way ... DriveSmart51LMT-S, DriveSmart50LMT-D, Nuvi 2508LMT-D, 1490LMT, 1310, Montana 650T, Etrex 20
GE running in BG?
I wish someone could explain to me why Garmin keeps the default option of having Garmin Express run in the background. Seems rather presumptuous of them. Are there any Factoryites that choose to have GE always running?
Phil
"No misfortune is so bad that whining about it won't make it worse."
Garmin Express Update
Thanks - just installed...
I Agree
I wish someone could explain to me why Garmin keeps the default option of having Garmin Express run in the background. Seems rather presumptuous of them. Are there any Factoryites that choose to have GE always running?
Phil
I don't know why anyone would have the program run in the background using resources in startup.
It makes no sense to me if only using the program every few months. You start it up when you need it and will alert you that a new update is available, thus bypassing any subsequent upgrades.
If you need to add POI's,, GE would not be required for this task. Most units will not be needing firmware or software updates due to Garmin not releasing any automotive units.
Nuvi 2460LMT 2 Units
Thanks
Thank you. Just updated. I too see no point that is always be running in the background unless you want to know just as soon as something is available.
Garmin Nuvi 2450
It may be...
Thank you. Just updated. I too see no point that is always be running in the background unless you want to know just as soon as something is available.
It may be that we Vehicular GPS users are a small portion of the Garmin empire and that their fitness devices predominate with the owners doing nearly daily transfers of data from the fitness device to their computer. ...or not.
Since Garmin started allowing us to disable it, I'm OK with it. For those new here, the early versions of Garmin Express did not allow it to be disabled and many here rebelled and kept using the combination of WebUpdater and GarminMapUpdater for software and map updates. It took a long time to convince some of us that Garmin Express was actually OK
Not significant
The amount of memory used is insignificant - 29.4 Mb and 0% CPU usage (most of the time). With 16 Gb of memory, only 32% is being used right now. My PC is very fast during startup and I wouldn't notice the difference anyway. I have never seen memory usage exceed 60%.
If it's not running in the background, you would never know that there were ever any map or firmware updates, except for POI Factory posts (or other sites) unless you checked the Garmin site or ran GE manually. Although firmware updates for my 660 or my 3597 probably won't happen.
Not something to worry about. If I had 8 Gb of memory, then yes I would reduce the number of background programs.
Metricman DriveSmart 76 Williamsburg, VA
What am I missing?
I don’t get it. Why even update GE except when you will use it? I only use it to update road maps and infrequently the GPSs internal software. There seem to be about three road map updates a year and there seem to be two or three times that many GE updates.
What am I missing?
Minor bugs
I don’t get it. Why even update GE except when you will use it? I only use it to update road maps and infrequently the GPSs internal software. There seem to be about three road map updates a year and there seem to be two or three times that many GE updates.
What am I missing?
It seems that they always say in the release notes that they have fixed other minor bugs without saying exactly what they were. So they could apply to GPS devices, or not. Most of the fixes are now for Fitbit or other garmin devices. It certainly doesn't hurt and who knows what you may get as a gift for Xmas, Birthday, etc.
Metricman DriveSmart 76 Williamsburg, VA
I just wanted to hear if updating GE had some intrinsic value...
My view is that if I am unlikely to perform an update to a GPS why jump thru the update GE flaming hoops. I’m somewhat a special case. I run dual-boot Win10 and Ubuntu. So,,, I’d have to boot Win10 for the update and that can cascade into Win10 updates that are as you know interminable with reboot after reboot. Perhaps some instability too, but the way I use Win10 I likely won’t notice.
Also,,, updating GE when you actually use it is quick and easy.
I need Win10 for my GPSs and very occasional updates of the internal code in some ham radio units. My wife needs Win10 for TurboTax and nothing more.
I just wanted to hear if updating GE had some intrinsic value that I didn’t grok by myself.
thanks...
+1 on this. I only update
+1 on this. I only update when loading new maps and make certain it isn't in the background.
Illiterate? Write for free help.
+1 on this...
+1 on this. I only update when loading new maps and make certain it isn't in the background.
This is exactly what we do. Never had any issues.
Because
Because of the near weekly updates to GE it makes sense for Garmin to want the program running in the background. Does make one wonder though about why they can't get it right more often than they seem to do.
Lives in Edmonton AB A volunteer driver for Drive Happiness.ca and now (since June 20 2021) uses a DS65 to find his clients.
Meh what the heck
Updated.
Nuvi 2598 | Nuvi 350 | eTrex Vista | eTrex 30x
Updated my windows 10 laptop
No issues.
Nuvi 3597 LMT
Installing
Thanks.
Thanks
Downloading now.
Updated
Thanks
Thanks
Downloaded and installed.
thanx
for the heads-up
Updated but!!
Basically agree, Garmin is a bit too invasive.
DriveLuxe 51, 2017 VW Arteon w MIB3, nüvi 3597LTMHD x 2, 1450 died, 205w retired, iQue first and possibly the best
Will download
Thanks!
Garmin DS55 with Traffic
Got it
Thanks
Nuvi2797LMT (2) Nuvi260,Ford Sync3 Navigation. Captain Cook was a Yorkshire man too.
"Getting it right" may not be Garmin
Because of the near weekly updates to GE it makes sense for Garmin to want the program running in the background. Does make one wonder though about why they can't get it right more often than they seem to do.
Just because Garmin releases a new version doe not mean they didn't "get it right". Sometimes new software versions are the result of other software, like the OS. As an example Windows 10 and also the Apple O/S's have gone through upgrades in the last 2 weeks. Some of that may have triggered a change.
As far as GE running in the background, I don't like it either but it does enable GE to report that you may have some updates available without connecting a device. Sometimes you may see a number next to your device listing, that indicates device updates are available. GE basically knows what state your device is in (from the last connection) and compares that to what may be available. But it needs to be running to do that.
John from PA
No problems with the update.
No problems with the update.
Charlie. Nuvi 265 WT and Nuvi 2597 LMT. MapFactor Navigator - Offline Maps & GPS.
Garmin Express 7.1.4.0!!
Downloaded and installed.
Me too!
Any issues from those who
Any issues from those who have downloaded and installed?
all done. thanks
all done. thanks
Simple Task
As for as running in the background, Garmin's very upfront about it. Click on settings and the choice to turn it off is the first thing displayed.
Run task manager and one can find literally dozens of processes running that no one's aware of and likely don't know how they got there nor what they do. There is a multitude of processes that gave no one a choice, as well as, some that can't be turned off even if one tries.
Garmin's loader defaults to "on" as it makes the processes the most automatic for the user.
Turning it off is just a simple click.
Thanks
Went for the update
Was updating POI’s and as
Was updating POI’s and as long as I was in area, updated GE. And then turned off always on!
A 2689LMT in both our cars that we love... and a Nuvi 660 with Lifetime Maps that we have had literally forever.... And a 2011 Ford Escape with Nav System that is totally ignored!
Thanks for the info
Thanks for the info
NickJr Nuvi 3597LMT
I thought it was just me.
Thank you. Just updated. I too see no point that is always be running in the background unless you want to know just as soon as something is available.
It may be that we Vehicular GPS users are a small portion of the Garmin empire and that their fitness devices predominate with the owners doing nearly daily transfers of data from the fitness device to their computer. ...or not.
Since Garmin started allowing us to disable it, I'm OK with it. For those new here, the early versions of Garmin Express did not allow it to be disabled and many here rebelled and kept using the combination of WebUpdater and GarminMapUpdater for software and map updates. It took a long time to convince some of us that Garmin Express was actually OK
I finally got there just a couple of months ago, when I had no other option to update my Zumo 550. So far so good.
Great, thanks
Great, thanks
same
same
thanks for the info
thanks for the info
GE
As always I uncheck to load GE automatically, but has anyone else seen that you cannot uncheck that GE automatically starts if a Garmin device is connected?
In my GE that option is grayed out and cannot be unchecked!
Nuvi 2797LMT, DriveSmart 50 LMT-HD, Using Windows 10. DashCam A108C with GPS.
Yes
As always I uncheck to load GE automatically, but has anyone else seen that you cannot uncheck that GE automatically starts if a Garmin device is connected?
In my GE that option is grayed out and cannot be unchecked!
In addition, there is an annoying window on my old Win 7 PC that can't be deleted. It warns of an important update to GE. The only way to get rid of it is to click on the install box.
Maybe?
In addition, there is an annoying window on my old Win 7 PC that can't be deleted. It warns of an important update to GE. The only way to get rid of it is to click on the install box.
Just a thought. Sometimes a right click on things may give you some options.
Nuvi 2797LMT, DriveSmart 50 LMT-HD, Using Windows 10. DashCam A108C with GPS.
Thanks. no issue this time
Thanks. no issue this time
Installed
Seemed to take an extra long time to download.
With God, all things are possible. ——State motto of the Great State of Ohio