I currently have Settings | Auto-check Scan Frequency set to Never but that doesn't prevent the tool from loading at every Windows startup and running in the background. This would be useful for home users with new computers who could void their warranty if they do not use the Intel drivers recommended on the manufacturer's support page for their computer model (e.g., HP, Dell, etc.) but would occasionally like to run the Intel DSA to determine if any of those manufacturer-recommended Intel drivers are out of date and could be causing an issue. I've sent feedback from the Intel® Driver & Support Assistant FAQ page suggesting that Intel add an option to the settings for Intel Driver & Support Assistant so users can prevent the tool from starting at every Windows startup but still work correctly when the tool is launched manually from the Start | Programs menu.

It will also provide links to other support information and a few scan frequency options to give you the driver updates quickly.Thanks for confirming that the Intel DSA will not work correctly unless the service (DSAService) starts automatically at boot-up or the service is started manually from the Windows Services. The most noticeable change will be that when you perform a scan, the main interface is now hosted on the Intel Support website to provide a more integrated support experience while using the product. It will also combine several Intel support tools (Intel Driver Update Utility, Intel System Identification Utility, and Intel System Support Utility) into one location. It will also list available driver updates and scan system/device information to assist with customer support troubleshooting. And it now features many improvements that permit it to identify drivers installed by Intel and third parties easily. The prior version (Driver Update Utility) was redesigned from the ground up.

Intel Driver & Support Assistant quickly scans your machine for the latest up-to-date drivers currently available from Intel.

Intel driver support and assistant