Microsoft improves the driver updates in Windows 10

The optional update is a new feature provided by Microsoft in Windows 10 Version 2004, which is designed to allow users to fine-tune the driver to improve stability.

It is incredible that in a blog post released the day before yesterday, Microsoft also stated that this feature will be released and provide users with optional updates in Windows 10 20H1 and subsequent versions.

It is a bit regrettable that Microsoft also said that it will not port this feature to older versions, such as Windows 10 v1903/1909 and so on.

In the latest blog post, Microsoft introduced the key content of this adjustment in detail, that is, manufacturers can push new versions of drivers directly to users without Microsoft.

Bypass here does not mean that the manufacturer can completely leave Microsoft’s system, but that the new version of the driver developed by the manufacturer no longer requires Microsoft to test.

In the new release system provided by Microsoft to manufacturers, the options include automatic and manual modes, and the automatic mode includes severe updates and dynamic updates.

If the manufacturer selects the automatic mode when the driver is released, the driver will be immediately pushed to the user. In this process, Microsoft will not actively intervene in the choice of the manufacturer.

Microsoft writes:

All drivers published as automatic are subject to driver flighting, and gradual rollout. During these periods we are reviewing telemetry around the performance of the driver, and it’s effects on overall system health. We catch a lot of driver issues this way before they hit the Windows user base writ large. From an end user perspective we believe this will result in higher quality drivers (stable, performant) being delivered, and a better ability to stay current.

We are constantly watching and learning here based on the data we see coming back from the field. We’ll continue to make adjustments (as we have been all along) based on what we are seeing.

Microsoft said that the new version of the hardware development center allows partners to provide driver updates through Windows Update UX.

The advantage is that it enables the hardware manufacturer’s support team to quickly resolve driver issues without waiting for Microsoft’s detailed testing or pushing by Microsoft.

Automating the release of driver updates to all driver manufacturers enables the entire ecosystem to benefit from Microsoft’s quality and reliability processes.

This can reduce the hardware failure caused by the driver and improve the stability of the device, thereby providing users with more reliable stability and improving the user experience.