Windows Updates Might Soon Be Getting Much Better
Microsoft is implementing a significant change to how drivers are distributed via Windows Update, with a focus on enhancing the security and stability of your PC. This means, hopefully, a lot fewer problematic Windows Updates.
Streamlining Windows Drivers
Microsoft will begin a regular “cleanup” of the Windows Update catalog. This involves removing older, “legacy” drivers, particularly those that already have newer, updated versions available. The goal is to prevent outdated or potentially problematic drivers from being offered to Windows systems. Many issues with Windows updates are caused by outdated or incorrect driver updates.
How will this affect the average Windows user?
By removing older drivers, Microsoft is reducing the risk of security vulnerabilities associated with outdated software. Your system is less likely to install a driver that could cause conflicts or instability, as Windows Update will prioritize the most current and robust versions. This optimization happens in the background. Windows Update will continue to deliver the most appropriate drivers automatically, now with a cleaner, more efficient selection. This initiative helps ensure that newer hardware and newer versions of Windows receive the most optimal and secure drivers.
Removed drivers are not deleted from your computer; they are simply no longer offered via Windows Update. In very rare instances, if you have extremely old or niche hardware for which no modern driver exists (and the manufacturer hasn’t provided an update), you might need to find a driver directly from the hardware manufacturer’s website. However, the initial focus is on drivers that do have replacements.
This isn’t a one-time event. Microsoft plans for this to be an ongoing process, continually refining the driver selection to ensure Windows users consistently receive the most optimal and secure drivers for their systems. This initiative aims to provide a more reliable and secure computing experience.
The above information is based on data provided by Microsoft in a recent blog post. If you’re interested, you can read the entire article here.
While I can see and understand what Microsoft is trying to do with this approach. It could create problems. For home PC users not so much. But, for some business’s and especially smaller business’s that are running and or using legacy and or special software pertaining to their operations. This could potentially cause them lots of issues if not done and handled correctly. Depending on how Microsoft tries to do and implement this approach. As in. Are they going to suddenly lock out all drivers which do not meet their per-determined limit? or are they going to give a system warning, something like. “there is currently installed Legacy drivers which are no longer supported by Windows. Please update drivers and or replace, continued use of these outdated drivers could cause instability issues with future enhancements and or features of Windows Operating System” (and then list specifically what drivers. Just saying there is some driver is just adding confusion they need to clearly state which drivers.)
If they intend of going the approach of locking out then they are going to potentially upset and cause massive issues for those business’s and individuals that are using older legacy drivers.
Some of which will not easily be able to be updated and or replaced not without significant costs to those involved. If Microsoft just gives a warning and therefore covers themselves if later on there is issues then that is on that business and or individual. If though it locks out and prevents those drivers from operating as intended. That is really going to upset those effected especially if there is noway to re-enable that locked out driver.
If they think that will “force” that company and or individual to upgrade their programs / systems / devices company wide then, Microsoft needs to be careful. There is alternatives out there. It could be the final punch that pushes some away totally.
If though, it just warns and carries on as intended then should not be an issue as ok, it is not best and or could be better, it is advising those effected hey this needs updated and or replaced and could become an issue with later versions of Windows. But, the big point is it is advising without limiting instead putting any future failure and or issue back onto the customer instead of taking a heavy hand and forcing in some cases huge costs instantly on those potentially effected business’s and individuals.
Just my thoughts on it
Greg
We’re just the messenger. I don’t think Windows update should touch any drivers. But at least the new way prevents Microsoft from uninstalling old drivers. Our philosophy on drivers is and always has been — it if ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Thanks for your comments.