During this year, Microsoft has been tweaking how driver updates install on Windows 10. In its latest change, the company says there is a new system for how manual drivers automatically install on the platform.
Windows users are familiar with how the platform reacts when a new peripheral connects for the first time. Specifically, if the device has a manual (optional) driver, it would be available on Windows Update and install automatically.
Users have had no control over these updates. Microsoft now says starting next month (November 5), the following changes will come to Windows 10:
- “Automatic driver updates will automatically be installed on your machine either when you plug-in a peripheral device for the first time, or when a device manufacturer publishes a driver to Windows Update. In other words, there will be no change to the plug-and-play scenario when an automatic driver is available on Windows Update.
- Manual driver updates can be installed manually on your machine if you specifically request them by navigating to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View optional updates.”
Available in Windows 10 version 2004, the new install process means the platform will no longer search for optional drivers if an automatic one is available.
Changing Driver Updates
Back in January, Microsoft announced how Windows now blocks faulty driver updates. Microsoft will target cohorts (specified telemetry data) to gauge the compatibility of a driver with the receiving hardware. This assessment will include checking the cohorts, which a system groups for devices that have the same targeting attributes.
However, it does not seem this system is working too well. Last month, driver updates were somehow reaching incompatible devices and causing problems on those products.