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Is Microsoft’s Legacy Driver Cleanup on Windows Update a Positive Change for Users?
Microsoft is changing how it handles old drivers in Windows Update. The company will stop offering legacy drivers if newer versions are already available. This change is meant to make Windows safer and more reliable for everyone.
What Is Happening?
Microsoft will regularly remove outdated drivers from Windows Update. Only drivers that have newer replacements will be removed at first. If a driver is removed, it will not be offered to any system through Windows Update. Manufacturers can still republish a removed driver, but they must explain why it is needed.
Why Is Microsoft Doing This?
Old drivers can cause security problems and make computers unstable. By removing these drivers, Microsoft wants to:
- Lower the risk of security threats.
- Make sure only the best, most up-to-date drivers are available.
- Reduce problems caused by installing the wrong or outdated drivers.
How Does the Process Work?
- Microsoft checks for drivers that have newer versions available.
- These older drivers are marked as expired and removed from Windows Update.
- Microsoft announces the removal in a blog post.
- Manufacturers have six months to ask Microsoft to keep the driver if needed.
- If no one objects, the driver is permanently removed.
- This cleanup will happen again and again, so the list of drivers stays current.
What Does This Mean for Users?
Most people will not notice any changes. If you have a device that needs a special driver, you can still get it from the manufacturer’s website.
The chance of Windows Update causing problems by installing the wrong driver should go down. If you use very old hardware, you might need to look for drivers yourself if they are no longer in Windows Update.
What Should Manufacturers Do?
Check which drivers they have in the Windows Hardware Program. Make sure all needed drivers are up to date. If they need an old driver to stay in Windows Update, they must tell Microsoft why within six months of its removal.
Possible Concerns
Some people and businesses still use old devices that may not have new drivers. If these drivers are removed, the hardware might stop working unless the drivers are downloaded from the manufacturer directly. This could cause problems for those who rely on legacy hardware, especially in specialized settings.
This update should make Windows safer and more dependable, but it may create challenges for those who use older devices. Staying informed and checking for driver updates from device makers will help avoid problems.