Microsoft Clears Up Doubts About How Windows Installs and Manages Driver Updates

Microsoft has published a new support article that talks about how Windows handles driver updates. The article, listed under KB5070538, provides a detailed explanation of what driver updates are, how they’re delivered, and why users sometimes see older or duplicate updates in Windows Update.

According to Microsoft, drivers act as a bridge between Windows and the hardware it runs on. They enable communication between the operating system, applications, and devices like printers, graphics cards, and network adapters. Windows automatically downloads and installs new drivers when available to ensure that devices remain secure, stable, and compatible with the latest updates.

Most driver updates come directly from third-party hardware or software providers. These partners build the drivers and then work with Microsoft to certify that they meet Windows quality and compatibility standards.

Once approved, partners publish the drivers on Windows Update, allowing devices to receive them automatically. Microsoft notes that it also develops its own drivers, particularly for Surface and other Microsoft-branded devices.

If you’re curious about a particular driver update, Microsoft says the best thing you can do is to contact the hardware manufacturer directly, since details about driver releases vary between providers. Windows Update itself doesn’t display detailed changelogs or technical notes for third-party drivers.

Microsoft also addressed a few user concerns in the document. For example, if you notice a driver with an old date, it doesn’t necessarily mean the driver is outdated. Many vendors choose descriptive dates unrelated to the actual release. Similarly, if multiple updates appear to be the same, that’s because some devices use multiple interdependent drivers to handle different parts of their functionality.

To make updates easier to understand, Microsoft has also simplified how driver names are displayed in Windows Update. Newer updates now show the publisher’s name and version number provided by the manufacturer, replacing the older, more complicated naming format that combined publisher, device class, and version details.

via: Neowin