Microsoft Will Let Hardware Makers Push Automatic Driver Updates on Windows 10

Microsoft is working on streamlining the shipping of driver updates on Windows 10, and beginning with the upcoming version 2004 feature update, it will allow hardware partners to push automatic driver updates to devices.

Windows 10 version 2004, which is believed to have already been finalized, should start shipping in the spring; according to Microsoft’s typical release calendar, this is projected to happen in April or May.

Microsoft explains that by embracing this new strategy called “Manual Drivers” it allows driver makers to detect issues faster and prevent broken updates from reaching more devices.

The new Optional updates screen in Windows 10 will now display the drivers you need to install – this new screen will only be available on devices running version 2004 and newer.

Manual and automatic updates

Despite driver updates being offered as automatic, they will still ship as part of a gradual release. This means not everyone is getting the new drivers at the same time, which means Microsoft and partners have more time to determine if there’s something wrong with a certain update and pull it before all devices install it.

“Allowing Automatic drivers to be offered to Windows 10 clients during throttling via the new Windows Update UX, enabling support teams to quickly address driver issues in the field without waiting for a full release,” Microsoft explained in a description of the changes being made to the Hardware Dev Center.

Microsoft will, however, continue to allow partners to offer these updates as manual if this is necessary.

“The “Manual” delivery option requires the publisher to specifically choose it and explain the business justification for the choice. The drivers that are submitted through the “Manual” path will be offered to applicable machines through the new Windows Update UX,” it says.

Windows 10 version 2004 is currently in preview and is available for Windows insiders in the Fast ring.