Microsoft to Phase Out Legacy Drivers from Windows Update to Strengthen Security
Microsoft begins retiring outdated drivers from Windows Update to improve device compatibility.
Key Takeaways:
- Microsoft is phasing out outdated drivers from Windows Update to boost security and performance.
- Expired drivers won’t be deleted but will no longer be offered to users.
- Hardware partners must stay proactive as more driver categories will be included over time.
Microsoft is set to remove legacy drivers from Windows Update as part of a major push to strengthen system security and improve compatibility. This strategic move kicks off a broader initiative aimed at delivering only the most reliable and up-to-date drivers to Windows users.
How does the driver cleanup process work?
Microsoft says that the first phase will focus on outdated drivers that already have newer versions available on Windows Update. “Cleanup” refers to the process of removing outdated or unnecessary drivers from Windows Update. Instead of deleting them, Microsoft will mark these drivers as expired by removing their audience assignment in the Hardware Development Center. This means that they will no longer be offered to users through Windows Update.
“The rationale behind this initiative is to ensure that we have the optimal set of drivers on Windows Update that cater to a variety of hardware devices across the Windows ecosystem, while making sure that Microsoft Windows security posture is not compromised. This initiative involves periodic cleanup of drivers from Windows Update, thereby resulting in some drivers not being offered to any systems in the ecosystem,” Microsoft explained.
Impact on hardware partners and driver publishers
According to Microsoft, partners will be able to republish expired drivers, but they may need to provide a business justification. After a driver expires, Microsoft will announce the end of the cleanup phase. Partners will then have a six-month window to raise concerns before the drivers are permanently removed.
Microsoft plans to make this a regular process and will expand it to include more driver categories over time. Hardware partners are encouraged to review and manage their drivers proactively to align with this initiative and upcoming publishing guidelines.
Last month, Microsoft started testing a new orchestration platform that will allow third-party applications to be updated via Windows Update. This platform aims to simplify update management and reduce disruptions through intelligent scheduling.
Rabia has a master's degree in Software Engineering and she has years of experience writing professionally about Microsoft products and other technologies. Rabia has also written for OnMSFT.com as well as Windows Report. She is always up to date on t...
