Microsoft’s Windows 11 Driver Quality Initiative targets safer drivers
Summary
Microsoft’s Driver Quality Initiative aims to improve Windows 11 drivers by moving more third-party drivers out of kernel mode, strengthening partner checks, and cleaning up Windows Update’s driver catalog. Rollout timing remains unclear.
Key points
- Microsoft introduced the Driver Quality Initiative to improve Windows 11 driver safety, reliability, and performance.
- The company plans to move more third-party drivers from kernel mode to user-mode drivers or Microsoft class drivers.
- Microsoft plans stricter partner verification, more automated checks, and updated Windows Hardware Compatibility Program requirements.
- The initiative includes removing outdated or low-quality drivers from Windows Update and improving data used to investigate driver issues.
- Microsoft says the initiative builds on work from the Windows Resiliency Initiative and involves partners including AMD and Intel.
- Microsoft did not specify when changes will begin rolling out, but said they will be reflected gradually in the coming months.
Article Details
- Event Type
- Microsoft announced the Driver Quality Initiative, a plan to improve Windows 11 driver quality.
- Impact
- The initiative is intended to improve driver security, stability, performance, and update quality through greater use of user-mode or class drivers, stricter partner verification, automated testing, and removal of outdated or low-quality drivers from Windows Update.