With Windows 10, Microsoft moved all options to manage Windows Update from the Control Panel to the Settings app. Settings app offers a more modern and straightforward approach, but it does not allow users to manage optional updates.
Windows optional updates can be driver updates to help devices like your keyboard to work better with Windows and other Microsoft products or third-party products. While optional updates are a good thing, it also led to various driver compatibility issues caused by automatic driver patches.
Microsoft understands that Windows Update settings need more improvements to make optional updates experience customizable. With Windows 10 20H1 update, Microsoft plans to deliver a refined optional update experience.
Microsoft says Windows 10 will automatically detect and display optional updates in a new dedicated page page under Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View optional updates.
Optional updates page will also include drivers, so you will no longer need to use third-party software or Device Manager to manually update a driver or check the last installed update.
“Windows Update will automatically keep your drivers up-to-date, same as before, but if you’re having a problem one of those optional drivers might help,” Microsoft said.
The new optional updates experience is included in the preview builds for Insiders and the changes will be rolled out to everyone early next year.
