From time to time, we’ve seen reports of Windows Update installing device drivers that are not compatible with the new versions of the OS. Windows Update automatically provides and install new drivers for hardware connected to your PC, such as audio, keyboard, mouse, or printer.
Windows 10 drivers are often accidentally pushed to devices and incompatible drivers cause various issues including BSOD on some computers.
Last year, Intel accidentally pushed an incompatible audio driver to Windows 10 devices through Windows Update and it disabled audio for several users. In 2019, several Windows 10 updates were blocked due to driver compatibility issues.
When Microsoft becomes aware of driver incompatibilities with Windows 10, it blocks affected devices from installing the new version of Windows 10. Microsoft also informs its OEM partners like HP, Lenovo or Dell when the company discover reports of incompatible drivers.
According to an internal document, Microsoft has finally changed the process of handling incompatible drivers. The new process allows Microsoft partners such as Intel, HP, Dell and Lenovo to request Windows 10 feature upgrade block for devices running incorrect drivers.
After the partner has submitted the request, Windows Update won’t offer the feature updates to devices running incompatible driver.
“A temporary hold on offering an OS upgrade to a device. These devices are blocked until the fix is released via servicing, at which point the device is then unblocked. This does not impact media installs,” the document reads.
The company says this would prevent various issues including BSOD or data loss.
“An issue that directly impacts the OS after upgrade, such as a driver crash, BSOD or data loss, security issues, connectivity loss, etc, for which a fix is in progress,” the company noted.
Patch Tuesday
Microsoft is working on another change that aims to block new drivers from being installed through Windows Update a day before and after Patch Tuesday.
Microsoft will also not push new drivers two days before and after a Windows 10 feature update.
Users have been deferring Microsoft’s Windows 10 feature or monthly update because of worries about data loss, BSOD and other issues. Lately, Microsoft has been wrestling with the Windows Update quality issues and these changes should finally lead to a better update experience.