Microsoft removes old drivers from Windows Update

Microsoft will make significant changes to Windows hardware drivers, as the Redmond-based company has informed its partners that it will remove old drivers from Windows Update.

The company describes it as a “strategic” move to improve Windows security and compatibility, and announced that it will purge all old drivers still circulating through Windows Update. For now, the first phase is only targeting drivers that already have modern replacements in Windows Update.

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As part of the cleanup process, Microsoft will retire old drivers so that they are no longer offered on any systems. This retirement will include removing parts from the Hardware Development Center.

The company's partners will still be able to republish a driver that is considered old by Microsoft, but the company will require justification.

Once Redmond completes the first phase of the cleanup, it will give partners a six-month grace period to share any concerns. However, if no objections are raised, the drivers will be permanently removed from Windows Update.

Microsoft says this will be a regular activity going forward, and while the current phase only targets older drivers with newer replacements, future phases will expand the scope of this cleanup and remove all drivers. However, whenever the company takes a step in this direction, it will inform its partners so that there is transparency between the two parties.

Microsoft believes this move will help improve Windows security and ensure that end users can have an optimized set of drivers.

The company has asked its partners to check the drivers in the Hardware Program so that there are no surprises during this cleaning process.

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