In a document discovered by Windows Latest, Microsoft has previously talked about its efforts to improve the driver update experience in Windows Update. The company says it will improve its mechanisms for assessing driver update quality. Specifically, Microsoft says it will target cohorts (specified telemetry data) to gauge the compatibility of a driver with the receiving hardware. This assessment will include checking the cohorts, which a system groups for devices that have the same targeting attributes. “All driver measures will be used to evaluate driver quality by targeting cohorts, as they are enabled to support evaluation by targeting cohort,” Microsoft wrote in the document. It is worth noting the document is old and it’s unclear if Microsoft has added this step into its process. However, under this method the company would be able to sport problems in devices if a driver problem is reported before installation. By monitoring the cohorts, Microsoft can block faulty drivers from reaching Windows Update. Furthermore, it will be able to manage driver updates based on compatibility with devices. “All driver measures will be used to evaluate driver quality by targeting cohorts, as they are enabled to support evaluation by targeting cohorts,” the company explained.
Driver Update Block
In January, Microsoft tweaked its process for driver updates. Following major issues with Intel drivers, the company changed how it blocks bad drivers. Under the previous system, Microsoft would only issue an update block when compatibility issues were discovered. Sometimes, this would happen after release. Now, the company allows partners to request update blocks until the driver has been approved. “If there are known issues for feature update and driver compatibility, partners can request feature update offer block mitigation while a compatible driver update is being validated and posted to WU,” Microsoft states.
