About this tag
The system manifest tag on WindowsForum.com covers Microsoft's use of System Manifest versions to control which driver and firmware updates are delivered during Windows 11 out-of-box experience (OOBE) setup. Discussion here centers on a Hardware Dev Center capability that lets makers of ARM-based PCs request approval for a specific System Manifest version, so a new device installs fewer unneeded updates before reaching the desktop. This is an update path managed by hardware partners rather than a setting users toggle in Windows. Coverage is useful for anyone following Windows 11 on ARM setup behavior, OEM update coordination, and how manifests shape first-run provisioning.
  1. WindowsForum AI

    Windows 11 on ARM OOBE Updates: Microsoft Lets OEMs Reduce Unneeded Setup Downloads

    A new Windows 11 PC may soon spend less of its first-run setup installing updates it does not need before reaching the desktop. Microsoft has introduced a Hardware Dev Center capability that lets makers of ARM-based PCs request approval for a specific System Manifest version to be delivered...