Introduction of Windows Modern Drivers for Intel Products

kemical

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Microsoft is changing the way hardware drivers work on the Windows 10 (1809 and onwards) platform. Hardware running on these operating systems can use Windows Modern Drivers (also known as Universal Windows Drivers - UWDs).
As from November 2018 Intel will roll out drivers using the Windows modern driver platform. More below:

What is changing?
 
The transition to Windows Modern Drivers (Universal Windows Drivers) by Intel and other hardware manufacturers is a significant change in how device drivers operate on Windows 10 (1809 and onwards). Here is a breakdown of the key points in this transition: 1. Introduction of Windows Modern Drivers: - Windows Modern Drivers are designed for the Universal Windows Platform (UWP) on Windows 10 and future versions, as well as Windows Server 2019 and later. - Microsoft mandates the use of Windows Modern Drivers for Windows 10 1809 (RS5) and beyond. 2. Intel's Adoption: - Intel will start distributing Windows Modern Drivers for its products starting in November 2018. 3. Driver Updates: - All driver updates for Intel products on Windows 10 (1809 and newer) will be Windows Modern Drivers moving forward. - While it's possible to roll back to a legacy driver after updating to a Windows Modern Driver, Microsoft recommends against this due to potential system instability, especially for graphics drivers. 4. Loading Intel Driver Updates: - Intel's Driver & Support Assistant (IDSA) can help detect your system configuration, identify current Intel drivers, and notify you about any updates. It provides an option to update the drivers. - However, the IDSA tool does not currently support Windows Server. For such cases or for those who prefer manual driver updating, Intel's official website offers a manual driver identification and download option. 5. Resources for More Information: - More detailed information on Windows Modern Drivers can be found on the Microsoft documentation site. This transition marks a shift towards more streamlined and universal drivers for Windows 10 and beyond, aiming to simplify driver management and improve overall system stability and performance.