[German]Drivers distributed automatically via Windows Update are a frequent annoyance, especially when newer drivers are simply replaced. Microsoft now wants to stopp distributing older and therefore unwanted drivers for Windows systems via Windows Update. The whole thing is to be implemented step by step as a strategic approach in order to improve the security of the Windows ecosystem at the end of the day.
Microsoft announced the details for June 19, 2025 in the Techcommunity post Removal of unwanted drivers from Windows Update. Microsoft say, it has taken a strategic initiative to remove older drivers from distribution via Windows Update. The aim is to reduce security and compatibility risks and ensure that an optimal set of drivers is distributed in Windows Update. As part of this initiative, a regular cleanup of older drivers distributed via Windows Update will take place. This may result in some drivers not being offered for all Windows systems.
What does that mean?
The publication in the Techcommunity article is primarily aimed at OEM manufacturers who submit their drivers to Microsoft so that they can be distributed to Windows systems via Windows Update.
In an initial phase, older drivers will be excluded from distribution via Windows Update if newer replacement drivers are already available via Windows Update. This means that these drivers will no longer be offered for any system. Technically speaking, the expiry of a driver means that all assignments to the target group in the Hardware Development Center are removed, as a result of which Windows Update no longer offers this driver for devices, writes Microsoft.
When a driver expires, Microsoft will publish a blog post mentioning the end of the first part of the driver's validity period. Partners will then have a 6-month window to raise any concerns about the removal of the driver from Windows Update. If no action is taken, the drivers will be permanently removed from Windows Update.
Microsoft partners can republish a driver whose validity for distribution via Windows Update has expired. However, Microsoft can request a justification as to why a republication is necessary.
This driver cleanup is to take place at recurring intervals in order to achieve a cleanup of the offer via Windows Update. As mentioned above, Microsoft plans to announce the removal of drivers from Windows Update in blog posts.
For users, not too much should change as long as the manufacturer of the devices offers the relevant drivers for download for current Windows versions. And with regard to cases such as "Windows Update broke my system with driver updates", this should also ease the situation.
Similar articles:
Are there issues in Windows with Intel driver updates for Fujitsu devices (2025)?
Windows 11: Trouble with Intel driver update (XMG Neo 17 E24)
Windows 10 offers old/inappropriate Intel driver updates (Sept. 2020)
