Discover effective strategies for managing Windows driver updates in the latest blog post from Windows IT Pro. Whether you’re utilizing Microsoft Intune or Windows Autopatch, this guide offers a unified approach to streamline updates through various rollout methods. Get insights into policy management, programmatic controls, and essential resources for developers, ensuring a smooth driver update experience.
Skilling Snack: Windows Driver Update Management
Managing Windows driver updates just got a whole lot easier! Microsoft has rolled out a unified experience for users of Microsoft Intune and Windows Autopatch. This update streamlines how you manage driver updates, making it more intuitive and efficient.
What’s New?
The latest features allow for a ring-based rollout of driver updates. This means you can control the update experience across all Autopatch group policies simultaneously. As Ryan Williams from Microsoft states,
“Everything you need is in one place to help you navigate driver updates with confidence.”
Major Updates
One of the most significant updates is the introduction of driver and firmware policies. Users can now choose between automatic and manual modes for driver updates. This flexibility allows for better management of extensions, plug-and-play updates, and more.
Additionally, the management of individual policies for Windows 10 and Windows 11 devices has been enhanced. You can create a deployment plan and manage policies more effectively, ensuring that your devices are always up to date.
What’s Important to Know?
For those managing Windows on-premises, the deprecation of WSUS driver synchronization is on the horizon. Scheduled for April 18, 2025, this change means you’ll need to consider cloud-based alternatives like Intune. It’s crucial to prepare for this transition to avoid disruptions in your update management.
Moreover, developers will appreciate the programmatic controls available through the Microsoft Graph API. These controls allow for the approval and scheduling of driver updates, making it easier to manage large-scale deployments.
Bonus for Hardware Developers
If you’re involved in creating device drivers for Windows, there’s a roadmap available for installing drivers in the Windows operating system. This guidance is essential for ensuring a smooth installation process.
In conclusion, the updates to Windows driver management are game-changers for IT professionals. With improved controls and resources, managing updates has never been easier. Be sure to explore the updated resources available in the Windows skilling snacks library.
What tools do you use for managing Windows driver updates? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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