Windows 10 now allows users to update drivers for more devices through Windows Updates

In August, Microsoft silently added a new 'optional update' feature in the Windows Updates service interface on Windows 10. Previously, requests for optional updates would be handled. via Device Manager, but Microsoft has decided to disable this feature and recommends that users switch to using the new Optional updates option in Windows Update to increase seamless and more consistent update management on the system. system.

In addition, through the above change, Microsoft has also 'rectified' the way to update Windows 10 drivers to users through Windows Update. For example, users can now easily see a list of all available drivers that are compatible with specific components on Windows 10 quickly.

In other words, Optional Updates will basically list you all of the optional updates including drivers and monthly insecure updates in a highly detailed, intuitive list. This means you no longer need to use an app or Device Manager to manually update the complex and time-consuming drivers as before. In addition, Optional Updates will also give users more control over the installation and updating of certain drivers and updates.

Microsoft is now adding the driver update option for more hardware / software devices to the Optional Updates section, and a series of new updates have been released this month. For example, the drivers released by Realtek are also available in the Optional Updates section of Windows 10 - something that hasn't been before, as you can see in the screenshot below.

It's worth noting that Windows 10 will still automatically download and install important driver updates without your permission. However, in Windows 10 version 2004 or 20H2, users will only get optional drivers when they search for them under View optional update.

Currently, the experience for Optional Updates is not really complete because it is difficult for users to know which driver version is suitable for their device. For the best experience, you should download and install drivers directly from the manufacturer's website. If you can't find a driver on the manufacturer's website and the device isn't working properly, then you should consider using Windows Update.

David Pac

Update 02 December 2020