Microsoft plans to clarify confusing Windows 11 driver names
Summary created by Smart Answers AI
In summary:
- Microsoft faces criticism for Windows 11’s confusing driver names like ‘Microsoft Corporation – Driver Update’ that lack information about device function or purpose.
- PCWorld reports that Microsoft acknowledges the naming issue and plans to provide more descriptive driver metadata in future updates.
- Implementation faces logistical challenges with partners and has no confirmed timeline, meaning clearer driver names may take considerable time to arrive.
Recently, Microsoft has been the target of some criticism for its unclear naming of many drivers for Windows 11.
For example, you might find drivers on your system with names like “Microsoft Corporation – Driver Update” followed by a version number, which is unhelpful to say the least. It doesn’t provide any information on what device the driver is for (e.g., printer, camera, speaker, microphone) or what the driver is meant to do.
According to Windows Latest, Microsoft has taken the criticism on board and wants to clarify its driver names in the future. When asked, a Microsoft representative who works with the Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) team said that the intention is there, but it may be a while before the change comes to fruition due to logistics:
“We are still working on exactly what metadata we can get, ensuring partners (e.g., OEMs) publish that metadata with their drivers, then standardizing it and changing titles. Unfortunately, no ETA yet.”
This article originally appeared on our sister publication PC för Alla and was translated and localized from Swedish.
Author: Mikael Markander, Contributor, PCWorld
Mikael writes news across all our consumer tech categories. He has previously worked with Macworld, but today mainly writes for our sister sites PC för Alla and M3. Mikael has a firm grasp on which gadgets are released, and what is happening with the streaming services and the latest AI tools.
