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How to check for drivers by viewing optional updates
3 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
Drivers, or better said, problematicdriversare one of the top reasons for issues with updates and even BSoDs.
Microsoft changedthe way how they validate driversand with Windows 10 version 2004, they made it easier and safer to download and install newdrivers.
Alldriverupdates are now listed under theView optional updatesoption. That means that you don’t need to check fordriversin the Device Manager anymore.
According to arecent document issued by Microsoft,they will evaluate better the quality and reliability of a Windows 10driverupdate by analyzing the data coming from cohorts.
The cohorts refer to a set of systems and devices that share the same targeting attributes including HWID, CHID, and OS version.
Another idea behind this move was that hardware manufacturers would able to block updates when you try to install incompatibledrivers.
How can I check for drivers using View optional updates?
How can I find out which drivers I installed?
If you installed thedriversand have some issues with it, you can always go to the manufacturer’s website and download a previous version. But how do you know which one had a problem?
It’s simple, you just need to check the history of updates:
Use a driver updater
Dedicated driver updater software pulls off several driver-related tasks with just a couple of clicks.
Once installed, if you run the tool it will scan your device and return a full list with all the installed drivers, their status and recommended actions.
This would be the easiest way to find out the latest drivers you installed, or if any driver is missing or needs updating, plus get recommendations of matching software.
⇒Get Outbyte Driver Updater
So, do you like the new way of updating thedriversintroduce by Microsoft? Tell us all about it in the comments section.
More about the topics:Windows 10 drivers
Claudiu Andone
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Oldtimer in the tech and science press, Claudiu is focused on whatever comes new from Microsoft.
His abrupt interest in computers started when he saw the first Home Computer as a kid. However, his passion for Windows and everything related became obvious when he became a sys admin in a computer science high school.
With 14 years of experience in writing about everything there is to know about science and technology, Claudiu also likes rock music, chilling in the garden, and Star Wars. May the force be with you, always!
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Claudiu Andone
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Oldtimer in the tech and science press, with 14 years of experience in writing on everything there is to know about science, technology, and Microsoft
