Microsoft Pushes Intel, AMD, and Nvidia to Improve Windows 11 Drivers
Arkadiy Andrienko
Microsoft detailed the Driver Quality Initiative (DQI), a program meant to make Windows drivers more stable, secure, and reliable — and Intel and AMD have already joined the project. According to Microsoft, a single faulty kernel-level driver is enough to bring down the entire system. That’s why Microsoft plans not only to track crashes but also to rethink the rules for adding drivers to Windows and distributing them.
When drivers fail, users blame the device — no matter what the actual cause is.
As part of the initiative, Microsoft plans to move third-party drivers from kernel mode to user mode or, where possible, replace them with Microsoft’s universal drivers.
The company also intends to tighten partner vetting and driver certification. Outdated and low-quality versions will be removed from the Windows Update catalog. Microsoft plans to evaluate drivers on more than just crash counts. The criteria include stability, functionality, performance, power consumption, and thermals. Intel became the first major manufacturer to begin implementing DQI requirements. The company has already mentioned Wi-Fi driver improvements in the release notes for version 24.50.0.
On October 2, Intel released graphics driver version 32.0.101.9034 with support for Windows 11 26H2. It’s a beta version without WHQL certification. The driver is intended for Intel Arc A- and B-series graphics cards, as well as Core Ultra processors with integrated Arc graphics.
Can DQI meaningfully reduce Windows crashes caused by drivers if they’re evaluated on more than just the number of errors?
