With support for Windows 10 set to end on October 14, 2025, there's been a notable uptick in users upgrading to Windows 11, which has consequently brought driver-related issues to the forefront. Recently, Microsoft published a support document that addresses common user questions about Windows drivers. The document clarifies that drivers serve as a crucial link between Windows and hardware devices, and Windows automatically manages their updates to ensure both device security and optimal performance.

Users might wonder, for instance: Why does the system sometimes install drivers that seem to be duplicates or have older dates? Microsoft explains that the dates assigned to drivers are determined by the providers themselves. Windows Update, on the other hand, selects the most suitable driver based on information provided by the manufacturer, rather than relying on the date. Moreover, device designs may distribute functions across multiple drivers, resulting in the simultaneous installation of several related drivers. While the version numbers might not always be straightforward, Windows is capable of accurately identifying and installing them.