Intel rolls out Windows Modern Driver for its graphics solutions

With the launch of Windows 10 October 2018 Update, Microsoft is requiring the use of Windows Modern Driver, which aptly abbreviates to WMDs. The Tech Report writes the benefit of WMDs is that a hardware maker can use it to write a base driver that can be certified and deployed to all machines, including OEM PCs, via Windows Update.

OEMs still have the freedom to add customization to the WMD, but those customization are the only thing an OEM is responsible for validating. At least in theory, this should result in more frequent driver updates.

With the release of the 25.20.100.6444 drivers, Intel is jumping on board the WMD train:

For its part, Intel is on board with the WMD initiative, and it plans to begin distributing Windows Modern Driver packages for compatible operating systems this month. The company released its first WMD driver today, although it's wisely using the Universal Windows Driver acronym to preface the version number of that release. Beyond the new driver model, UWD 25.20.100.6444 includes some new features and game support.

What’s new?

12 newly supported games

“Rescan” button to detect newly installed games without having to restart the system