Intel has released its first Modern Windows Driver for several of its modern integrated GPUs, which represents a new way that graphics drivers can be pushed to your computer – and something to keep in mind until the new driver infrastructure is in place .
Modern Windows Drivers, also known as Universal Windows Drivers, are a new feature in the Windows 10 October 2018 Update that takes advantage of the UWP infrastructure in Windows 10.As Microsoft explains, a Modern Windows Driver is a “package that runs on many different types of devices, from embedded systems to tablets and desktops.” The first Intel driver to take advantage of this is UWD 25.20.100.6444.
Microsoft doesn't expect users to do anything different to get the new Modern drivers. If they have a PC that came pre-installed with them, the manufacturer will still be the first place they should ask for updated drivers, according to the Intel FAQ. That's because the universal driver includes a base driver, as well as optional add-on packages and an optional hardware support application. The latter two are written by the system builder or OEM, while the former is written by the GPU manufacturer. (AMD and Nvidia are expected to switch to Modern drivers as well.)
As for Intel, you'll be able to download them via DownloadCenter and through Intel's Driver and Support Assistant. They may also be pushed via Windows Update in Windows 10, while support apps will be published in the Microsoft Store app.
What to watch out for
Intel began releasing the first Modern Windows Drivers on November 28. The following chipsets are supported:
Intel UHD Graphics 620/630 (formerly codenamed Coffee Lake)
Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655 (formerly codenamed Coffee Lake)
Intel UHD Graphics 600/605 (formerly codenamed Gemini Lake)
Intel HD Graphics 620/630 (formerly codenamed Kaby Lake)
Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640/650 (formerly codenamed Kaby Lake)
Intel HD Graphics 610/615 (formerly codenamed Gemini Lake)
Intel HD Graphics 500/505 (formerly codenamed Apollo Lake)
Intel HD Graphics 510/515/520/530 (formerly codenamed Skylake)
Intel Iris Pro Graphics 580 (formerly codenamed Skylake)
Intel Iris Graphics 540 (formerly codenamed Skylake)
Here's what you need to watch out for. According to the company, you can only use the installer executable provided by Intel or your computer manufacturer. If you use the "INF/Have disk installation" installation or any other driver installation method, Intel warns that this could cause "minor to catastrophic issues or system instability." This is because it bypasses Intel's installation method.
Additionally, there is very little scope for changing a Modern Windows Driver to a legacy driver. It is a “complicated process that can lead to system instability,” Intel writes. “We do not recommend it.” If you need to do so, however, contact Intel support.
In other words, switching to the Modern Windows Driver/Universal Windows Driver is a one-way street and hopefully you won't have any problems with it.
What this means for users: If you haven't installed the Windows 10 October 2018 Update yet, there's nothing you need to do. It's unclear whether Intel will provide this driver in a "legacy" format. This is very important, given that the new driver provides some updates for Fallout 4, Far Cry 5, and other top games, according to Neowin.
