New Drivers Can Delay Windows 10 and Server Upgrades

• Universal Windows drivers are required for Windows 10 version 1809, Windows Server 1809, and all future versions.
• The new model helps manufacturers write drivers that work across diverse types of Windows devices.
• The requirement may change how organizations update drivers and may make some hardware obsolete.

Windows Universal device drivers will be required starting with Windows 10 version 1809 (including the 2019 Windows 10 Long-Term Servicing Channel edition), Windows Server version 1809, and Windows Server 2019. The drivers work across all Windows editions that support the Universal Windows Platform (UWP), which could simplify driver creation and maintenance for manufacturers. However, the change could delay updates to Windows 10 version 1809 until appropriate drivers are available. Existing tools and methods for installing and updating drivers may also no longer work.

Universal Windows Drivers

Universal Windows drivers enable developers to create a single driver package that runs across multiple different device types, such as embedded systems, tablets, laptops, and all-in-one desktop devices. A Universal Windows driver package contains an INF file and binaries that target editions of Windows 10 that include UWP APIs, including desktop editions (Home, Pro, Enterprise, etc.), IoT Core, and Windows Server. (Microsoft includes Windows 10 Mobile in this category as well.)