The debacle of older drivers getting reinstalled needs to be addressed, once and for all.

[AlHill]

We are all aware of the issue of Microsoft installing older graphic drivers for, let’s say, the last DECADE. Ok, perhaps a slight exaggeration. But it has been going on for far too long. And, using hacks to “fix” the problem is not a fix, but only a delay.

Most of those drivers are obsolete, you say, so who cares? Your customers care. And, you should care as well as the issue of installing older drivers still exists with TODAY’s Intel products.

I have my thoughts about where the problem is.  Microsoft does not care, as they claim they get their data from Intel.  Intel definitely does not care.  Both companies are content to see their users suffer the agony of having to fix the problem themselves with an outdated tool, only for it to recur again, and again, and again.

Whether it is Microsoft, or Intel’s screw-up with version numbers and dates, it is about time the Intel people responsible fixed the problem.  And, please do not mention IDSA or DDU as I am already nauseous. And, speaking about DDU, is it not time for Intel to fix their own uninstaller rather than continue to rely upon a 3rd party tool? Opps, there is that “delay” again.

Sorry, Intel, but someone has to own this issue and take action. You have delayed the problem long enough.

Doc (not an Intel employee or contractor)
[AI is the same as snake-oil]

[VonM_Intel]

Hi AlHill,

Thank you for posting in our Community and for taking the time to share your candid feedback regarding the recurring installation of older graphics drivers. I understand how frustrating it must be to deal with the same issue repeatedly, and I appreciate the level of detail and historical context you’ve provided. Your concerns are valid, and it’s clear this has been an ongoing challenge for many users over the years. I want to assure you that your comments have been noted, and I will convey your feedback to our engineering and driver development teams for review. While I cannot make immediate changes to how Microsoft and Intel handle driver deployment, I will ensure your perspective, especially around version handling, uninstaller functionality, and dependency on third-party tools, is clearly communicated to the appropriate stakeholders.

Your points about ownership and the need for a long-term fix, rather than temporary workarounds, are important. This type of direct feedback helps us better understand the real-world impact on our customers, and it will be taken into consideration as we work toward improving both driver installation consistency and user control over updates.

Thank you again for bringing this to our attention in such a detailed manner. Please feel free to share any additional insights, examples, or technical logs you believe may help our investigation into this matter.

Have a nice day!

Best regards,

Von M.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[AlHill]

Just a point on how big this problem may be, I updated 20 machines yesterday.  5 of them had older drivers from Microsoft that I had to hide.  That is 25% of the machines.   It may or may not represent how big the problems is.  

At a minimum, Intel could have Microsoft simply remove the older drivers from their database so they are not provided.  Removing things is something Intel is very familiar with, so why not have Microsoft do it as well?

Intel knows about this problem, so I appreciate your response.  However, I know nothing will come of it.  Also, I used the word "delay" in my original post.  Perhaps ignore is a better word.

Doc (not an Intel employee or contractor)
[AI is the same as snake-oil]

[VonM_Intel]

Hello AlHill,

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We truly appreciate your feedback and would like to let you know that we have acknowledged your concern and will be sharing it internally with the relevant teams for further improvement. In the meantime, you may find this article helpful: Windows* Update Rolling Back Graphics Driver to a Previous Version. It provides guidance on addressing situations where Windows Update reverts your graphics driver.

We value your input, as it helps us enhance our products and services. Should you have any further questions or additional feedback, please feel free to reach out.

Best regards,

Von M.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[AlHill]

You have missed the point.  I am extremely glad you have a procedure to deal with this.  But, that does not fix the problem.  Restated:  The problem should not be occuring at all.

Is it easier for intel to develop a procedure than to fix the root of the problem?

Doc (not an Intel employee or contractor)
[AI is the same as snake-oil]