Intel begins aligning Windows 11 drivers with Microsoft's quality initiative

Intel has begun aligning some of its Windows 11 wireless drivers with Microsoft's Driver Quality Initiative (DQI), according to a report by Windows Latest. The initiative aims to raise the reliability and quality standards for drivers supplied by third-party hardware makers.

Windows Latest examined Intel's Wi-Fi and Bluetooth drivers and said they follow early DQI practices. The full scope of the initiative has not yet been implemented. In release notes for Wi-Fi driver v24.50.0, Intel said it was applying “enhancements aligned with Microsoft's Windows ecosystem quality initiative.”

Intel's graphics drivers may also receive changes to meet DQI requirements. Windows Latest reports that Intel plans to work on its Arc drivers. Intel has already added Windows 11 26H2 support in its October graphics driver update.

Hardware makers are testing their drivers and working toward DQI compliance, but Intel is so far the only company reported to have released a qualifying update to Windows 11 users. Microsoft's initiative is intended to improve driver reliability, security and performance, and to reduce crashes and other problems. The plan also includes removing outdated drivers or those that fail to meet the new quality bar from Windows.

The report describes the work as ongoing; it does not say when the full initiative will be implemented. It also notes that Microsoft still faces questions about the quality checks applied to its own Windows updates.