Windows Update and Driver Distribution Center Support for Windows Vista Customers
One goal for Windows Vista and related hardware support is simple: customers should not have to think about finding drivers or other software to enable their hardware to work with Windows. Windows Vista finds and installs the necessary drivers and software automatically through the well-proven services of Windows Update.
Microsoft has been working with partners for several years to enable the entire hardware ecosystem to use the Windows platform deployment services to service products. WinHEC presentations from 2004 and 2005 described the Driver Distribution Center and related processes and policies in detail.
Microsoft has made advances related to the requirements and redistribution agreements that govern the publication of drivers on Windows Update, providing hardware manufacturers with a scalable infrastructure to service the needs of Windows customers, no matter what hardware they have. This infrastructure has been used with great success during the Windows Vista beta cycle to provide compatible Windows XP drivers to Windows Vista beta users. Based on partners' participation under the Windows XP logo program, we believe that Windows Vista customers will have great experiences with obtaining compatible drivers.
Windows Update currently provides a deep pool of drivers to supplement the inbox driver coverage for Windows Vista. Customers have given very positive feedback on the related experience. Consequently, Microsoft will continue to provide those drivers for customers, adding tested Windows Vista drivers as these become available through the Windows Vista logo program. Hardware manufacturers who are enrolled in Windows Quality Online Services can see the status of drivers on the Winqual Web site.
For More Information
 | Distributing Drivers on Windows Update |
 | Driver Distribution Center on Winqual [WinHEC 2004; 3.37 MB] Advanced driver targeting now available on Windows Update through the Driver Distribution Center on Winqual. |
| How to Improve Driver Quality with WHQL/Winqual [WinHEC 2005; 1.2 MB] |
 | Manufacturer contact for Winqual / drivers issues: sdphelp@microsoft.com |
