Microsoft admits Windows 11 has been downgrading graphics drivers
windowslatest.com May 13, 2026

Microsoft admits Windows 11 has been downgrading graphics drivers

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Microsoft has confirmed that Windows Update has been downgrading user-installed graphics drivers to older versions. This occurs when Windows Update pushes an older driver as a "higher-ranked" driver, replacing the newer driver installed by the user. The issue arises from how Windows Update ranks and targets display drivers, using 4-part Hardware IDs that can be too broad. As a result, Windows Update may replace a newer driver with an older one, even if the newer driver is from the same manufacturer. A fix is expected, but the exact timeline is not specified. Users have been complaining about this issue, with over 20,000 upvotes on a Feedback Hub post.