**Microsoft** acknowledges that drivers are crucial to the **Windows** experience, connecting the OS to hardware components and peripherals. To improve the overall quality, **Microsoft** is introducing the Driver Quality Initiative (DQI), a comprehensive plan building upon lessons learned from the **Windows Resiliency Initiative (WRI)**. ### The Driver Quality Initiative (DQI) The DQI is structured around four key pillars: * **Shifting to User-Mode Drivers:** Encouraging third-party driver developers to move away from kernel-mode drivers to safer user-mode drivers or **Microsoft**'s own class drivers. * **Enhanced Partner Verification:** Implementing stricter verification processes for partners, conducting more automated checks, and updating the **Windows Hardware Compatibility Program** requirements. * **Improved Windows Update Hygiene:** Removing outdated or low-quality drivers from the **Windows Update** catalog and leveraging data to better investigate issues. * **Holistic Performance Analysis:** Evaluating stability, features, performance, battery impact, and heat generation to enhance the overall **Windows** experience. **Microsoft** emphasizes that the DQI is a collaborative effort, working closely with partners like **AMD** and **Intel**. ### AMD's Perspective on Driver Quality **AMD** highlights that driver quality is a shared responsibility. "It’s a shared commitment," says David Harmon, Director, Software Engineering, **AMD**. "Through our close collaboration with **Microsoft**, **AMD** is focused on building a culture of joint accountability to ensure security, stability, and predictable performance for our customers at scale.”  *DQI is based on learnings and infrastructure established through the Windows Resiliency Initiative (WRI)* The rollout timeline for these changes is not yet clear, but **Microsoft** anticipates that improvements will gradually appear in the coming months as they continue to refine **Windows**. ### Reviving Windows 11 After facing criticism, **Microsoft** is actively working to regain the trust of **Windows** enthusiasts. During the FY26 Q3 earnings call, **Microsoft**'s CEO **Satya Nadella** promised that the company is "doing the foundational work required to win back fans and strengthen engagement across **Windows**, **Xbox**, **Bing**, and **Edge**." **Microsoft** is also planning other quality-of-life improvements for **Windows 11**, including restoring the movable taskbar and adding a toggle to make the taskbar smaller. Other rumored features include a native Start menu, faster launch, reduced power consumption, a new performance mode, and more. <div> <p><a rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://hubs.li/Q048zztN0"><img alt="article image" src="https://www.bleepstatic.com/c/p/validation-gap.jpg"></a></p> <div> <h2><a rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://hubs.li/Q048zztN0">The Validation Gap: Automated Pentesting Answers One Question. You Need Six.</a></h2> <p>Automated pentesting tools deliver real value, but they were built to answer one question: can an attacker move through the network? They were not built to test whether your controls block threats, your detection rules fire, or your cloud configs hold.</p> <p>This guide covers the 6 surfaces you actually need to validate.</p> <p><a rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://hubs.li/Q048zztN0">Download Now</a></p> </div> </div>