Microsoft targets better Windows 11 stability with stricter driver standards

Windows 11 25H2 is coming this fall, which is right around the corner. But until recently, Microsoft hasn’t given us many details about it, so we’re still pretty much in the dark. But that darkness is slowly receding… and we’re starting to get a better picture of what to expect.

The latest news is that Microsoft will be upping the “static analysis” requirements for driver certification, a move meant to improve the security and stability of Windows 11 25H2.

According to the Windows Driver Developer blog post from earlier this week, all drivers will be required to undergo a so-called static analysis. “Static analysis is a foundational requirement of Windows Hardware Compatibility Program,” says the post. “The validation … [identifies] potential issues in driver code before deployment.”

In other words, companies that want their hardware designated as reliably compatible with Windows 10 and 11 will need their drivers reviewed and validated by Microsoft.

Windows 11 25H2 will probably be released at the end of September, but expect the rollout to take a number of months.

Further reading: Important Windows settings to change ASAP