PC and notebook manufacturers often modify Intel's drivers in order to install the best drivers for their devices. As a result, users are no longer able to download Intel's latest generic drivers without a workaround.

If you think that downloading Intel-provided graphics drivers is just a matter of visiting the driver download page and clicking install, you are mistaken. Rather, users who want to take advantage of onboard integrated graphics (iGPU) with the latest graphics firmware are forced, up to this point, to seek OEM approved driver packages, often going to the device manufacturer's website, had to patiently wait for a pushed system update.

In theory, a pre-approved, tailor-made OEM driver should be a simple and straightforward solution. But is there such a thing as simple? drivers provided by OEMs often lacked features and the latest updates, such as game optimizations, new features, and bug fixes, and the pace of updates was quite slow. Even if they were set up to be updated.

However, starting this week, Intel will be removing generic driver updates from OEM firmware packages (via Windows Latest). This will allow users who were previously unable to use Intel's generic DCH drivers to download and install the drivers from the Drivers and Support Assistant Tool without having to wait for permission from the OEM or system manufacturer.

OEM-specific features will not be lost with the new drivers. They will be maintained through Windows Update. [26.20.100.8141 In the driver release notes [PDF Warning] Intel states.

"Now, as of this release, Intel Graphics DCH drivers can be freely upgraded between computer manufacturer (OEM) drivers and Intel generic graphics drivers from the Download Center. Simply use the .exe to enjoy the update on 6th generation Intel processor platforms or higher; don't worry about OEM customization; the Intel Graphics DCH driver is still available for all Intel graphics processors. Intel Drivers and Support Assistant will also be unlocked starting April 28, 2020.

With the announcement of Intel Xe, the company's graphics architecture will be released later this year, and iGPU graphics drivers are being developed at a faster pace. With the OEM levy lifted, more users can take full advantage of these optimizations and many of them add support for the latest games and fix bugs.

To get the latest drivers, visit the Intel Download Center. It's free now.