The software variety, that is. Microsoft is planning another big change in Windows 10, this one clearly inspired from Windows 10X. Third-party drivers in the OS are set to be moved to a new location.
More specifically, they are moved to a separate location that is outside of the system32 folder.
The most recent preview version of the OS silently made this change for Windows insiders, meaning there is a possibility that this change would be part of the 21H2 update that is set for arrival in the fall of this year.
This new location was discovered by Albacore, in Windows 10 build 21343:
Looks like Microsoft wants to isolate 3rd party drivers on Desktop similarly to how they isolate them on 10X. No dedicated partition, but a folder will do. pic.twitter.com/4DatghWNas
— Albacore ☁️ (@thebookisclosed) March 25, 2021
According to the Windows enthusiast, the third-party drivers are being moved from the current location in system32 in the main Windows folder to the following location:
C:\Windows\OEMDRIVERS
The system32 folder is, as you may be aware, the home of several critical parts of Windows 10. In fact, it has been one of the most iconic locations in the operating platform, and has housed many a key element of the Windows OS.
Goes without saying that moving a third-party component outside of it being done with the intention of providing users with additional guarantees in case something bad happens.
To their Windows 10 installation, so to say.
Of course, Microsoft has not shared any specifics on this change, as the company has so far remained tight-lipped on the whole thing. But this change is likely related to the overall security and stability of the operating system.
Remains to be seen when Redmond officially introduces this feature, but keeping in mind the fact that this change is already part of 21H2 builds, it should not take long before we hear about it.
Your thoughts?
