Smarter Web-based Intel Driver Update Tool
In perusing my usual Windows info and news this morning, I came across a Windows Latest story that gave me cause to check my Lenovo X380 graphics driver. It seems Intel released new set drivers for its graphics chipsets, as of September 25. The story specifically identifies Intel UHD Graphics 620 and 630 devices. These updates came out to address reported issues with the Start Menu and the Microsoft Store. Because my Lenovo Yoga X380 uses the Intel UHD Graphics 620, I thought I’d better check its status. That said, my first check was using the Lenovo Vantage tool, the UWP app that has taken over for their older System Update .exe-based application. Then, just for grins I also ran the Intel Driver & Support Assistant (ID&SA) as well. I was pleased to observe that this new-ish item is indeed a smarter web-based Intel driver update tool.
Device Manager confirms that the Yoga X380 incorporates UHD 620 graphics.
[Click image for full-sized view.]
What Makes This a Smarter Web-based Intel Driver Update Tool?
Glad you asked! I stick to the Lenovo Vantage tool for updates on my two new laptops. (The other one is an awesome hexacore X1 Extreme.) I wondered if the updater would offer a new version though one hasn’t hit the Lenovo update channel. To my delighted approbation, it did not. Here’s what I see for detail when I click on the graphics chipset in the ID&SA’s web-based interface:
The ID&SA tool recognizes a vendor-supplied custom graphics driver, and advises the user to look for a replacement at the Lenovo website. Perfect!
[Click image for full-sized view.]
Of course, that refusal is just what I’d hoped to see. The last thing you want on a laptop is a new driver that doesn’t work properly. When in doubt, Intel is absolutely correct to refuse delivery, thereby protecting the unwary from themselves. Good job, Intel!
One More Thing …
You can tell by looking at the entry above the UHD 620 in the preceding screencap that I’m currently using RDP to access the X380. That explains the presence of the “Microsoft Remote Display Adapter.” It takes first position under the Graphics heading because it’s the driver in current use. Even though the machine is to the left of me on a rolling file drawer next to my desk, it’s easier to interact with my desktop and the X380 using RDP. That way, I can interact with (and bounce between) desktop and laptop at the same time.
Note Added October 1, 2019
Today, when I checked the Lenovo Vantage application, guess what showed up? Intel HD Graphics Driver version 26.20.100.6951, which is replacing my older 26.20.100.6576 driver right now. In the readme file (nicely available through the Vantage interface under a “read more” link I see the date is 9/26/2019 on the driver item. Only one day later than Intel’s release date, even though it took another week to make it into official update channels. All in all, not bad for an OEM customization follow-through.