Skip to main content

Microsoft pushes Windows Hello with latest Surface driver updates

Dell XPS 13 (2015)
Bill Roberson/Digital Trends
Microsoft has been committed to releasing regular updates for all of its contemporary hardware platforms since the debut of Windows 10 and it’s continued to do that throughout 2016. The latest release to grace the Surface Pro and Surface Book line is an update for the camera drivers, boosting performance and stability.

Since this is May’s big “Patch Tuesday,” we expect a lot of updates to be rolled out for Windows 10 and Microsoft’s various platforms throughout the next few hours, but the first batch to be released was all focused around the cameras on the Surface Pro 4 and Surface Book.

The list of updated drivers include:

  • Intel Corporation driver update for Intel(R) AVStream Camera 2500.
  • Intel Corporation driver update for Intel(R) Control Logic.
  • Intel Corporation driver update for Intel(R) CSI2 Host Controller.
  • Intel driver update for Intel(R) Imaging Signal Processor 2500.
  • Intel Corporation driver update for Microsoft Camera Front.
  • Intel Corporation driver update for Microsoft Camera Rear.
  • Intel Corporation driver update for Microsoft IR Camera Front.

These updates aren’t about to turn your two-in-one’s camera into a DSLR, but they should improve Windows Hello functionality, making its detection better.

All of these updated drivers will be available through Windows update and should be downloadable now, though they may see a staggered release depending on where you are, so don’t fret if they don’t all show up at once.

While camera drivers might not be too exciting for tablet-combo owners, perhaps the lack of firmware updates this time around is a good thing. It wasn’t that long ago that they were causing major issues for owners of Microsoft’s latest two-in-ones.

These are unlikely to be the only updates, though. With more general Windows 10 updates expected throughout the day.

Editors' Recommendations

Jon Martindale
Jon Martindale is the Evergreen Coordinator for Computing, overseeing a team of writers addressing all the latest how to…
Microsoft and iFixit team up on official repair kits for Surface devices
A screen shot of one of the tools Microsoft and iFixit are releasing.

Microsoft continues to make strides as the Right to Repair movement gains traction, partnering with iFixit to release Pro repair kits to technicians for its Surface devices. It’s a big win for Right to Repair.

The repair kit is available as part of the iFixit Pro program and is not available to average consumers -- at least right now. However, the kit features some handy tools that will help technicians add to the life cycle of Microsoft devices for their customers.

Read more
Microsoft takes on Chromebooks with $249 Surface Laptop SE and Windows 11 SE
surface laptop se windows 11 take on chromebooks  1

Microsoft has announced a new version of Windows 11 and an ultra-cheap Surface device, both of which are aimed at taking back the classroom from the domain of Chromebooks.

Windows 11 SE is a slimmed-down version of Windows that makes it simpler and easier to use, and it's paired with the $249 Surface Laptop SE. Microsoft thinks that these two in combination will create an optimized learning platform for children.

Read more
Surface Pro 8 vs. Surface Laptop Studio: Microsoft flagship battle
microsoft surface laptop studio review 600

If you're shopping for a new Surface, the chances are you'll find both the Surface Pro 8 and the Surface Laptop Studio on shelves alongside devices like the Surface Go 3. These two Windows 11 flagship devices might share the Microsoft Surface name, but in reality, they're quite different.

The Surface Pro 8 is meant to be more of a tablet and desktop hybrid, while the Laptop Studio is more of a full-on desktop replacement. We actually reviewed both devices, which is why we put together this guide comparing price, portability, design, and so much more to help you with your buying choices.
Pricing and availability

Read more