Why has the display control panel pointer truncation bug gone unfixed for so long? - The Old New Thing
2 days ago
- Users were running outdated video drivers because the computer manufacturer stopped certifying driver updates, leaving customers stuck with old versions.
- Computer manufacturers certify video drivers for a limited period (1-2 years), after which they often abandon driver support for that model.
- Windows Update and generic drivers are deprioritized to give precedence to manufacturer-certified drivers, even if outdated.
- The bug in question was a non-security issue, making it unlikely to be fixed even under stricter regulations like the CRA.
- Third-party driver updates may not work due to manufacturer-specific customizations, requiring users to hack .inf files in some cases.
- The problem has diminished over time as old machines are decommissioned, and modern GPU vendors provide universal drivers with customizable settings via option ROMs.