Intel has released a new version of its DCH graphics driver for Windows 10, bringing the version number up to 26.20.100.6709. The biggest highlight of the new release is initial support for the Windows 10 May 2019 Update, which is scheduled to be released to the general public next month.
This means the driver is now compliant with the Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) 2.6, and it supports the DirectX 12 Shader Model 6.4 compiler on seventh-generation Intel Core processors or newer, or those with Intel HD Graphics 610 or higher.
The driver also comes with the new Intel Graphics Command Center, the completely redesigned management app that Intel introduced a few weeks ago. This is still in early access, but it has seemingly replaced the old Graphics Control Panel nonetheless. The new app follows some of the design guidelines of Windows 10, and it aims to generally simplify the experience for those trying to change visual settings on their computer.
Aside from that, there's not a ton that's new in this update, though it should bring some power savings improvements to integrated displays. In addition to the WDDM compliance and improved DirectX 12 support, developers can look forward to PSO cache for Compute Shaders support and improved performance for Direct3D 12 MetaCommands in DirectML.
The driver does come with a few bug fixes, specifically for gaming:
- Intermittent crashes or hangs may occur in Devil May Cry 5* (DX11).
- Minor graphics anomalies may be observed in Re-Legion*, Arma 3* (6th generation processors only) and Dreamfall the Longest Journey.
- Rise of the Tomb Raider might display an error message when running DX12.
There are, however, some known issues in this release as well:
- Minor graphics anomalies may be observed in Apex Legends* (low quality settings with TSAA disabled on 6th generation Processors only), Devil May Cry 5* (DX12), Generation Zero*, and Tom Clancy's The Division 2* (DX12).
- Intermittent crashes or hangs may be seen in Anno 1800* (DX12) and World War Z* (Vulkan).
- Corruptions may be seen in video recorded by Cyberlink* screen recorder.
As mentioned above, this driver introduces compatibility for the Windows 10 May 2019 Update, and supports Windows 10 versions as far back as 1709, or the Fall Creators Update. In terms of hardware, you'll need to be running sixth-generation Intel Core processors or newer. It also supports the Intel Xeon E3-1500M v5 family, and Celeron and Pentium processors with Intel HD Graphics 500, 505, 600, 605, and UHD Graphics 600 and 605.
If you're interested, you can download the driver from Intel's website, where it is available in both .exe and .zip formats, removing the restriction imposed by earlier versions of DCH drivers. You can find the full release notes here.
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