Not to be outdone by AMD, GPU competitor Nvidia said it has also launched WHQL-certified GeForce drivers for Microsoft's Windows 8.1 Preview build (opens in new tab). These drivers, version 326.01, can be installed only after the Preview update is installed on a Windows 8 Nvidia-based machine. A long list of supported GPUs can be accessed here. (opens in new tab)
"Nvidia has long been committed to working with Microsoft to ensure the best possible Windows experience for GeForce users," the company said. "Our close working relationship with Microsoft allows us to provide WHQL-certified GeForce drivers via Windows Update on Day 1 for key milestones such as this Release Preview."
So far there is no direct link to the driver or notes, and Nvidia's Chris Daniel later said that "the driver is not showing up yet for some users/GPUs. We are working closely with Microsoft to correct this and make the driver available by end of the day." He also added that older GeForce drivers will not work properly with Windows 8.1 Preview.
It is likely that GeForce users may not see a direct link on the Nvidia website, as the company plans to push driver updates for Windows 8.1 and later through Windows Update instead. Links will be posted on the website if Nvidia is unable to resolve the issues relating to distribution through Windows Update.
"It’s a substantial effort that requires hundreds of man years of engineering time and thousands of hours of testing and certification, but it’s essential to ensure optimal performance and stability for the world’s largest gaming and productivity platform," Daniel said.
