Windows 11 does not automatically update drivers for Qualcomm FastConnect 6900 and Qualcomm FastConnect 7800. Updates exists in Windows Update Catalog

Question

Hello everyone.

I have two PCs: an ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2023) laptop and a custom-built desktop PC.

In the laptop, I replaced the poorly performing Mediatek Wi-Fi adapter (MT7922 RZ616) with a Qualcomm NCM865 (FASTCONNECT 7800), and in the desktop, I installed a Qualcomm QCNFA765 (FASTCONNECT 6900).

Both PCs are running the latest version of Windows 11.

Upon initial startup (after installing Windows), Windows 11 couldn't find Wi-Fi drivers. If I’m not mistaken, it only installed a generic Bluetooth driver.

I went to https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/ , searched for FASTCONNECT 7800 and FASTCONNECT 6900, downloaded the latest available drivers (.cab files) for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, extracted .cab files and manually installed them. Everything has been working perfectly since then.

However, the issue is that Windows never updates the drivers for these adapters automatically. From time to time, I check https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/ for updates, and if there are any, I go to Device Manager to check the driver version, and it’s always outdated—the one I installed manually.

My question is: Why doesn't Windows automatically update these drivers, even though they are regularly available in the Windows Update Catalog?

For example, here are detailes of Qualcomm QCNFA765 (FASTCONNECT 6900) as shown in the Device Manager:

Qualcomm FastConnect 6900 Wi-Fi 6E Dual Band Simultaneous (DBS) WiFiCx Network Adapter

PCI\VEN_17CB&DEV_1103&SUBSYS_E0BB105B&REV_01

PCI\VEN_17CB&DEV_1103&SUBSYS_E0BB105B

PCI\VEN_17CB&DEV_1103&CC_028000

PCI\VEN_17CB&DEV_1103&CC_0280

Answer 1

I've worked several years for a big tech company and the way drivers were handled is that company A created a driver and sent it to Microsoft for verification. Said driver was usually available faster on the manufacturer's website then through WU. From there I cannot tell you how it's handled and why it takes a long time for public release, but you have to keep in mind that there are countless other devices with the same network card but different configuration and even so it's impossible to test it for every model hence the slow release to provide a "stable" version.

I think this is really something only insiders know exactly as I haven't found anything relevant on any forum.

Answer 2

I ran sigverif and completed it without any notes, information, remarks, or errors.

How is it possible to download and install unsigned drivers from Microsoft's official Update Catalog? I was under the impression that everything posted on the Microsoft Windows Update Catalog is signed and has undergone some level of testing.

However, I'm not entirely familiar with the process, so I might be mistaken.

Answer 3

Hi Pavlo,

I believe this has to do with the Driver Signature. Just because a newer driver is available it won't be published until Microsoft tests it and are ready to publish it.

Can you run in CMD this command: "sigverif" press start and let me know if it comes back with any driver not being signed.