It seems like an obvious question, but I’m having a difficult time finding out if Windows 8, with all its changes, will require new, specialized drivers. I see that a lot of manufacturers have started releasing Windows 8-specific drivers for their hardware, but what about those that are not, will Windows XP or 7 drivers work or have they changed the driver/system/security architecture again, thus requiring new drivers?
The closest thing I could find to an answer was a thread in which it was mentioned that the display driver model was again updated, thus requiring new display drivers, but not much else (e.g., audio cards, printers, chipsets, etc.)
Best Answer
Of course the brands will release official driver for more compatibility with new hardware for better performance, but you can use the Windows-7 driver till for the Windows-8.
Most programs that worked in Windows 7 should work in Windows 8, though. Microsoft has a Compatibility Center Web site where you can check for specific applications and hardware devices that have been certified to work in Windows 8. When you launch the upgrade installation, you will also receive a compatibility report.
PCPro has a article how to get old drivers work in Windows-8.