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Microsoft don't seem to be very friendly to OpenGL.

That's because Microsoft doesn't have anything to do with OpenGL. They didn't invent it and they don't develop it.

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You pretty well have to go the graphics card/chipset manufacturer to get a reliable driver.

You say that as if they should be responsible for it. That's never been the case and you should get drivers from the manufacturer for every piece of hardware you have, where applicable.