How to Stop Automatic Driver Updates on Windows
The automatic updates on Windows eliminate the need to update your drivers manually. Furthermore, when you connect a new hardware device, Windows can automatically install the necessary drivers.
Although this approach keeps your devices up to date, you may want to stop automatic driver updates for various reasons. Fortunately, Windows provides several options for disabling automatic driver updates. In this post, we’ll walk you through all of them.
1. How to Stop Automatic Driver Updates via the Control Panel
Control Panel makes it simple to disable automatic driver updates on Windows. Here are the steps you need to follow.
And that’s about it. Windows will no longer install any drivers automatically.
2. How to Stop Automatic Driver Updates With the Group Policy Editor
Another option for disabling automatic driver downloads on Windows is to use the Group Policy Editor. Note that it’s possible to only access the Group Policy Editor if you’re using the Professional, Education, or Enterprise edition of Windows. If you’re on Windows Home, be sure to check outhow to access the Local Group Policy Editor on Windows Homebefore continuing.
Once you complete the above steps, Windows will exclude any driver updates when searching for system updates. To re-enable the driver updates in the future, follow the same steps above and set theDo not include drivers with Windows Updatespolicy toNot configured.
3. How to Stop Automatic Driver Updates via the Registry Editor
The Registry Editor on Windows contains essential files for Windows and its services. If you’re a power user who’s familiar with the Registry Editor, you can also disable automatic driver updates using the following method.
Since editing the registry is risky, you should only use this method if the previous ones don’t work. If you use this method, make sure youback up all the registry filesorcreate a restore pointjust in case.
Once you’ve done that, here’s what you need to do to prevent automatic driver updates:
Restart your PC for the changes to take effect. Following that, Windows will no longer install driver updates on its own.
If you want to re-enable the driver updates at any point, follow the same steps above and change the value data forSearchOrderConfigto1before restarting your PC.
Disabling Automatic Driver Updates on Windows
Certain circumstances necessitate disabling automatic driver updates. Perhaps an older version of the driver works better on your system, or you prefer not to use the original equipment manufacturer’s drivers. In any case, disabling automatic driver updates on Windows is quite easy.
Now that you’ve turned off automatic driver updates, don’t forget to check for critical driver updates manually every once in a while.
Your drivers might be outdated and need updating, but how are you to know? Here’s the ultimate guide for Windows 10 and 11.
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