Windows 10 can automatically detect and install new hardware drivers that you plug into your PC. However, sometimes you may not want the system to automatically configure specific devices. This could be because Windows 10 may try to install an incompatible driver version or a buggy version which will lead to more problems.
Sometimes you may also want to stop automatic driver installations because there is another version (newer or older) known to work better on your PC. Whatever the reason, you can prevent the operating system from trying to use Windows Update to download driver updates.
This guide will teach you the steps to change settings and prevent Windows 10 from updating drivers on your PC.
Prevent Windows 10 from updating your drivers
To prevent Windows 10 from updating drivers, follow these steps:
1. Open Settings.
2. Click System > In regards to.
3. In the section Related Parametersclick the option advanced settings of the system.
4. Click on the tab Material.
5. Click the button Device Installation Settings.
6. Select the option No (your device may not work as expected).
7. Click the button Save Changes.
8. Click the button okay.
After completing the steps, Windows 10 will no longer attempt to automatically install drivers for new devices on your PC. If you are upgrading your graphics card or setting up a new printer, you will need to download and install these drivers from your manufacturer.
Disable Automatic Driver Installation from Group Policy
Alternatively, if you have Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education, you can use the Local Group Policy Editor to prevent the operating system from checking for and installing driver updates.
To disable automatic driver updates from Group Policy, follow these steps:
1. Open To start up.
2. Research gpedit and click on the first result to open thegroup policy editor.
3. Browse the following path: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update
4. Double click on the option Do not include drivers with Windows Updates.
5. Check the option Enabled.
5. Click the button To apply.
6. Click the button okay.
After enabling this policy, Windows Update will stop providing drivers during updates.
Disable automatic driver updates from the registry
While the first method is the safest way to prevent Windows 10 from automatically installing drivers, if you’re up for the challenge of running Windows 10 Home, you can edit the registry to accomplish the same thing.
Warning : Modifying system files can further damage your Windows installation if not done correctly. It is assumed that you know what you are doing and that you have previously created a full backup of your computer. Proceed with caution and use this as your last course of action.
To disable automatic driver installation from the registry, follow these steps:
1. Open To start up.
2. Research regedit and click on the first result to open the Register.
3. Browse the following path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionDriverSearching
4. Double click on the DWORD key SearchOrderConfig and change its value from 1 at O.
5. Click the button okay.
6. Restart your computer.
To define SearchOrderConfig on O will prevent drivers from updating each time Windows 10 checks for new updates.
You can still undo the changes using the same steps, but at step 4change the value of the DWORD key from O at 1. It should be pointed out that it not only works on Windows 10, but also on Windows 8.1 and Windows 7.
If you have any questions or suggestions, let us know in the comments. Also check out this guide if you want to learn how to disable automatic driver installation in Windows 11.
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