How to prevent drivers from installing automatically on Windows 11
If you don’t want Windows Update detecting and installing drivers automatically, you can disable the feature with these instructions.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
OnWindows 11, the system uses an automatic mechanism to download and install security and maintenance updates, Microsoft products, and drivers for hardware components and peripherals.
Although it’s a convenient way to detect and install virtually any kind of hardware, the updates available through Windows Update are not always the latest, and sometimes they may also include buggy drivers.
If your device is experiencing issues with a driver update or you prefer to install drivers manually, Windows 11 includes at least a couple of ways to disable automatic driver updates through the Settings app and Group Policy.
Thishow-to guidewill teach you the different ways to stop the system from using Windows Update to install device drivers automatically on Windows 11.
How to stop drivers installation from Group Policy
To disable updates for drivers automatically on Windows 11 through the Group Policy Editor, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, Windows Update will no longer try to download updates for device drivers.
If you change your mind, you can always undo the changes using the same instructions, but onstep 5, make sure to choose the"Not configured"option.
Get the Windows Central Newsletter
All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.
How to stop drivers installation from Settings
To prevent Windows 11 from downloading updates for drivers automatically, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the system will stop installing driver updates on your computer.
If an update is required for a component or peripheral, you will have to install it manually. Or you can undo the changes using the same instructions mentioned above, but onstep 7, choose the"Yes"option.
When using this approach, you will only disable the hardware installation with drivers from Windows Update. The system will continue to be able to detect specific generic drivers from the local driver library.
More resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:
Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.
