How to Disable Automatic Driver Updates in Windows 11

Automatic driver updates in Windows 11 can be helpful, but sometimes they cause issues, especially if new drivers malfunction or conflict with your system. To prevent unexpected updates, you can disable the automatic driver installation. Here’s a guide on how to do it.

Method 1: Disabling Driver Updates via System Settings

The simplest way to stop Windows from automatically updating drivers is to change the settings in the system preferences. Here’s how:

  1. Open the Control Panel. You can do this by typing "Control Panel" in the search bar on the taskbar.
  2. Go to System and Security, then select System.
  3. On the left, find and click Advanced system settings.
  4. In the window that opens, go to the Hardware tab, then click on Device Installation Settings.
  5. Select No (your device might not work as expected) and confirm by clicking Save.

Now, Windows will not automatically install drivers for new hardware or update existing drivers.

Method 2: Using the Group Policy Editor

This method is available for Windows 11 Pro and higher versions. With the Group Policy Editor, you can completely disable automatic driver updates. Here’s how:

  1. Press Win + R and type gpedit.msc to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
  2. Go to Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Windows Update.
  3. Find the policy Do not include drivers with Windows Updates and double-click it.
  4. Select Enabled, then click Apply and OK.

This option excludes drivers from Windows Update, while other updates will continue to download as usual.

Method 3: Using the Registry Editor

If you don’t have access to the Group Policy Editor, you can use the Registry Editor. Be cautious, as modifying the registry can affect system performance. To disable driver updates:

  1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate.
  3. Create a new DWORD (32-bit) parameter named ExcludeWUDriversInQualityUpdate.
  4. Set the value of this parameter to 1.

Now, Windows 11 will not update drivers through Windows Update. To re-enable automatic driver updates, delete this parameter or set its value to 0.