How to Prevent Windows 11 From Automatically Updating Drivers (2026 Guide)

Windows 11 automatically downloads and installs driver updates through Windows Update to keep your PC secure and compatible with new hardware. While this usually works well, a new driver can sometimes cause problems such as display flickering, Wi-Fi disconnects, Bluetooth issues, printer errors, or poor system performance. If your PC started acting up after a driver update, you may want to stop Windows from installing that driver again. Fortunately, Windows 11 includes several ways to prevent automatic driver updates. You can disable driver updates through Windows settings, block specific drivers, or use Group Policy or the Registry for more control.

In this guide, we’ll show you the safest ways to prevent Windows 11 from automatically updating drivers. We’ll also explain when you should block driver updates and when it’s better to keep them enabled.

Before You Disable Driver Updates

Blocking automatic driver updates can prevent Windows 11 from reinstalling a problematic driver, but it also means you’ll stop receiving future driver improvements and bug fixes through Windows Update.

If only one driver is causing problems, it’s usually better to block that specific driver instead of disabling all driver updates. This lets Windows continue installing updates for your other hardware while preventing the problematic driver from being installed again.

If you’re unsure which driver caused the issue, open Device Manager and check the driver version or review your recent Windows Update history before making changes.

Method 1: Turn Off Automatic Driver Updates Using Device Installation Settings

The easiest way to stop Windows 11 from automatically downloading device drivers is to change the Device Installation Settings. This tells Windows not to automatically download manufacturer apps and custom icons for your devices. On some systems, it also helps prevent automatic driver updates through Windows Update.

1. Press Windows + S, type View advanced system settings, and open the matching result.
2. On the Hardware tab, click Device Installation Settings.
3. Select No (your device might not work as expected).
4. Click Save Changes and restart your computer.

Note: This setting may not block every driver update delivered through Windows Update, especially on newer versions of Windows 11. If Windows continues installing a specific driver, use one of the methods below to block that driver.

Method 2: Hide a Specific Driver Update

If only one driver is causing problems, you don’t need to disable all driver updates. Instead, you can hide the problematic driver update, so Windows Update won’t install it again.

1. Download Microsoft’s Show or Hide Updates troubleshooter (wushowhide.diagcab).
2. Run the tool and click Next.
3. Select Hide updates.
4. Choose the driver update you want to block.
5. Click Next and wait for the tool to apply the changes.
6. Restart your PC if prompted.

After the update is hidden, Windows Update won’t automatically install that driver again. If the hardware manufacturer later releases a newer, stable version, you can run the tool again and choose Show hidden updates to make it available.

Tip: This method is ideal if a graphics, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, audio, or printer driver is causing problems, as it blocks only the affected driver while allowing Windows Update to continue installing other important updates.

Method 3: Disable Automatic Driver Updates Using Group Policy

If you’re using Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education, you can use the Local Group Policy Editor to stop Windows Update from including driver updates.

1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Manage updates offered from Windows Update.
3. Double-click Do not include drivers with Windows Updates.
4. Select Enabled.
5. Click Apply and OK.
6. Restart your computer.

After your PC restarts, Windows Update will continue downloading security patches and feature updates, but it won’t automatically install driver updates.

Note: The Local Group Policy Editor is not available in Windows 11 Home. If you’re using the Home edition, follow the Registry method below instead.

Method 4: Disable Automatic Driver Updates Using the Registry

If you’re using Windows 11 Home, you can achieve the same result by editing the Windows Registry.

Important: Before making changes, create a System Restore point or back up the Registry.

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DriverSearching
3. Double-click SearchOrderConfig.
4. Change the Value data from 1 to 0.
5. Click OK and restart your PC.

After restarting, Windows 11 will no longer automatically search Windows Update for driver software using this setting.

Tip: To restore the default behavior, return to the same Registry key and change the SearchOrderConfig value back to 1.

What If Windows Keeps Reinstalling the Driver?

If Windows 11 continues installing the same driver after you’ve disabled automatic driver updates, try these additional steps:

• Roll back the driver using Device Manager if the problem started after a recent update.
• Hide the driver update using Microsoft’s Show or Hide Updates tool to prevent it from being installed again.
• Download the latest driver directly from your device manufacturer’s website instead of relying on Windows Update.
• Restart your PC after making changes to ensure the new settings take effect.

If the issue persists, check for BIOS or firmware updates from your computer manufacturer, as some hardware problems are resolved through firmware rather than driver updates.

Frequently Asked Questions