Today’s guide will assist you with three ways to prevent Windows from automatically updating specific drivers.
We have used a Windows 11 laptop for this tutorial. You can follow the instructions for Windows 10 as well.
Why Should We Prevent Windows From Automatically Updating Specific Drivers?
If you are connected to the internet, Windows 11 and Windows 10 can automatically download, install and update all device drivers.
Windows update updates or installs malfunctioned drivers that do not work correctly. For example, You notice that sound drivers are updated or installed, but volume is low, or the mic or headphone jack does not work.
Veteran Windows users recommend manually installing device drivers rather than depending on the Windows update.
The official website of your device’s brand is a free, perfect, and safe place to download device drivers for a PC or laptop.
You can follow step-by-step tutorials on How to manually download, install and update device drivers?
Use Metered Connection Prevent Windows From Automatically Updating Specific Drivers
The metered connection is the simplest option not to let Windows download auto device drivers. Metered connection option is specifically provided with the intention to help the users of limited data plan internet.
Setting your connection as metered does not allow Windows Updates to download device drivers with this internet connection. When drivers cannot be downloaded, Windows will not be able to install them.
If you already have essential device drivers on your hard drive, DVD, USB, memory card, etc. Metered connection option helps you save a lot of data after fresh, clean install Windows.
Watch Video Tutorial
How Do I Turn On Metered Connection?
To enable metered connection, Press Windows and I keys together to open up the Settings utility.
Navigate to Network And Internet
Go to the WiFi option.
Left-click on the Manage Known Networks option.
Click on the WiFi connection you want to set as metered.
Turn on the Metered Connection option.
WiFi connection is now metered, and Windows will not download updates until you disable it.
There are two downsides to using the metered connection option. This option also does not let Windows download updates that is not recommended.
Secondly, It does not work for a single or specific device driver. It disables auto driver updates for all devices.
We suggest using this option only to prevent Windows from automatically installing and updating device drivers. After manually installing or updating device drivers, turn the metered connection off.
The next solution may be complicated for you. However, it is quite an effective and targeted solution.
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Microsoft Show or Hide Updates Troubleshooter
The Show or Hide Updates Troubleshooter by Microsoft is a portable utility that is quite useful.
Windows updates are incredibly crucial, but they could also be troublesome.
This tiny utility saves time and protects you against future troubles caused by Windows Updates.
Rather than disabling Windows Updates altogether, This utility helps you forbid Windows to install a problematic or any other specific Windows update or device driver update until the next Windows Update.
If a Windows update has been installed that you don’t like, Show or Hide Updates Troubleshooter can rollback or uninstall any problematic device driver or Windows Update.
Download Microsoft Show or Hide Updates Troubleshooter
Download Microsoft Show or Hide Updates Troubleshooter from here.
How To Use Microsoft Show or Hide Updates Troubleshooter
You don’t need to install it conventionally. This is a portable utility. Double click on the downloaded file to launch.
Click Next and allow it a few seconds.
Click on Hide Updates.
You can now select the device you want to prevent Windows from automatically installing or updating a driver. You can also select a Windows update. Click Next and wait for a while.
It has disabled auto driver updates for your desired device. This ban will not last forever. Whenever a newer Windows or driver update is released, Windows Update downloads and installs them automatically.
Device Installation Settings
Windows has another built-in option. You can use Device Installation Settings to prevent Windows from updating drivers. Go to the Start Menu and search for Change Device Installation Settings by typing its name.
Open Change Device Installation Settings from search results.
Switch from Yes to No and click Save Settings to save the changes.
Group Policy Editor Or Registry Editor
You can also use Group Policy Editor and Registry Editor to prevent Windows from automatically updating specific drivers.
We don’t recommend making use of Group Policy Editor and Registry Editor.
The majority of Windows users find it complicated and challenging to make changes to Group Policy Editor or Registry Editor. Making a mistake could also render your device unusable. If something goes wrong, you may no longer be able to use your device.
You may try making changes to Group Policy Editor or Registry Editor to prevent Windows from automatically updating specific drivers. There are many tutorials on the internet.
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Final Words
We hope you find this guide informative and helpful. Let’s hope one of the solutions we’ve suggested works for you.
Please feel free to reach out to us in case of any queries. Team Soft Suggester will try its best to explain If we could not cover any crucial point.
You may use the comment section for questions, suggestions, and feedback.
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