Automatic driver updates are a useful feature that ensures that drivers that have been tested by Windows are up to date. This approach is rational, since the user does not need to waste his time searching for an update, and the latest version of the programs, according to the developers, guarantees optimal operation of the computer systems. However, this is not always the case. There are often cases where automatic updates worsened the performance of the PC.

Fortunately, as in previous versions of operating systems, it is possible to disable automatic driver updates in Windows 10, although initially, it seemed like it was impossible to do this... So, if you have not yet decided to roll back from Windows 10 to previous versions, then go ahead!

How to disable driver updates in Windows 10

In this article we will tell you about 2 ways that will allow you to forget about annoying, unexpected “updates”.

Disabling updates through hardware settings

This is the easiest way to disable driver updates. Ideal for beginners. However, it is worth noting that not all Windows 10 systems can use this particular method, as there may be limitations.

First of all, you need to go to the “Equipment” tab, where the setup will take place. This is done as follows:

1. In the window that appears, select the item additional system parameters;

This is where the method ends. Just select the “No, provide choice” option and the function will stop working:

Don't forget to set additional parameters as indicated in the screenshot. Otherwise, the operating system will continue to install some drivers automatically without the user's permission.

The method is universal, since it can be used not only on Windows 10. The algorithm is the same for versions 7, 8.1 with some differences in design. Save the settings and restart the computer.

Disabling via the registry

Disabling driver updates through the registry is somewhat more difficult, since you will have to launch the editor, search and change the value, but when the operating system does not have a policy editor, only this method will help.

Save all accepted changes and restart the PC.

Conclusion

Above are the two most effective methods that will allow you to relatively safely disable such a function. When using the second method, the main task is not to make a mistake with the choice of section, since the editor contains a huge number of branches. If you accidentally change the value, you can disrupt the operation of the OS.

With the advent of Windows 10, updates have become a mandatory process, which Microsoft no longer allows to interfere with. Although in all our instructions we advise users not to disable operating system updates, sometimes it makes sense to prevent it from installing Part updates. We are talking about installing and updating drivers, which by default are downloaded along with Windows updates.

Why do this? Disabling automatic driver installation in Windows gives the user complete control over the operation of his hardware. This is especially true for those whose work process is highly dependent on the stability of the computer. If a buggy driver comes out that automatically installs and breaks something, the user has to spend time and resources rolling back the drivers. With manual installation, the PC owner has the opportunity to decide for himself. If information appears about a bug in the driver or unstable operation, the computer simply remains on the previous driver and waits for the new one to come out. Additionally, manual installation helps avoid driver incompatibilities in Windows Update. There are cases when installing a driver from Windows Update led to bugs in the computer's operation, which were then cured by removing the driver and installing another version from the manufacturer's official website.

Disable automatic driver updates

Please note that disabling automatic driver downloads may require you to manually install drivers for connected devices.

Through the Group Policy Editor

For reference: This method is only relevant for devices running Windows 10 Professional. Windows 10 Home users need to use the third method.

If this method does not work, return the modified parameter to the state Not specified and then enable the option Don't include drivers in Windows updates, which is located at Computer Configuration - Administrative Templates - Windows Components - Windows Update.

Via Registry Editor

This method is for Windows 10 Home users. Use it if the first method did not work. It also works on Windows 10 Professional.

One of the options in Windows 10 Update is to search for and automatically download drivers for computer components. In most situations, it is quite useful: the system itself installs the necessary software, and you don’t even have to think about it. However, sometimes Windows Update selects incorrect drivers for your device, which leads to numerous problems. Unfortunately, there is no obvious solution to this problem, such as a cancel installation button. In this article, we will tell you how to block the automatic downloading of a specific driver or even limit the search for drivers through Windows Update.

Disabling driver updates using a Microsoft utility

Some time ago Microsoft released a special utility - Show or hide updates- which allows you to block the installation of a driver update. The program checks for new software versions and displays a list of them. The user can check the box next to updates that he does not want to install, and Windows Update will ignore them.

The downside of the utility is the inability to block the update of any drivers at all. Only their specific versions that were available at the time the program was used are ignored. If a new version of software appears in the Microsoft Update Catalog, it will be automatically installed unless you have time to disable it too.

You can view blocked updates and remove restrictions at any time:

How to disable driver updates for a specific device

This method allows you to block the installation of any drivers for a specific component of your computer. It is noteworthy that the limitation will apply to both the system and the user: you will not be able to update the driver even manually. The advantage of this method compared to the previous one is that it blocks the installation of any driver versions, and not just a specific one. The downside is that if you want to prevent many drivers from being updated, it will take quite a lot of time, since you will have to collect and specify data for each device.

How to find hardware data

First you need to collect information about the computer component codes.

Now you need to block driver installation for all ID data.

How to prevent driver installation using the Local Group Policy Editor

This method is available in Windows 10 Pro and higher editions. Users of Windows 10 Home and Home SL will have to use the method described a little below.

To cancel changes, just change the parameter value from Included on Not specified.

How to prevent driver installation using Registry Editor

Windows 10 Home and Home SL users can use the Registry Editor.

To get everything back, simply delete the created keys and folders.

How to prevent automatic installation of drivers in Control Panel

A fairly old way to disable the search and loading of any drivers is to check the appropriate box in the system properties, in the Control Panel. Unfortunately, there are reports that this does not always work, but it’s still worth a try (especially since the method is approved by Microsoft).

Previously, in the same window there was a parameter Never install drivers from Windows Update, but it was removed in current versions of Windows 10. However, the corresponding option exists as a local group policy or a registry key. We'll show you how to use it.

How to disable driver installation using the Local Group Policy Editor

This option is only available for Windows 10 Pro and above.

To cancel changes, switch the setting to Not specified.

How to disable driver installation using Registry Editor

This option is for Windows 10 Home and Home SL.

To get everything back, delete the created key or change its value to 1 .

How to disable Update Center's search for driver updates

This method disables the search for any driver updates. Note that this option is only available starting with Windows 10 Anniversary Update (build 14393 and above).

How to prevent searching for driver updates using the Local Group Policy Editor

This method only works in editions of Windows 10 Pro and higher.

To return the default settings, set the parameter to Not specified.

How to prevent searching for driver updates using Registry Editor

This method is suitable for owners of Windows 10 Home and Home SL editions.

To undo the changes you have made, delete the created key or change its value to 0 .

Now you know how to disable driver updates in Windows 10.

By automatic updating of Windows 10, users can mean one of two things: regular in the “top ten” itself and a free update of their Windows 7 or 8 to the latest version. This article discusses disabling the update center in the Windows 10 operating system.

Automatic download of updates

Microsoft regularly releases new patches for their operating systems. These may include updated drivers, fixes of critical errors, new features, removal of dangerous vulnerabilities, and so on.

By default, after installing the OS, the automatic download of these patches is enabled. The computer downloads all the necessary files from the developer’s servers in the background, and installs them before shutting down. This leads to several unpleasant disadvantages of this service:

For these reasons, many users want stop auto update your OS.

Setting up Windows 10 Update (Pro version only)

A special service is responsible for automatically downloading new patches - Update Center. If you want to change any configurations (for example, enable or disable auto-install), you need to open the menu Center:

Now all updates (except for critical security updates) will not be installed automatically. You can decide for yourself when they should turn on.

Initially, the Center settings worked only for owners Windows 10 Pro, but in one of the latest patches it was added for Home versions. If you have installed Home, and changes to the Update Center settings are not available, you must wait until the appropriate patch is installed on your computer.

Windows Store app updates

Another limitation for version owners Home - inability to disable auto-update of programs installed from the Windows 10 Store. Initially, this feature was available exclusively on Pro, but update KB3081448 corrected this situation.

To disable you need to run Shop 10s and click on your account icon to the left of the search bar. In the menu that opens, select “ Options" Set the switch opposite the item " Update apps automatically" to position " Turn off».

If this function is not available on your computer, it means you have Windows 10 Home and haven't downloaded the latest patches yet. Install all available updates to be able to stop auto-updating applications from the Store.

Trick for Wi-Fi Connections

If you work for laptop(or your computer has Wi-Fi module), you can indirectly prohibit the installation of any patches on your Windows 10 operating system. This method works great on Pro, and on Home publications The only limitation is you must be connected to the internet via Wi-Fi.

Follow the instructions:

The essence of this trick is that the operating system will assume that your Internet is currently not unlimited and will not download any updates. In this way you can stop installation absolutely all updates.

Disabling driver autoloading

If you don't want to trust your operating system downloading the latest drivers For your devices, this feature can also be disabled. To do this, do the following:

Now drivers downloaded along with updates for Windows 10 will not install themselves.

Video on the topic

Windows 10 is an operating system that has one distinctive feature from other operating systems. This is an update of the system and drivers by default without notifying the user. As a result, as practice has shown, many problems arise due to updating current and working drivers to newer and inappropriate versions. To prevent driver updates in Windows 10, you must use the following recommendations.

Block driver updates via Control Panel

To prevent automatic driver updates, you need to click “Start” and select “Control Panel”. Next, select the display type “Small icons” and click “System”. Click on the “Change settings” link.

A new window will open. Go to the “Devices and Printers” tab. Select your PC, right-click on the image and select “Device installation options.”

In this section there will be only one request “Automatically download manufacturer applications and custom icons...”. Change the checkbox to “No”. Click “Save”.

Reboot the computer.

Editing Registry Editor to Disable Driver Updates

You can disable driver updates using the Registry Editor. To do this, press “Win ​​+ R” and enter “regedit” in the “Run” line.

A new window will open. We go along the branch “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE”, “Software”, “Microsoft”, “Windows”, “CurrentVersion” and “DriverSearching”. If the last folder is not there, you need to right-click on “CurrentVersion” and select “Create” and “Partition”. Give the section an identical name.

Afterwards, save the changes and restart the PC.

Disabling driver updates through the Local Group Policy Editor

The Windows 10 Local Group Policy Editor has a driver update feature. To disable it, you need to follow these steps. Press “Win+R” and enter “gpedit.msc”.

Go to the “Computer Configuration” section, then “Administrative Templates”, “System” and “Driver Installation”. Double-click to open the option “Disable prompting to use Windows Update...”.

A new window will open. Check the “Enabled” box and click “OK” or “Apply”.

Reboot the PC.

Using any of the above methods, you can disable automatic driver updates and avoid many problems in the future.