How to disable automatic driver updates on Windows 10

On Windows x, the automated update machinery is a convenient arrangement that provides maintenance and security patches besides as updates for Microsoft products and device drivers.

Although drivers available through Windows Update usually work pretty well, they're not always the most up to date, and sometimes getting driver updates automatically are known to crusade issues on specific hardware configurations.

In previous versions, you're able to exclude drivers using the Windows Update settings, only that choice is no longer available in the Settings app. However, it's yet possible to prevent Windows 10 from downloading driver updates using the Local Grouping Policy Editor and Registry.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to prevent Windows Update from including commuter updates during automatic maintenance.

How to end updates for drivers with Windows Update using Group Policy
How to stop updates for drivers with Windows Update using Registry

How to terminate updates for drivers with Windows Update using Group Policy

If you're running Windows 10 Pro, the easiest style to stop getting driver updates from Windows Update is using the Local Group Policy Editor with these steps:

Utilise theWindows key + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run control.
Typegpedit.msc and clickOK to open the Local Grouping Policy Editor.
Browse the post-obit path:

Computer Configuration > Authoritative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update
On the correct side, double-click the Do not include drivers with Windows Update policy.
Select the Enabled option.
Click Apply.
Click OK.

Afterwards completing the steps, your device will keep to receive security and other patches, only drivers will be excluded.

If you lot demand help downloading and installing device drivers manually, we have you covered with everything you need to know in this guide.

In the case y'all alter your mind, you can coil back the previous settings using the aforementioned instructions, but on pace No. 5, select the Not Configured option.

How to cease updates for drivers with Windows Update using Registry

On Windows x Home, you won't take access to the Local Group Policy Editor, simply y'all can still exclude commuter updates past modifying the Registry with these steps:

Alert: This is a friendly reminder that editing the Registry is risky, and it can cause irreversible damage to your installation if y'all don't exercise it correctly. It's recommended to brand a full fill-in of your PC earlier proceeding.

Use theWindows key + R keyboard shortcut to open theRun command.
Blazonregedit, and clickOK to open the Registry.
Browse the following path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows

Quick Tip: On Windows x, yous can now copy and paste the path in the Registry's accost bar to speedily leap to the key destination.
Right-click the Windows (folder) key, select New, and click on Fundamental.
Proper name the fundamental WindowsUpdate and printing Enter.
Correct-click the newly created central, selectNew, and click onDWORD (32-bit) Value.
Proper name the primal ExcludeWUDriversInQualityUpdate and press Enter.
Double-click the newly created DWORD and set the value from 0 to 1.
Click OK.

Once you've completed the steps, cumulative updates will continue to download, but you won't receive updates for drivers.

At whatsoever time yous tin revert the changes using the same instructions, but on pace No. 4, inside the WindowsUpdate (folder) key, make certain to right-click the ExcludeWUDriversInQualityUpdate DWORD and select the Delete option.

Wrapping things upward

While we're outlining the steps to disable driver updates, we're not saying that you lot should block this type of updates as they're required for hardware to work correctly. Even so, there are special cases when you may need to use custom drivers or drivers provided past your manufacturer, instead of those available through Windows Update, and in these situations, this guide can come in handy.

If yous're having problems with a single driver update, it'southward recommended to temporarily cake that update using the Show or hide updates tool.