If you are a Windows user, you might know that the operating system automatically installs the drivers for your hardware during the system updates. The entire process is done in the background and without your consent.
While the feature is helpful and saves you time, it’s not meant for everyone. Sometimes, users may want to disable automatic driver installation on Windows for a few reasons. For example, if the latest version of the driver has a bug, you may never want to install it. You may also want to prevent automatic driver installation due to compatibility issues.
Also Read: How to Backup and Restore Drivers in Windows 11 using CMD (Command Prompt)
3 Best Methods to Disable Automatic Driver Installation on Windows 11
So, if you don’t want Windows 11 to scan & install drivers automatically, disabling the feature is a good choice. Windows 11 provides you few ways to disable automatic driver installation, and you can follow any of them. Below, we have shared a few best ways to turn off automatic driver installation on Windows 11. Let’s check out.
1) Disable Automatic Driver Installation via Settings
This method will use Windows 11’s Settings app to disable the automatic driver installation. Follow some of the simple steps we have shared below.
1. First, click on the Windows 11 start button and select Settings.
2. On the Settings app, click on the System tab on the left pane.
3. Next, on the System screen, scroll down to the end and click on the About section.
4. On the Related links, click on the Advanced system settings.
5. On the System Properties window, switch to the Hardware tab.
6. On the Hardware screen, click on the Device Installation Settings.
7. On the Device Installation Settings prompt, select ‘No (your device might not work as expected)’ and click on the Save changes.
That’s it! This will disable automatic driver installation on your Windows 11 PC. If you wish to enable automatic driver installation, select ‘Yes (recommended)’ on Step 7.
2) Disable Automatic Driver Installation on Windows 11 via Local Group Policy
You can even use the Local Group Policy Editor of Windows 11 to disable automatic driver installation. You need to follow some simple steps to disable driver installation from Group Policy.
1. First, click on the Windows 11 search and type in Local Group Policy Editor. Next, open the Local Group Policy Editor from the list.
2. On the Local Group Policy Editor, navigate to the following path:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Manage updates offered from Windows Update
3. Double click on the ‘Do not include drivers with Windows updates’ on the right pane.
4. Do not include drivers with Windows Updates Window, select Enabled and click on the Apply button.
5. If you wish to enable the automatic driver updates, select ‘Not Configured’ in the above step and click on the Apply button.
That’s it! You can enable or disable automatic driver installations on Windows 11 computers.
3) Disable Automatic Driver Installation via Registry Editor
Like the Local Group Policy Editor, you can also use the Registry Editor app to disable automatic driver installation. You need to follow some of the simple steps we have shared below.
1. First, click on the Windows 11 Search and type Registry Editor. Next, open the Registry Editor app from the list of matching results.
2. On the Registry Editor, navigate to the following path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DriverSearching
3. Next, on the right side, double click on the SearchOrderConfig REG_DWORD key.
4. On the Value data field, enter the following:
- 0: To block automatic driver installation
- 1: Allow automatic driver installation.
5. If you want to block automatic driver installation, enter 0 on the Value data field and click on the Ok button. To revert the changes, enter 1 on the Value data field.
That’s it! This is how you can prevent automatic driver installation on Windows 11 via Registry Editor.
Also read: How to Install Audio/Sound Driver in Windows 11
So, these are the few best ways to disable automatic driver installation on Windows 11. If you prefer to install the drivers manually, you should disable the automatic driver installation. If you need more help, let us know in the comments below.
